Diablo 4 does a lot of things new or better than previous installments of the series like Diablo 3. If you missed the reveal, we show you the biggest changes from Diablo IV compared to Diablo III.
What was revealed? On November 1, Blizzard will finally unveil Diablo 4 at BlizzCon 2019. For weeks, more and more leaks about the game surfaced, and finally, Blizzard dropped the bomb.
In summary, D4 aims to be much darker and return to its roots. Blizzard has already introduced a few classes, the large open world, and gameplay. We will show you here what is changing.
1. Skill trees and runewords are back
What is that? In the new installment of the Diablo series, you will again have more options to shape your characters according to your wishes. During the presentation at BlizzCon, players learned that the skill trees will allow them to enhance or change individual attacks.
Runewords were special items in Diablo 2, but were missed in Diablo 3. You could add runewords to your equipment to activate additional modifiers. How exactly they will work in Diablo 4 and what effects they will have is still unclear.
Why is it there? With so many customization options, Blizzard apparently wants to encourage more diversity among players’ playstyles. Even the last patches in Diablo 3 tried to bring the balance between different builds closer together so that many playstyles can be successful.
2. Mounts! You ride through the world
What is that? Mounts are riding animals on which you can ride in the game and move through the world. No more constant walking; now you can be transported.
Previously, this was known in Diablo 3 from the crusader, who could gallop over the map and through groups of enemies on his horse.
So far, only horses have been mentioned. It’s likely that other animals will be added in the future. In the stream, Blizzard already showed what riding looks like in Diablo 4. Even the dismounting looks cool, but see for yourself:
3. Open world – Play how you want
What is that? In Diablo 4, Blizzard does not force you into specific regions when playing the story. You decide yourself in the story which area to start with and which to follow next.
There are five different areas that have seamless transitions between them. You choose how you want to experience the story where. This decision is mainly based on the fact that players had stated during Diablo 3 that they wanted more freedom of choice in the story.
4. Everything gets darker
What is changing? The colorful effects and worlds from Diablo 3 are all toned down a bit. The overall picture of Diablo 4 appears rather grim and dark. This step fits well with the gruesome story and gameplay of the game.
In Diablo 3, there were always criticisms that it looked too bright and friendly, given that you are fighting such eerie enemies.
You can see how it all looks in the game in the gameplay trailer for Diablo 4.
5. PvP and social areas
What is that? PvP means battles between players, player versus player. This feature has been announced for Diablo 4. You will be able to engage in direct duels with other players at various locations on the map. You don’t need to visit an arena.
However, there will also be zones on the world map where you are safe from PvP. However, PvP is supposed to be optional, so not everyone has to participate.
In social meeting points, you should encounter other players, trade items with them, or compare builds. There will also be strong bosses who apparently require multiple groups of players to defeat.
6. Druid as a new class
What is the Druid? In Diablo 3, you had to do without this class. But the Druid is one of the three classes that Blizzard has now introduced for Diablo IV.
This class is a shapeshifter and can effortlessly transform into a bear or werewolf during combat. Pretty cool. Blizzard states that it happens quickly.
When executing an attack in spell form, the Druid transforms even during the attack animation and then executes the strike as a bear or werewolf.
As you walk through the world with the Druid and slay monsters, animal companions are at your side. As a spellcaster, Druids summon powerful storms, while as a bear or werewolf, they are strong in melee combat.
Other classes in Diablo 4 include Sorcerers and Barbarians. We will introduce you to the three classes in D4 in detail here.
If you can barely wait for the release of Diablo 4, there is still some bad news. Blizzard states that this will happen “not soon.”
