The Diablo 4 beta is a satisfying return to the series. The game feels good to play, with attacks pleasantly weighty and classes that encourage varied loadouts. But the open beta isn't without its problems. Here are my first impressions after sinking a weekend into it:..
- The Open World
After a decade since Diablo 3 loomed large over consoles, fans have waited for another visit to Sanctuary. Blizzard’s open beta is only running for two weekends and only covers the prologue and Act 1 but it has been a satisfying return to the franchise.
Despite a few long queue times the servers seemed to handle the load quite well for the first weekend. Whether they will hold up this week for the second weekend’s open beta remains to be seen. The game is set on an interconnected open world map and features a range of different biomes. It also introduces mounts for the first time in the series, which helps traverse the terrain faster. Players can choose from five classes - barbarian, druid, sorceress, rogue and necromancer.
- The Story
This weekend Blizzard opened its doors wide for one final buy diablo iv gold beta session ahead of its launch on June 6. The aptly named 'Server Slam' event offered players a chance to sink more time into Hell than they probably should, though that time will likely be wasted without any real progression or reward.
The gameplay has a much darker feel to it than previous games in the series, with the story framing itself around Lilith and Inarius as they battle each other, with humanity as their battleground. It's a dark, edgy take on the classic good-versus-evil narrative, but there's also a maturity and intimacy to the whole thing that elevates its tone beyond that of other ARPGs.
- The PvP
Diablo 4 will feature PvP that takes place in fields called Fields of Hatred, where you'll be matched up with other players online. Blizzard wants to make sure its system works as intended, so it will be testing a variety of things, including matchmaking, class balance, and how items work in a PvP environment. It will also test out a new way to play the game, allowing you to enter a special mode where you can take on a harder version of a world boss like Duriel or the Drowned Witch with an arranged group. It will also stress test cross-play and cross-progression between PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S to reduce login errors.
If you want a closer look at how the combat in Diablo 4 is going to work, check out this developer gameplay video. It gives you a look at the systems in action, including the spicy visual effects of various classes mowing down demons.
- The Crafting
The beta introduces a revamped crafting system. Players will now be able to visit the Blacksmith who can craft new items and upgrade existing ones. In addition to crafting, a new Alchemist will allow players to create potions and elixirs that provide various buffs. Herbs dropped by plants and monsters such as Gallowvine, Blightshade, Biteberry, Reddamine and Angelbreath can be used to create these items.
The beta also includes a new way to customize the look of your character. You can now choose the gender, ethnicity, face and body features of your character. The game will feature five classes: Barbarian, Necromancer, Demon Hunter, Sorcerer and Rogue. Blizzard is encouraging people to play this weekend for the Diablo 4 Server Slam event so that they can stress test their servers ahead of launch on June 6. All progress made during this beta will carry over into the full game.
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