The main reason so much testing is done on a game before its launch is to ensure everything goes smoothly the day a lot of fans get their hands on it. This is especially true for big-budget titles like Diablo 4, which aren’t meant to be quick romps that will take a dozen or so hours for you to complete. As a dungeon crawler, Diablo 4 should last for hundreds of hours. Four months in, Diablo 4 has gone from the fastest-selling Blizzard game at launch to one of the most divisive titles on the market. Naturally, this reception extended to the game’s latest Campfire Chat, which revealed the full Season 2 patch notes ahead of its release on October 17.
The recent announcements regarding Season of Blood brought a multitude of changes, and, for many, it’s a glimmer of hope. But, all isn’t well in the land of Sanctuary yet.
With feedback channels brimming with mixed reactions, the question lingers: Does the update signal the dawn of a new and brighter era for Diablo 4, or is it just a glint of hope in an otherwise turbulent journey?
First, let’s appreciate the enormity of this update. It’s a comprehensive rework, with the patch notes alone clocking in at an impressive 14,000 words, testament to the meticulous attention Blizzard has afforded to address wide-ranging issues. From significant class reworks – the Sorcerer, Barbarian, and Necromancer receiving substantial upgrades – to changes in elemental resistances, and revamping the Uniques, there’s hardly an aspect of the game left untouched.
A focal point in this new update is balancing. The previous modus operandi, which encouraged stacking Vulnerable and Critical Strike damage, has been re-envisioned. Blizzard’s ambition isn’t merely to scale down a player’s strength but for the purpose of giving other builds a chance to shine. As the Diablo IV lead class designer Adam Jackson candidly puts it, the aim is to “make everything have more parity,” thereby encouraging experimental builds. The spirit of these modifications is to amplify player power, offering a richer and more immersive gaming experience.
On the other hand, there’s the issue of Diablo 4’s loot system. For many, the adrenaline rush of playing Diablo comes from the “holy grail” moments when an exceptional item is discovered. However, in Diablo 4, the plethora of affixes and a somewhat tepid crafting system dilute these moments. Add that to the game’s glaring lack of a loot filter, and it’s easy to see why many believe there’s still work to be done.
Not to mention, the update’s extensive nature, while praiseworthy, has drawn further scrutiny. As early testers point out, many of the upcoming changes, especially the ones that revolve around its damage buckets and elemental resistances, are issues they flagged already. Many wonder why it took so long for Diablo 4 to incorporate these sooner. But a larger, more existential challenge the game is facing, beyond the mechanics of the game itself, is its place in the gaming ecosystem.
In a year where developers have spoiled gamers rotten with Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Starfield, Diablo 4’s appeal has waned.
With Season of Blood coming out in one of the most stacked months in gaming history, you can’t help but wonder if enough people will actually bother playing Diablo 4 come October 17.
It’s not all criticism. There’s a sense of renewed optimism. The modifications to unique items, intended to infuse a sense of impact and allure, have been particularly well-received. Class changes and the addition of new items such as Druid’s Amulet Dolmen Stone or the Necromancer’s Blood Moon Breeches have heightened expectations for this season.
The road ahead for Diablo 4 remains fraught with challenges. Addressing core issues, particularly those surrounding the endgame loot, is imperative. While Season of Blood reflects Blizzard’s commitment to refining Diablo 4, the journey to perfecting the game is a marathon, not a sprint.
Thankfully, as Blizzard hires more developers to help out with Diablo 4, it will have more hands available to weather this storm.
Speaking of Diablo 4, Activision Blizzard recently clarified that it isn’t coming to the Game Pass. This announcement was released after rumors emerged that Microsoft intends to close the deal to buy Blizzard’s parent company on October 13. But, conflicting reports are suggesting that Blizzard might not have any say in it. Regardless of what happens, it’s clear that Diablo 4 will be available to play on Steam on October 17.
