When Does Diablo 4 Get Good?
A huge improvement from D3, Diablo IV rewards players with a great story and decent gameplay loop. While it can get a little grindy at times (but we know if you’re interested in these types of games sometimes that’s what we want), most players would tell a new player to give Diablo IV at least 10-20 hours to get in a good flow.
What Fans Say
Fans of Diablo IV praise its return to the darker, gothic aesthetic reminiscent of Diablo II, a stark contrast to the more colorful art style of Diablo III. The game’s world feels immersive, with a detailed open-world design that encourages exploration. Many players appreciate the depth of the character customization system, the refined loot mechanics, and the dynamic skill trees that allow for diverse builds. The combat is widely regarded as fluid and impactful, with responsive controls and satisfying abilities. Fans also commend the multiplayer aspects, including co-op gameplay and world events, which create a more engaging social experience.
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What Haters Say
Critics of Diablo IV argue that its always-online requirement can be frustrating, particularly for those who prefer solo play. Some players feel that the monetization aspects, such as potential microtransactions or battle passes, detract from the overall experience. Others criticize the game’s endgame content, claiming it becomes repetitive or lacks enough variety to maintain long-term engagement. Balancing issues have also been a common point of contention, with some classes or builds feeling underwhelming compared to others. Additionally, server issues at launch have led to connectivity problems, frustrating players eager to dive into the game.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics have generally given Diablo IV strong reviews, praising its atmospheric world, engaging combat, and deep progression systems. However, some reviews mention concerns regarding the game’s reliance on live-service elements and monetization strategies. The storytelling, while improved from previous installments, has received mixed reactions, with some praising the darker narrative and others finding it predictable.
| Platform | Metacritic Score | User Score |
|---|---|---|
| PC | 88 | 7.9 |
| PS5 | 89 | 8.0 |
| Xbox X/S | 87 | 7.8 |
Overview of the Game
Diablo IV is an action RPG developed by Blizzard Entertainment, set in the dark fantasy world of Sanctuary. It builds upon the franchise’s core hack-and-slash gameplay while introducing new features such as a fully open world, PvP zones, and world events. Players can choose from various classes, including Barbarian, Sorcerer, Rogue, Druid, and Necromancer, each offering distinct playstyles and customization options.
The game’s story follows the return of Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto, who seeks to reshape Sanctuary according to her vision. As players progress through the main campaign, they encounter deep lore, sinister cults, and formidable enemies. The combat system emphasizes skill-based gameplay, allowing players to dodge attacks, chain abilities, and utilize environmental advantages.
One of Diablo IV’s standout features is its shared-world experience, where players can come across others while exploring, participating in massive world bosses, or engaging in PvP battles in designated areas. Endgame activities include Nightmare Dungeons, Helltides, and the Paragon system, ensuring long-term replayability. While Diablo IV retains the core dungeon-crawling essence of its predecessors, its expanded world and refined mechanics make it a significant evolution in the series.
Similar Games
- Path of Exile – A deep and complex action RPG with extensive skill customization and endgame content.
- Lost Ark – A blend of MMO elements with action RPG gameplay, featuring massive world events and dungeons.
- Grim Dawn – A darker, gothic-themed ARPG with an intricate dual-class system and engaging combat.
- Torchlight II – A lighter, more casual take on the ARPG genre, offering fun mechanics and co-op gameplay.
- Victor Vran – A hack-and-slash RPG with unique weapon-based abilities and cooperative multiplayer.
If You Like These, You’ll Like Diablo IV
- Diablo II: Resurrected – If you enjoy Diablo IV’s darker tone and strategic gameplay, Diablo II remains a classic in the franchise.
- Dark Souls III – While not an ARPG, Dark Souls III offers a similarly dark fantasy setting and skill-based combat.
- Warhammer: Chaosbane – A hack-and-slash RPG with a strong focus on co-op play and combat variety.
- The Division 2 – Though a looter-shooter rather than an ARPG, its focus on loot progression and cooperative gameplay aligns with Diablo IV’s design.