Diablo 4 news updates have been fairly scarce as of late, but that doesn't mean we don't already have a decent idea as to what the game is going to be at launch. So far, we've seen gameplay, as well as a look at the classes available in-game. Things look to be shaping up nicely, with Diablo 4 looking like a worthy sequel, and one that updates the series for modern times.
Release date
The latest update we have on Diablo 4‘s release date was the recent showing at the Microsoft and Bethesda showcase where we simply got a 2023 release window, which falls in line with what we already knew based on previous statements about delays.
Blizzard’s official statement on Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2‘s delays stated, “These are two of the most eagerly anticipated titles in the industry, and our teams have made great strides towards completion in recent quarters, but we believe giving the teams some extra time to complete production and continue growing their creative resources to support the titles after launch will ensure that these releases delight and engage their communities for many years into the future.”
Diablo 4: Trailers
The latest glimpse at Diablo 4 came during the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase in 2022. Not only did we get release date news, Blizzard also revealed Diablo 4's final class, the Necromancer.
Diablo 4 microtransactions
A recent blog post from Activision Blizzard confirms that Diablo 4 will have microtransactions, explaining that the cosmetics will be “grounded within Diablo’s world”. Players can mix and match these cosmetic items with their “transmogs from armours acquired in-game for endless customisation options”. Some of these cosmetics are exclusive to specific classes, and others will appear in Season Passes, celebrating the theme of that given Season with similar looks across all classes.
Activision Blizzard also confirms that the “best-looking items” aren’t exclusive to the shop and that no items available via microtransactions have any bearing on gameplay. Regular expansions are also coming throughout the game’s lifespan. Oh, and in case you were worried, there is currently no confirmation that the auction house will return in Diablo 4.
Diablo 4 Beta Test: Sign Up Process
Dungeon raiders have been itching for some kind of Diablo 4 beta. And to their surprise, some fans even spotted a Diablo IV beta on the Battle.Net launcher back in July. However, Rod Fergusson, GM of the Diablo franchise, has confirmed that the beta was only an internal test. As such, there is currently no Alpha or Beta testing going on for Diablo 4.
However, as the game’s release date draws closer, there is a chance a public beta might come out. If you want to be one of the first few to test the game, head to Diablo’s website and opt-in for the latest news and beta release updates.
Diablo 4 classes
Blizzard revealed three classes for Diablo 4 at BlizzCon 2019: Barbarian, Sorceress, and Druid, and 15 months later the returning Rogue class was revealed at BlizzConline. The fifth class was just revealed to be the Necromancer. Whether via trailers or dev updates, Blizzard has given a lot of information about Diablo 4's various classes, so let's dive right in.
The Barbarian class is exactly what it sounds like - a storm of swinging weapons both blunt and sharp; tactless, brute, and unforgivingly effective. His special abilities include one that projects a wave of energy to damage surrounding enemies, as well as one that buffs attacks and covers the barbarian in flaming runes.
The Sorceress takes a more tactical approach to combat, choosing to attack foes from afar using projectiles including fireballs, ice arrows, and a honing bolt of lightning. And as we learned in a dev update, the Sorceress class has a unique Enchantment system that lets you "enchant" skills, thereby making them additional, passive moves. For example, you can use Meteor as a normal, active skill, or you can slot it as an Enchantment, which would call firey space debris down from the sky and onto your enemies periodically.
A return to the series from Diablo 2, the Druid class is back with a new design and magic skills. In place of fire magic, storm and earth magic power the Druid's attacks. Shape-shifting magic transforms the Druid between human, werewolf, and werebear, which will likely be central to most Druid builds.
Diablo fans of a certain age will remember the Rogue class from Diablo 1, but it sounds like Diablo 4's Rogue is a whole new beast. The Rogue in Diablo 4 is a versatile class that serves as a sort-of hybrid of the original Rogue's long-range skillset and the cloak-and-dagger melee of Assassins from Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction. You can check out the Diablo 4 Rogue trailer here.
And that's everything currently known about Diablo 4. While we wait for news on the Diablo 4 release date, there’s still time to dive back into previous games in the series. Diablo 2 Resurrected is now available, and you can check out our Diablo 2 Resurrected beginner’s guide to help you get started or buy D2R Runes from us, just click https://www.igv.com/Diablo-2-Resurrected-Ladder-Items
