Diablo 4: All info on gameplay, classes & release

It's been almost ten years since the release of Diablo 4. So Blizzard: How does it look slowly but surely with Diablo 4? The third part still provides enough fun with the regular seasons. Nevertheless, it's time to release a new game from the series.

At BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard finally presented Diablo 4, which has been long awaited by fans of the series. In addition to an impressive cinematic trailer, there was even a gameplay trailer to see, which shows the first gameplay scenes (but without UI elements) and the first three classes.

We summarize all important information about the action role-playing game.

Release: When is Diablo 4 coming out?

Despite a whole lot of new information about Diablo 4 at BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard still hasn 't revealed an exact release date. However, various places on the net are circulating that the game could be released in 2022. However, these are still only speculations.

In contrast to Part 3, Diablo 4 will be released directly for PC and consoles, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Blizzard has not yet said whether the game will also be released for the Nintendo Switch. It is quite possible that the Switch port, similar to Diablo 3: Eternal Collection, will have to wait a bit longer.

There is also no official information about next-gen versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S yet. However, we strongly assume that Diablo 4 will also be released for the new console generation.

Gameplay: How does Diablo 4 play & what end-game content will there be?

As in the predecessors, you'll be on the move in Diablo 4 in the classic iso-perspective and slaughter your way through hordes of monsters, level up and collect new equipment.

Confirmed so far are talent trees, where you can improve your talents in several levels. The rune words from Diablo 2 will also return in a slightly modified form. The dungeons will also remain the same - they will once again be randomly generated.

Blizzard is putting a lot of focus on the end-game content. Part of it are the world bosses, which you can complete together with several players. Once you have reached the maximum level, you can find keys in the game world. With these, you transform existing dungeons into max-level dungeons, which are supposed to offer a particularly difficult challenge.

The maximum level is currently at level 40, but this is not final yet and will most likely change before release.

Classes: What classes does Diablo 4 offer?

Since BlizzCon 2019, developer Blizzard has already announced four playable classes :

  • Barbarian: Deals out with swords, clubs, axes, and kicks.
  • Sorceress: Uses fire, ice, or shock magic.
  • Druid: Also uses magic and can transform into a bear or werewolf.
  • Huntress: Is suitable for melee and ranged combat and uses deadly poisons and shadow magic to defeat enemies.

Open-world and MMO elements: What changes to the game world design?

Yes, Diablo 4 will for the first time feature a continuous open-world where you can meet other players and opponents online. Even PVP battles will be possible in the open game world. Among other things, these three areas will be available to you for this purpose:

  • The Death Fields: Collect and purify a crystallized form of hate. But keep an eye on your surroundings: Numerous enemies want to prevent this.
  • Glowing Hellscapes: Beware of the falling ash of an active volcano, which will significantly complicate your fight against enemies.
  • Everlasting danger: Here you'll get to feel firsthand how dangerous geysers can be if you get too close to them.

In addition, five regions of the huge open world are already known:

  • Kehjistan: A blazing hot desert.
  • Scosglen: A forest area where you'll encounter druids.
  • The Shattered Peaks: In the rugged ice mountains, monks find refuge.
  • The Withered Steppes: Barren and parched salt plains await you here.
  • Hawezar: In the swampy areas you will have to deal with witches.

In order to make fast progress in the large open world, there will also be mounts for the first time. In addition to normal horses, you will also be able to ride undead horses. Further mounts have not been shown yet.

Finally, you can move through the open world on mounts.

Graphical upgrade: Diablo 4 relies on game engine with PBR

Graphically, Diablo 4 moves away from the very colorful Diablo 3 again, everything becomes a bit darker, dirtier and more realistic. Also, the spell effects and artstyle are much more reminiscent of the threatening atmosphere of the first two Diablo parts.

Diablo 4 uses a game engine with Physically Based Rendering, or PBR for short. This is supposed to "realistically illuminate and color-code surfaces," according to Blizzard's official blog.

You can check out some gameplay footage of the Slayer in the video below, which gives you an idea of how much more detailed and realistic everything looks:

Monetization: will there be microtransactions in Diablo 4?

Lead Game Designer Joe Shelly confirmed to streamer Quin69 that there will be an in-game store in Diablo 4 where you can buy cosmetic items.

There will also be post-release expansions, as there were with Reaper of Souls for Diablo 3.

Our guides to Diablo 3 on GameZ:

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