All New Gameplay Features In Diablo 4

Diablo 4 is coming, and it's one of 2023's most anticipated arrivals. To get players up to speed, here's a complete all-new gameplay features hub in the game that all players need to know, from the PvP zones to the World Bosses! Without further ado, let's get started.

Open World

Diablo 4 does have a fully open world map for players to explore across the campaign and end-game, making for a first in the franchise. On release, the world map will contain five distinct and massive regions you can travel to in any order without waiting for a loading screen.

Expanded Skill System

Diablo 4 takes a new approach to learning abilities, featuring a complex web of abilities that allow players to choose their progression path, creating an experience that feels much more personalized to each individual's playstyle. It brings together the best aspects of Diablo 2 and 3's skills systems. Namely, Diablo 4 allows you to spend skill points to improve your abilities in three distinct ways: skill ranking, enhancement, and upgrade.

Mounts

Don't worry about exploring the vast map on foot. Diablo 4 mounts are the best way of getting from A to B in Sanctuary and are perfect. Mounts are ridable creatures that not only increase your movement speed but can also improve your defensive stats, and besides waypoints, they're the fastest mode of transportation in the ARPG.

PvP Zones

Separated into distinct zones called Fields of Hatred, Diablo 4 PvP will let daring adventurers loose into the Wild West of Sanctuary, where not only can players free and openly kill each other, but they can also take your loot. Fields of Hatred aren't just PvP-exclusive arenas; they're huge areas to explore with their own PvE activities to complete and an exclusive currency to earn called Shards of Hatred. And here's where the risk vs. reward element comes in.

World Bosses

The Diablo 4 world boss feature works as you would expect. You can encounter some world bosses in very set locations throughout the game's various zones. Players will want to take part in the world bosses so they can effectively get loot and Diablo 4 gold during the events. There are chances to be great and powerful gear for your class. The other big reward for players is the Scattered Prism, which is an item that players can get from the world bosses. These items relate to player progression, as they can add extra bonuses to get via creating new sockets. Taking part in such events will always give players bountiful rewards, so try to contribute however you can whenever you run into one!

Weapon Attack Speeds

Weapon Speed is an item stat determining how quickly a weapon is used between swings/fired shots. This addition affects not only normal attack speed but also the casting time of skills! Wands and staves also have this stat, so you should still keep your weapon attack speed in mind even when using a caster class, as it will affect how strong or quick your spells will be. For example, a mace will take more time to swing than a sword but will naturally hit harder.

Seasonal Battle Pass

Seasonal Battle Passes will also be added in Diablo 4 to help players build their character. Rewards, including in-game currencies and materials, will be given at every Battle Pass tier, which can be increased by completing game activities. The Battle Pass will have a free and paid version, with the paid one offering exclusive cosmetics.

Local Co-Op Interface

Local co-op will be supported, and you will be able to play locally with a friend on consoles. Diablo 4's local co-op UI is also said to be optimized so that both players can have their own menus open without interfering with each other.

Cross-Play Enabled

Diablo 4 will support cross-play on all available platforms, as first confirmed during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022. Meet with your friends and cleanse the Sanctuary together regardless of the platforms you use!