Do I Have to Buy Diablo 4 Multiple Times? The Definitive Guide
The question of whether you need to purchase Diablo 4 more than once is a common concern for many players eager to dive into the world of Sanctuary. The short, direct answer is yes, you may need to buy Diablo 4 multiple times depending on how and where you want to play. While your battle pass goodies are account-wide, the game license is not. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
The Platform Licensing Reality
The primary reason you might need to purchase Diablo 4 multiple times is due to platform licensing. Just like most other major games, a digital or physical copy of Diablo 4 is tied to the specific platform you purchase it for. This means that if you want to play on a PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X|S, you will need to own a copy of the game on each of those platforms.
For example, if you buy Diablo 4 on your PC and decide you also want to play on your PlayStation 5, you’ll need to purchase the game again for your PS5. This system, though frustrating for some, is standard practice across the gaming industry and is part of how developers and platform holders manage distribution and revenue.
Account-Wide Battle Pass, Platform-Specific Game Licenses
A key point of clarification is that while your progress in Diablo 4 and any cosmetic or gameplay items acquired from the Battle Pass are account-wide, the game licenses themselves are platform specific. This means if you unlock the Inarius Wings in Diablo 3 through the pre-purchase of Diablo 4, they will be available on any platform where you play Diablo 3 and you are logged into the same Battle.net account. This account-wide system is extremely beneficial as it allows you to have access to your content and cosmetic items regardless of your primary gaming platform. However, it is important to remember that this does not extend to the game itself. The game itself will require multiple purchases to access the game on multiple platforms.
Couch Co-op Exception
There is, however, a notable exception to needing multiple copies: couch co-op on console. Diablo 4 couch co-op utilizes the host player’s Battlenet account, so only one person in the party needs to actually own the game. The second player must log in with their console account and ensure the console account is linked to their Battle.net account. This allows for a convenient way to play with friends or family locally without needing to purchase multiple copies of the game for the same console.
The Cross-Play Advantage
Although you might need to buy the game more than once if playing on different platforms, Blizzard has thankfully implemented crossplay. This means that even though you’ve bought separate copies, you can party up with friends on different platforms provided you’re friends on Battle.net. This is a huge win for those who own different consoles or PC and still want to play with friends. So while you need multiple copies, playing together with friends across different platforms is not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify and expand on the topic of purchasing Diablo 4 multiple times:
1. Can I transfer my characters and progress between platforms if I buy Diablo 4 on multiple platforms?
Yes, character progress, as well as your acquired cosmetic and battle pass items, are all tied to your Battle.net account, and are thus accessible on any platform where you own the game. This allows you to switch between your PC, PlayStation, and Xbox seamlessly.
2. If I buy the game on PlayStation 4, can I play it on my PlayStation 5?
Yes, Diablo 4 is cross-generation compatible within the PlayStation ecosystem. If you purchase the game on PS4, you can play it on your PS5 using the same account, however, you will need to make sure to download the PS5 version of the game. You do not need to buy it twice if you are upgrading your console from PS4 to PS5.
3. Is Diablo 4 cross-platform with Xbox and PC?
Yes, Diablo 4 supports cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation consoles (PS4 and PS5), and Xbox consoles (Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S). You can play with friends across any of these platforms as long as you’re linked via Battle.net.
4. Does purchasing the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition of Diablo 4 give me the game on all platforms?
No, purchasing the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition of Diablo 4 only provides the game for the platform you bought it for. These versions offer additional cosmetic items, battle pass skips, etc, but do not unlock the game on multiple platforms.
5. Is Diablo 4 a subscription-based game?
No, Diablo 4 does not require a subscription to play. However, you will need a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription in order to play on PlayStation or Xbox consoles. This includes playing solo, in couch co-op, or online multiplayer.
6. If I start playing on PC, can I switch to a console and continue my progress?
Yes, you can easily switch between platforms as your progress and battle pass items are linked to your Battle.net account, allowing you to continue where you left off. You will, however, have to purchase the game on the console as well.
7. Does couch co-op in Diablo 4 require both players to own the game?
No, only the host player needs to own the game for couch co-op. The second player needs to have their console profile linked to their Battle.net account, but does not need to purchase a separate copy of the game.
8. If I buy a physical copy of Diablo 4, is it locked to the specific console I bought it for?
Yes, physical copies are also platform-specific. A physical copy for the PS5, for example, can only be used on a PS5.
9. What is the difference between Early Access and the full game of Diablo 4?
Early Access will be the full game, with the same content and features that will be available at the official launch.
10. Can I reset my character progress in Diablo 4 if I want to start over?
No, it’s not possible to reset progress on the same Battle.net account. If you want to play from the start, you would need to use a different Battle.net account.
11. Will my character from before Season 1 be deleted when a new season begins?
No, your pre-season player characters will be transferred to the Eternal Realm, where you can still access them after the season begins. New seasons require new characters to fully experience the seasonal content.
12. What are the benefits of pre-purchasing Diablo 4?
Pre-purchasing Diablo 4 granted players several in-game cosmetic items to use in other Blizzard games such as Diablo 3, Diablo Immortal, and World of Warcraft. These items included Inarius Wings and the Murloc Pet in Diablo 3, and the Amalgam of Rage mount in World of Warcraft.
13. Which platform provides the best Diablo 4 experience?
While all platforms offer good experiences, a high-end PC generally offers the best visuals and graphical fidelity due to its enhanced hardware capabilities. However, all other consoles still offer great, accessible gameplay.
14. Is it worth waiting for Diablo 4 to go on sale?
If the price is a concern, waiting for a sale is always an option. Blizzard has already discounted the game since its release, so it is likely to be discounted again in the future.
15. Are there any offline modes in Diablo 4?
No, Diablo 4 is designed as an online experience, and it does not offer offline play. It is essential to have an internet connection to enjoy the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while your battle pass goodies and account progression are universal, you will need to purchase Diablo 4 on each platform that you wish to play on, with the exception of couch co-op. This policy is in line with the way other popular games are licensed across different platforms. Despite the potentially multiple purchases, the seamless character progression via Battle.net and the crossplay functionality ensure that you can enjoy playing Diablo 4 with your friends and carry your progress over on any platform of your choice. Hopefully, this article and the FAQs have helped clarify any questions you might have about buying Diablo 4 more than once. Happy demon-slaying!