Introduction:
Diablo is an iconic action-RPG video game franchise developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Since its first appearance in 1996, it has redefined the genre’s standards and left an indelible mark on video game history.
Diablo’s epic story tells the tale of the Eternal Conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. Seeking refuge from the bloodshed, rebel angels and demons created Sanctuary. It is here where the Nephalems, their children, were born, humanity’s forebears who were endowed with immense and almost limitless powers.
Throughout the series, the player takes on the role of a hero or heroine called upon to face these demonic powers in Sanctuary’s darkest times. The stakes are always the same: protect Sanctuary and repel the forces of darkness so humanity will again know peace.
The evolution of the Diablo franchise has seen it grow from an offline, story-driven action-RPG in the first game to Diablo 4, a live-service game with regular updates and seasons that include new items, dungeons, seasons, story content, and battle passes.
The franchise has also experimented with other formats, such as the successful mobile game Diablo Immortal, which explores the period between Diablo II and Diablo III.
Over the years, Diablo has become more than a game. It’s the standard for the genre. With its rich lore, addictive gameplay, and endless replayability, the series has captured and maintained players’ interest worldwide for decades.
The journey of Diablo began on December 31, 1996, with the original game’s release. With its dark graphics and oppressive atmosphere, Diablo captured the imagination of players worldwide as they explored Tristam and its demon-infested cathedral, where they would eventually face the Lord of Terror himself, laying the foundation for a genre that would explode in popularity.
On June 28, 2000, Diablo II expanded this universe by introducing new areas and various character classes. With its diversified skill system and five epic acts crossing multiple regions, from the icy tundra to the desert city, the game was acclaimed for its depth and replay value.
Released on June 27, 2001, this expansion added the Assassin and Druid classes and a fifth act focused on the confrontation with Baal.
Diablo III was released on May 15, 2012, marking a visual turning point for the series with its improved graphics and more dynamic gameplay. It introduced the rune system, offering various modifications for each skill, and expanded the story, allowing players to travel to the High Heavens and witness its battle against the Burning Hells.
Reaper of Souls launched on March 25, 2014, and sees the introduction of the Crusader, a new character class, and Act V, where players face the fallen Archangel Malthael, the former head of the Angiris Council and now the Angel of Death.
Released on September 23, 2021, Diablo II: Resurrected is a remastered version of Diablo II and its expansion Lord of Destruction. In addition to being available on PC, Diablo II: Resurrected has been adapted for modern consoles, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch.
June 6, 2023, marks a significant turning point for the Diablo franchise with the highly anticipated release of Diablo IV.
Following Diablo III, this installment is cross-platform on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, allowing players from different systems to play together.
The Diablo IV story begins 50 years after Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, with Lilith, the Daughter of Hatred, summoned to Sanctuary by Cultists. From there, she plans to summon the Lesser Evils and use humanity to destroy the Prime Evils and rule Hell. Trying to stop her is Inarius, a fallen Archangel and Lilith’s former lover. It is their union that created Sanctuary, and it is that union that would ultimately destroy them.
Released on June 2, 2022, co-developed by Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase, the story takes place between the events of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction and Diablo III.
Fragments of the Worldstone, scattered over the world of Sanctuary, rot the land and resurrect ancient demons. The player must face iconic enemies of the franchise, such as Leroic, the Skeleton King, if they are to prevent Skarn, the Herald of Diablo, from resurrecting his master and reigniting the Eternal Conflict.
Diablo Immortal, while enjoying significant commercial success, faces several criticisms. Its monetization model is widely perceived as aggressive, offering the possibility to spend substantial amounts on improving one’s character or even surpassing game advancements by using money.
This has led to accusations of “pay-to-win,” generating adverse reactions.
The game’s launch was rocky due to its incomplete nature, as content was lacking and several game systems were still under development.
This situation has spawned criticism from players who expected a more polished product from Blizzard.
Diablo Immortal also deviates from the essence of the Diablo series, being developed for mobile devices and thus losing part of the dark and violent atmosphere that characterizes the main series as it targets a broader and more casual audience.
This shift has left some fans disappointed in the change in ambiance.
Despite these criticisms, Diablo Immortal has achieved undeniable commercial success, recording over 10 million downloads in the first week and generating over 50 million dollars in microtransactions.
However, the game and the entire saga, from its announcement to its release, has left a sour taste in the Diablo community.
To obtain platinum in Diablo 4, you must be prepared to spend real money. Although two methods exist to acquire this premium currency, both require a monetary investment.
One way to obtain it is through the Battle Pass, which offers reward levels that grant players about 100 platinum coins. However, purchasing the standard pass requires a payment of $10.
Even by opting for the Battle Pass, the amount of platinum you can accumulate is limited to 1,000 units, which sounds like a lot until you consider the high prices in the Diablo 4 shop, where many of the cheapest items can cost up to 1,500 platinum.
Some armor sets can reach up to 2,800 platinum, highlighting the importance of virtual premium currency in the game.
The Diablo IV battle pass is directly linked to the seasons, meaning buying a premium battle pass should only be done when it’s a season you particularly like and will actively participate in.
Each season comes with a separate battle bass, which must be completed within its 3-month time period. Rewards not unlocked will be lost if the pass isn’t finished.
Fortunately, if you participate in the season, the battle pass is linked to all your seasonal characters so that you can progress with multiple characters.
There is a free battle pass in Diablo IV that includes 27 levels, providing in-game valuable rewards, such as Smoldering Ashes.
These special ashes allow players to unlock Seasonal Blessings, granting various benefits like experience, gold, obols, and other useful rewards to help you in your seasonal journey.
Several blessings can be active simultaneously, but they expire at the end of the season. The free section also contains other valuable rewards, like items, experience, and currencies.
The premium battle pass contains 63 levels, totaling 90, combined with the free one. To unlock the premium pass, you must pay a cost of 1,000 Platinum (equivalent to 9.99 euros).
Fortunately, there are no pay-to-win elements, as the premium pass only includes cosmetics and Platinum. The premium battle pass rewards allow the purchase of other seasonal cosmetic decorations in the store or funding the next battle bass, depending on the remaining balance.
An accelerated premium version exists, allowing you to skip 20 levels immediately and unlock an exclusive cosmetic. It costs 2,800 platinum coins (24.99 euros) and aims to help players complete the battle pass more quickly.
Bonuses related to the battle pass from Diablo 4’s Deluxe or Ultimate Edition only apply to Season 1.
Subsequent seasons require a new purchase or the use of Platinum earned through progression. The premium battle pass includes two cosmetic armor sets and a mount appearance.
Following the highly anticipated release of Diablo IV on June 6, 2023, it’s only natural that the fan community is already eager to learn about Blizzard Entertainment’s next installment in the franchise.
However, as of today, there has yet to be an official announcement regarding the production or even the planning of a Diablo V.
After launching a major installment like Diablo IV, it’s common for developers to focus on community feedback, deliver updates and fixes, and enhance the current game experience before embarking on a sequel.
The Diablo franchise is known for its richness and depth, and Blizzard usually takes the necessary time to ensure each title meets the high expectations of its fans.
Therefore, we all need patience, as it could be a while before hearing about a potential Diablo V.
Mike Ybarra, the president of Blizzard, responds to the praise for Diablo 4 given by Ryan McCaffrey, the executive editor-in-chief of IGN, saying that the sequel is close.Thanks @DMC_Ryan – we’re glad you liked it. And going forward, you won’t have to wait so long between titles. We have a lot more coming to Diablo 4 and beyond!
— Mike Ybarra (@Qwik) August 14, 2023
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