10 Things to Know Before Playing Diablo 4
Diablo 4 is finally available, and with it Sanctuary – open like never before. The game has been aimed at both veterans and newcomers. The following guide contains ten short tips to get you started on this adventure.
After years of waiting, Diablo 4 is ready – and the new installment is definitely bringing a lot of novelties. For the first time in history, a it features an open world that can be freely explored.
Diablo 4 also offers much more engaging battles, but still tries to be faithful to its heritage, especially Diablo 2. Below, you will find ten tips to help you hit the ground running in the Sanctuary, where you can't trust neither demons nor angels. Humanity seems to be left to its own devices.
DIABLO 4 GAME GUIDE
Our main guide for Diablo 4 is already growing – keep an eye on it, as it already contains answers to many burning questions. The guide is available here:
1. The lowest level of difficulty is good for everyone.
Diablo 4 offers many different difficulty levels. At the very beginning, two options are available and, contrary to appearances, playing the game in adventure mode may be a good choice. Newcomers will be able to get acquainted more easily with the mechanics and generally with what the game offers. More experienced players, on the other hand, will unlock the third difficulty level – nightmare – faster, as it's only requirement is completing the story campaign. At that difficulty, you can obtain some really powerful items.
Of course, nothing is stopping you from playing on veteran right from the get-go. The battles will definitely be more challenging, allowing you to test your battle prowess. However, it's important to remember that in the race for the best gear, you'll face a bit of a disadvantage.
2. Play whoever you want The meta has not fully formed yet.
In Diablo 4, at least for now, there are five diverse characters available. Each features a completely different gameplay and allows a unique approach to battles with bosses and ordinary monsters. The beginning of the game is the best place for experimenting and searching for interesting solutions. That's why worrying about finishing at all costs might not be the best approach.
Especially since Diablo 4 will offer seasons. With each update, the balance of power among classes can be completely changed, which is why it's worth getting to know the game and character mechanics using the character that suits you best. With the next updates, the time will come to test more professions, which may not normally be in the area of our main interest, but whose power could be exceptionally high.
Diablo 4, 2023, Blizzard Entertainment
3. Reset talents and experiment
Each character in Diablo 4 has a unique talent tree. This allows for the creation of diverse builds focused on different aspects of the classes: the druid can draw their main strength from transforming into a werewolf, while the barbarian can traditionally be whirlwind-oriented or focused on bleeding effects. Of course, in order to see the initial effects of a given build, you first need to reach a higher level of experience – this lets you use more skills.
Fortunately, the ability respec is always within reach, which makes experimenting with the characters easier. At any moment, you can reset your talents, and it only costs you gold. Each subsequent respec costs more, but it's still not much compared to the amount of gold you usually get while traversing Sanctuary. That's why there;s nothing wrong with frequently looking for something new and effective.
4. Tasks unlocking new mechanics are priority
As you reach new levels on the city or world map, unique markers (green star with a cross inside) will appear. This symbol denotes the possibility of unlocking a new game mechanics. This may be legendary aspects obtained from objects, unlocking a mount, or a unique specialization for our character.
Especially the specializations should be prioritized. This involves special mechanics of each class, which increase their power. For example, a barbarian can activate a bonus for various types of weapons. Without it, the two-handed sword would not be able to inflict significantly more bleeding damage. For some characters, unlocking new mechanics is associated with a long journey, but even then it's worth the extra distance, even if it means straying from the main plot.
Diablo 4, 2023, Blizzard Entertainment
5. It's to pick up all loot, but only at the beginning
At the very beginning of the game, there aren't too many items and each one counts. This also applies to upgrading equipment at the blacksmith. So, at the beginning of the adventure, it's worth collecting even the ordinary white items to disassemble them. Unlimited use of the city portal allows you to easily unload your backpack, so having lots of extra stuff is not a problem.
Of course, this method is viable up to a certain point. In later stages of the game, upgrades will require materials that are obtained from much more powerful weapons. At that point, picking up everything from the ground no longer makes sense and so you can start letting go of the less valuable stuff.
6. Always carry spare whispering keys
Sooner or later, during your journey through the Sanctuary, you will come across the silent chests, which are locked with a padlock and surrounded by a chain. They can only be opened with the use of whispering keys. It's always worth an extra set of them with you. There's a chance to get some good stuff out of those chests, which will help in future adventures.
Whispering keys are bought from a vendor marked on the city map with a bag and a question mark. Every city has such a Purveyor of Curiosities. However, the currency is not gold, but Murmuring Obols. These are obtained by participating in the world events. So when you spot a raided caravan or an obelisk that needs blood, don't hesitate to jump right into action!
7. Store legendary aspects Even if they double
The mechanics of upgrading items to legendary status and transferring their unique powers aren't as convenient as in Diablo 3 or Diablo Immortal. There's no "library" for storing legendary aspects, and their use does not have an infinite number of charges. In Diablo 4, every aspect has only a single use, so it's at least worth holding onto the more important ones.
Especially since a legendary aspect taken from 7-level item doesn't reduce its value in any way. It will still be useful even when you reach level 90 level of experience. However, it is important to remember about the mentioned one-time use (this applies only to aspects taken from legends; those gained in the dungeons can be used an infinite amount of times, though they require more materials). So, even if you already have that legendary aspect, and you have the chance to get it again, don't hesitate! You never know what might come in handy.
Diablo 4, 2023, Blizzard Entertainment
8. Completing dungeons while leveling up may be tempting, but it's better to ignore it
New aspects with an infinite number of uses, can be acquired in the dungeons. Each challenge of this type has a clearly assigned aspect, but it may not correspond to the character that's currently being played. Nevertheless, even if you come across a place where you could receive an aspect, it's still better to ignore this activity. It's not just about the amount of time needed to complete the dungeons.
These aspects are always available for use, but unfortunately, they're also weaker in comparison to those that can be extracted from legendary items. In relation to the first point on the list, going underground to get aspects seems to be the least profitable activity. Especially since during endgame activities after finishing the story, those Sanctuary areas will be visited anyway.
9. Don't forget consumables
As you progress in the game, certain potions are added to your inventory. You can find them in the "Consumables" tab in your backpack, and you can only use these potions once. They work in a straightforward way: for a specified time, they increase damage or resistance to elements. This makes them particularly useful during battles with bosses, as their attacks are often based on elemental damage.
Several of these potions can be assigned to quick selection menu, so they'll always be at hand. It's worth remembering about them, especially when a battle is particularly difficult. In these situations, a single potion can tip the scales of victory in your favor. Especially when you feel it is close.
10. Join a clan!
Diablo 4 is another game in the series that allows creating and joining clans. In the case of online gameplay, this is one of the more useful features. New players will more easily find friends in this way, which will help them enter the world of Sanctuary and get familiar with the genre. Veterans, in turn, will be able to organize a team for intense gameplay, optimized for farming the best equipment as efficiently as possible.
Clans are the best way to find people with a similar approach to the game, which only makes playing Diablo 4 more enjoyable. As a result, you can maximize the benefits of the online aspect, which Blizzard strongly emphasizes in this installment.
Blizzard is definitely planning long-term support for Diablo 4. Now, however, we're at the very beginning of the game's life, and the above tips may be helpful for keeping a few, easy-to-miss aspects of the game in mind. Joining a clan and experimenting with the character may seem obvious. However, using single-use potions and regularly replenishing the supplies of whispering keys might go unnoticed by someone. Have fun in the Sanctuary and good luck chasing Lilith!
