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diablo iv pre season

a visceral and superb arpg experience

jul 17, 2023

wings of the creator

introduction

The Diablo IV launch experience was truly exhilarating. I had an absolute blast throughout, and am glad I decided to give this game a chance. Every second I spent in Sanctuary was filled with thrills, keeping me glued to the screen. One of the most memorable gaming experiences I've had so far.

What I relished most: the visceral combat, the aesthetically stunning visuals, the intense crisp battles. The gameplay is spectacular — no doubt the best in its class. It feels like an exquisite fusion of Lost Ark, Diablo 2, and Diablo 3.

Hardcore mode offered the only real challenge, where I met death six times while pushing toward level 100 in the global race. Working toward Nightmare 100 and Uber Lilith had their own difficulty, but since I completed those on Softcore — with retries and, in Nightmare Dungeons, infinite revive — they felt less difficult and more time-consuming.

The community response was very positive. Hardcore or softcore, with friends or randoms from the community discord, every content type I pursued was accomplished successfully.

The initial sprint to level 100 was tough and physically demanding. My elbow ached from averaging eight hours a day for 47 consecutive days. I took a camping trip to recuperate. Despite the strain, I don't regret it.

The encounter with the Butcher was a memorable moment, capturing the essence of Diablo 1. Reaching level 100 was an absolute triumph, as was defeating Lilith in the campaign. The campaign and story were mesmerizing; the unique items were utter disappointments.

In the upcoming Season of the Malignant, I aim to reach level 100 swiftly in softcore. My six hardcore characters during the pre-season topped out at level 61. This time, top ranks in softcore. I'm also keen to see how the overworld evolves — the malignant hearts mechanic could make or break the season.

Would I recommend this? Without a doubt. Veteran or newcomer, single or multiplayer, this game has something exceptional for everyone.

game world

Diablo IV is extremely gory.

piles of bodies in the game world
more bodies

statistics

— from june 1 2023 through july 17 2023, the day before pre-season-1 patch.

playtime at ding 100
playtime when hitting level 100 on barbarian

softcore

barbarian

korze

ding 100 barbarian
the moment i hit level 100

rogue

timothette

timothette rogue

necromancer

rockinator

rockinator necromancer

sorcerer

azrai

azrai sorcerer

druid

chuggs

chuggs druid

hardcore

barbarian

korze

korze hardcore barbarian

korze (dead)

korze dead

rogue

timothy

timothy rogue

kura (dead)

kura dead

kura was my first level 50 (06 june 2023).

tim (dead)

tim dead

tim was the character i defeated (normal) lilith and the campaign with. he died in the tier 3 capstone unlock dungeon.

notkorze (dead)

notkorze dead

notkorze (dead)

notkorze dead

korze (dead)

korze dead

necromancer

rockinator

rockinator hardcore

sorcerer

azrai

azrai hardcore

druid

chugg

chugg hardcore druid