With Diablo 4 set to launch this June, our anticipation for the upcoming action-RPG is starting to spiral out of control. A successful open beta has only heightened our hype, with all signs pointing to Diablo 4 being every bit the sequel we've spent close to a decade dreaming of one day playing
Thankfully, there's going to be another opportunity to try the game in the coming weeks, as Blizzard has announced one final open beta weekend to stress test the servers – more information on that is below. We've also got all the latest Diablo 4 news and gameplay details, should you want more info on this masterful mix of monster slaying and open world exploration.
Diablo 4 news and release date
Diablo 4 release date is June 6, 2023
The Diablo 4 release date is June 6, 2023. The news was announced as part of The Game Awards 2022, where Blizzard announced the date alongside the reveal of a new cinematic trailer. The confirmation of a June release for Diablo 4 comes after years of speculation and anticipation, following its reveal all the way back at BlizzCon 2019.
Diablo 4 unlock time and early access
Blizzard has already confirmed the Diablo 4 launch times, and confirmed that if you purchase a Deluxe or Ultimate Edition of the game you'll be able to get early access into Sanctuary.
The Diablo 4 unlock time and early access period for pre-orders is: Thursday, June 1 at 4pm PDT / June 2 at 12am BST / June 2 at 8am KST.
The Diablo 4 launch time if you haven't pre-ordered the game will be: June 5 at 4pm PST / June 6 at 12am BST / June 6 at 8am KST.
Diablo 4 platforms confirmed
Diablo 4 will release simultaneously for PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One. Given that crossplay multiplayer has been a goal for Blizzard since the outset of development, it's promising to know that the upcoming action-RPG will be available across all platforms from June 6, 2023.
Diablo 4 isn't coming to Game Pass
Blizzard says that there are "no plans" for a Diablo 4 Game Pass release. With the Xbox Activision Blizzard deal still ongoing, it's unlikely that this will change anytime soon. Should the acquisition close this summer, there's a good chance that Diablo 4 would quickly become a part of the full Xbox Game Pass list.
Diablo 4 collector's edition is now available
The Diablo 4 Collector's Edition pre-order went live in December 2022 and, despite its steep $96.66 price point, does not include a copy of the game (opens in new tab) – the things we'll do for a candle, mousepad, Sanctuary map, art book, and more. Blizzard has also opened Diablo 4 pre-orders (opens in new tab) for the Standard Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition, and Ultimate Edition.
Diablo 4 beta: Everything you need to know
Diablo 4 beta
Blizzard has announced yet another Diablo 4 open beta weekend that'll run from May 12-14. The purpose of this beta, like previous ones, is to stress test the servers ahead of launch and give players a chance to check out all of the Diablo 4 beta changes implemented based on community feedback. The May beta will be similar to past betas and offer similar beta rewards, with the addition of a new Ashava trophy, and Blizzard has confirmed that progress will not carry over to the final game.
Diablo 4 classes
There will be five Diablo 4 classes at launch. These archetypal adventurers will give you the opportunity to dial into your preferred playstyle – be it melee, ranged, support, or something in between. Blizzard is also introducing a greater deal of customization, meaning that your class is just a starting point. You'll be able to change your character's facial features, gear, and armor, and you'll have a lot of freedom to refine your identity and combat capabilities as you progress.
Diablo 4 Barbarian class details
The Barbarian class is a Diablo classic, and will be making a return for the fourth installment. If you're new to this type of game, the Barbarian class is exactly what it sounds like – a storm of swinging weapons both blunt and sharp; tactless, brute, and unforgivingly effective. Barbarians will also be able to take advantage of an 'Arsenal' system which will let you wield and customize four different types of weapons.
RELATED: Diablo 4 Barbarian gameplay (opens in new tab)
Diablo 4 Druid class details
The Druid class is returning from Diablo 2, although they feature a new design and set of shapeshifting magic skills. The Druid wields elemental powers based on the earth and the wind to transform into powerful Werebear and Werewolf forms, which you'll transition into automatically as you use particular skills. Those who go the way of the Druid will also be able to utilize companion summons to help manage crowds and give your group an extra shot at survival in the more challenging dungeons and boss encounters.
RELATED: Diablo 4 Druid gameplay (opens in new tab)
Diablo 4 Necromancer class details
A favorite class from the Diablo 3 era, the returning Necromancer was the fifth class to be revealed by Blizzard, as part of the Xbox and Bethesda E3 2022 showcase, although it may well have saved the best for last. The Necromancer uses blood and bone magic to raise an army of the dead to assist it in combat, while a new Book of the Dead feature will allow for in-depth customization of your undead companions to help you dial in further specialization of your overall build.
RELATED: Diablo 4 Necromancer gameplay (opens in new tab)
Diablo 4 Rogue class details
The Rogue hasn't, technically, appeared in this series since the original Diablo, and Blizzard has gone to great lengths to overhaul the class. This is a versatile class type which serves as a sort-of hybrid of the original Rogue's long-range skillset and the cloak-and-dagger melee of Assassins from Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction; a bow will help you crowd control foes, while you can deal big damage with daggers up-close. The Rogue class will also utilize 'combo points' to further enhance your abilities as you dominate in combat encounters.
RELATED: Diablo 4 Rogue gameplay (opens in new tab)
Diablo 4 Sorceress class details
The Sorceress is for you ranged spellcasters out there, with the class focused around elemental magic. You'll be able to wield attacks like fireballs, ice arrows, and honing bolts of lightning which deal massive damage – making up for your vulnerability at close range. There's also an 'Enchantment' system in place which will let you utilize three Enchantment slots to turn skills into passive abilities, further increasing your viability and survivability in combat encounters.
RELATED: Diablo 4 Sorceress gameplay (opens in new tab)
Diablo 4 gameplay
Diablo 4 is an action-RPG which lets groups of players join together to slaughter a near-endless horde of ancient evils. With five classes to choose between, a depth of customization and specialization options to let you dial in a unique character build, a distinctly gothic world to explore, legendary loot to collect, and procedurally-generated dungeons to explore, there is a lot going on in Diablo 4. Blizzard is also introducing some new features for this long-awaited sequel to Diablo 3, such as a shared open-world – where you'll be able to meet with friends to trade in towns or go up against towering world bosses with others – and challenging PvP zones to test your combat skills.
In the GamesRadar+ Diablo 4 gameplay impressions, we found that Blizzard is laying good foundations for a new Diablo adventure – particularly if the studio is able to truly deliver "thousands of hours" of gameplay, an ever-evolving endgame, and suitably balanced PvP experience as promised. There's still a lot of Diablo 4 gameplay for us to experience, but our early exposure to it is certainly promising.
Diablo 4 open world explained
Diablo 4 will feature an open world, which is a shift from the instanced zones that previous games in the series have offered. The world of Sanctuary is made up of five regions which can be explored in any order, with lead environment artist Matt McDaid teasing "how you chose to make your way through this vast world is up to you." The five regions are known as:
- Dry Steppes
- Fractured Peaks
- Hawezar
- Kejjistan
- Scosglen
Blizzard offered a look at the five zones of Sanctuary (opens in new tab) in a video back in February, alongside a look at some returning (and redesigned) enemy types. For what it's worth, our hands-on time with the game has led us to believe that Diablo 4's unsung hero could be its open world.
Diablo 4 skill tree
The Diablo 4 skill tree is being designed to give you maximum flexibility over the build of your hero. The Skills and Talents system is still being refined ahead of launch, but the version which exists today is positioned with separate sections for Skills and Passives.
The upper Skills section is where you'll be able to spend Skill Points, which are earned by leveling up; you can unlock brand new skills for your class, increasing your utility or combat efficiency, or improve your favorites. Doing so will unlock Passive Points which can then be spent in the Passive section of the skill tree, which are general upgrades for your character.
Blizzard also notes that you (opens in new tab) "will not be able to acquire every Skill Tree node. We’re currently aiming for 30~40% of the nodes filled in for end game, so that players can have very distinct, and different ways they build out their character." And yes, you will be able to respec – although the cost to do so increases the further you invest in your hero.
Diablo 4 co-op and couch co-op support
Diablo 4 co-op support will be featured from day one. If you're playing on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One, you'll have the option of four-player cooperative play; on console, there's the option of two-player couch-op available. There's also in-game bonuses for partying up with friends, such as a percentage XP bonus if you're near a party member while vanquishing a demon.
Diablo 4 crossplay confirmed
Blizzard has confirmed that there will be full Diablo 4 crossplay support from day one. This means that players across PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One will be able to play, party-up, and fight together without restriction. You'll be able to experience this first hand in the Diablo 4 beta, so be sure to get your friends together for the open session.
Diablo 4 battle pass will enhance the endgame
Blizzard confirmed in a December 2022 video (opens in new tab) that there will be a Diablo 4 battle pass. This seasonal content model will likely be familiar to players of Diablo 3, with each Season lasting three months and coming equipped with its own Season Pass. Completing ranks in the Season Pass will let you complete activities to earn new ranks and cosmetic rewards. There's a premium $10 Season Pass, as well as a free offering – although Blizzard is yet to detail the difference offered between the two.
Diablo 4 microtransactions
Given the response to Diablo 3's notorious auction house, and the blowback to Diablo Immortal's pay-to-win structure, Blizzard is handling the microtransaction side of the game with care. Thankfully, Blizzard has confirmed that the only thing you'll be able to purchase in the game is cosmetic items; game director Joe Shelly says that this decision (opens in new tab) was made so that players don't "feel like they can pay to win."
Diablo 4 PvP
From everything we have learned about Diablo 4 PvP so far, it sounds like a devilish delight that will challenge every hero of Sanctuary. Blizzard is yet to let us sample the competitive mode for ourselves, but we do have details on The Fields of Hatred – that's the name for the contained PvP zones, by the way. Once you enter one of these areas you'll be fair game for a fight with other players, with the race on to collect Shards of Hatred, a special resource which is earned by opening chests, killing others, and completing tasks in the dangerous zones.
You'll be able to spend cleansed Shards of Hatred with special merchants for unique gear and items. But be warned: Blizzard says that Diablo 4's PvP zones are "not a place for honor" and won't protect you from bigger squads, and that Diablo 4 Hardcore PvP losses will result in permadeath if you aren't careful.
Diablo 4 leaks
There have been no shortage of Diablo 4 leaks in the years since the game was first revealed. In fact, we were surprised to find the Diablo 4 leaks start in record time, which were followed by 40 minutes of leaked gameplay footage, new screenshots which suggest that you can choose to "not pursue the story for a while", and even an endgame beta which was meant to be confidential. Given all of this, we asked Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson about how the leaks have affected the team, and Fergusson told GamesRadar+ that while they were "disappointing" that haven’t "impacted or influenced development at all."
Diablo 4 PC specs
The Diablo 4 beta specs have been revealed and they aren't all that demanding. In fact, so long as you have a build from the last five years or so, we think you should be just fine to jump into the action.
Diablo 4 open beta minimum system requirements:
- Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon R9 280
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2500L or AMD FX-8100
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: SSD with 45 GB available space
Diablo 4 open beta recommended PC specs:
- Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 370
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD R3-1300X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: SSD with 45 GB available space
Will you have time to play Diablo 4? It's coming out around a lot of highly anticipated new games of 2023, so give that a read and see how it's going to fit into your schedule.
