Diablo 4 can quickly become a matter of math when it comes to determining an optimal armor value. In Season 4, this is supposed to be easier, because you only need to remember one number.
Armor and damage resistance are the most important defensive values in Diablo 4. Determining ideal armor values to achieve the maximum damage reduction can be a significant challenge. Basically, players never quite know when they are “done” with their armor, says Lead Class Designer Adam Z. Jackson in the last livestream (via YouTube).
What is so complicated about it? Armor has been a confusing value in Diablo 4, and its mechanics are hard to understand. Armor reduces incoming physical damage up to a cap of 85%. The confusing part is that the armor value you need to reach this 85% cap depends on the level of the monsters you are fighting.
Currently, you need the following armor values:
- Monsters at level 50 – 5,265 armor for 85%
- Monsters at level 100 – 9,230 armor for 85%
- Monsters at level 150 – 12,960 armor for 85%
According to Adam Z. Jackson, it’s unclear for players which armor value they actually need, as the number can theoretically scale up infinitely in this “hidden” system. This is especially difficult to follow in endgame activities with very strong monsters, such as the “Pit”.
In Season 4, this should be easier to understand. You will only work towards one armor value while leveling up to reach the cap of physical resistance and will be “done with the journey.”
Season 4 starts on May 14 and brings numerous changes to Diablo 4:
With 9,230 armor you are “done”
What will be easier? In Season 4, there will still be a cap of 85% regarding the resistance to physical damage. The higher the level of the monster you fight, the higher your armor value still has to be. However, the armor value will then have a “cap” when fighting monsters of level 100. Once you have 9,230 armor, the journey is over.
This is roughly important from level 80 onwards, unless you are playing Hardcore – where defense is even more important than usual. If you notice that you are dying too quickly, check your armor. If it’s below 9,230, raise it. If it’s already close, enhance your resistances.
According to Adam Z. Jackson, the value in Season 4 is “easy to reach,” especially once you hit level 100. Players will then have more room for optimizing their gear and can focus on other stats.
Will other values be adjusted? With Season 4, there will be additional “caps” for two values in Diablo 4:
- Cap for cooldown reduction – 75%.
- Limitation of area size for skills – 100%
While it is cool to see huge “Frost Novas” covering the screen, if they become too large, it can get quite chaotic. The cooldown reduction cap pertains to gear. It will still be possible to get cooldown resets or additional cooldown reduction from other sources such as the skill tree.
But not only the values will undergo an overhaul with Season 4 in Diablo 4. Basically, the new season is turning the entire ARPG upside down – it will be almost a completely new game. The loot system and existing features are being revised, and new endgame content will be introduced.
The majority of the changes apply to the entire game. MeinMMO editor Benedict Grothaus has already spoken with Lead Seasons Designer Deric Nuñez and Lead Game Producer Timothy Ismay: Diablo 4 promises content for everyone in Season 4 – Developers explain to us how the game fundamentally changes
