Blizzard has finally shared information about the first beta of the upcoming Diablo 4. Players are expected to be invited by November to test the endgame content of the action RPG. Veterans who have thoroughly played the previous installments have the best chance of receiving an invitation.
When does the beta start? There is still no concrete date for the start. However, in a blog post, Blizzard mentions that invitations for the closed beta are to be sent out by November 18. So expect it to be around mid-November.
You only have until October 11 to register for the test. If you do not receive an invitation, you can participate in the open beta in early 2023.
How do I participate? Make sure you are registered for the beta in Diablo if you want to participate in the tests in general. For the closed beta, Blizzard states you should also complete the following steps:
- Visit the Battle.net website or the launcher
- Click on your username and visit your “Account Settings” or have your “Account displayed”
- Navigate to “Privacy” and go to the subsection “Information Settings,” and edit them via the edit icon on the right
- Check the box for “News and Offers from Battle.net”
- You have until October 11 to do this
The beta will be playable on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One with crossplay and cross-progression.
Blizzard wants to select players who have significant experience with endgame content in Diablo 2: Resurrected, Diablo 3, and Diablo Immortal. The closed beta will exclusively offer content beyond the leveling phase.
The reveal trailer already hinted at the release window during the Xbox showcase:
Diablo 4: Closed Beta Focused on Endgame
What is included in the beta? Blizzard wants to test the endgame of Diablo 4 with the closed beta, meaning what keeps players engaged after the campaign. The developers specifically mention 5 playable contents:
Hell Tide
Some regions will be overrun by enemies at World Tier 3: Nightmare. Enemies will grow stronger during this zone-wide event and drop better loot. Additionally, you’ll receive Glimmer here, a new currency to open special chests in the area. If you die, you lose your Glimmer.
Nightmare Dungeons
Once you receive your first “Nightmare Seal,” you can enter Nightmare Dungeons. Each seal corresponds to a specific dungeon and adds modifiers that make it harder and improve loot quality. During runs, you gain additional seals to make the dungeons even harder.
Whispers of the Dead
Whispers will appear on your map. These are tasks you should complete, for which you receive Gruesome Gifts. You can exchange 10 of these gifts at the Whispering Tree for loot and experience points. The system reportedly reminds players of bounties from Diablo 3 and currently causes concern among fans.
Fields of Hatred
Certain zones will be cursed and turned into open PvP zones. In cursed areas, you can kill demons for Seeds of Hatred. If you bring these to an altar, you can create Red Dust from them. This can be used to purchase cosmetics. However, if another player kills you, they can take your gathered seeds.
Paragon Boards
Starting at level 50, you can test the detailed Paragon system. This system serves as character development after reaching the max level and is significantly more extensive in Diablo 4 than in its predecessors. You can find more information in our article on Paragon and items in Diablo 4.
Which classes can I play in the beta? According to current information, there will be no restrictions. So you can likely try each of the starting classes of the game. In our special, we present to you all 5 classes of Diablo 4 with gameplay.
We have also linked gameplay of 3 of the classes for you here:
Can I talk about the beta? No, the entire closed beta test will take place under an NDA, meaning under a non-disclosure agreement. You are not allowed to share your experiences or stream content.
If you do not comply with the rules, you will typically be excluded from the test and all future tests. Additionally, depending on the NDA, further penalties may apply. However, some players are not deterred and are still sharing gameplay right now:
Leaker Misuses Alpha Access, Shows 43 Minutes of Gameplay from Diablo 4 and the Shop
