Is Diablo 3 Worth It After Diablo 4? A Deep Dive
Yes, Diablo 3 is absolutely still worth playing after Diablo 4, and here’s why. While Diablo 4 represents the latest evolution of the franchise, Diablo 3 offers a distinct and compelling experience that caters to different preferences. It’s not a case of one being “better” than the other, but rather them offering different strengths. Diablo 3, after years of updates and refinements, has become a polished and enjoyable title, and its unique aspects remain engaging even in the shadow of its successor. The game, despite losing support, still has dedicated players.
Why Diablo 3 Still Holds Up
Diablo 3 has several key factors working in its favor that make it worth revisiting or exploring for the first time, even with Diablo 4 on the market.
Polished Gameplay
After years of updates, patches, and expansions, Diablo 3’s core gameplay loop is remarkably smooth and refined. The combat feels crisp and satisfying, character builds are diverse and rewarding, and the game is optimized for fun. The initial release of Diablo 3 faced some criticism, but the version available today is a vastly improved experience.
Map Design and Dungeon Variety
A major strength of Diablo 3, as highlighted in the source article, lies in its map design. Dungeons often feel less generic and more handcrafted compared to those in Diablo 4. This contributes to a more engaging and memorable exploration experience. This level of detail provides more uniqueness and less repetition.
Rich Post-Game Content
Diablo 3’s post-game content is extensive. The Adventure Mode offers a variety of challenges and activities, giving players more freedom to experiment with builds and playstyles. Players can delve into greater rifts, bounties, and other activities, providing a plethora of things to do, especially for those interested in perfecting their builds and enjoying the action in a more open environment.
Lower Price Point
Diablo 3, especially the Ultimate Evil Edition, is generally available at a significantly lower price than Diablo 4. This makes it an excellent option for players on a budget who still want to experience a high-quality action RPG. It’s a low risk entry into the Diablo universe for those wanting to test the waters.
Faster Paced Gameplay
Many players find Diablo 3’s combat to be faster-paced and more arcade-like compared to Diablo 4. If you prefer quick, intense action and lots of loot, Diablo 3 may be more appealing to you. This makes it ideal for short play sessions.
The “Perfected” Experience
The article points out that “D3 is cheaper and has been perfected over time,” which is a valid observation. While Diablo 4 is newer and shiny, it is still subject to updates and potential balance changes. Diablo 3’s core mechanics have been fine-tuned to a high degree.
What Diablo 4 Does Better
It’s important to acknowledge where Diablo 4 surpasses Diablo 3:
Improved Crafting and Looting
Diablo 4 introduces significant upgrades to its crafting and looting systems. The customization and flexibility these systems offer create a more compelling experience for those who enjoy min-maxing and perfecting their characters.
Multiplayer Focus
Diablo 4’s multiplayer capabilities are more robust and integrated than in Diablo 3. While Diablo 3 offers co-op, Diablo 4 pushes shared world experiences and cooperative content to a higher level.
Darker Atmosphere
Many players appreciate Diablo 4’s darker, grittier, and more atmospheric tone. It’s more in line with the classic Diablo II feel, which some found lacking in Diablo 3. Diablo 4 is considered to have captured the tone many players had hoped for from Diablo 3.
Continual Development
While Diablo 3 will no longer receive content support, Diablo 4 will receive continued patches, expansions, and seasons, allowing for further evolution and growth. This ongoing support is a key draw for those who want a continually evolving game experience.
Making the Choice
Ultimately, the choice between Diablo 3 and Diablo 4 comes down to personal preferences.
- Choose Diablo 3 if: You prefer a faster-paced experience with well-defined levels and a wealth of post-game content. You’re on a budget or are looking for a game that is “complete.” You value smoother gameplay and unique dungeon design.
- Choose Diablo 4 if: You prefer a more open-world experience, enjoy more robust multiplayer, and are drawn to a darker aesthetic. You want a game that will continue to be developed and updated over time.
It’s also important to consider that the source article advises to “Pick up D3 and once you’ve had your fun with it, move on to D4,” suggesting that both games can be enjoyed sequentially.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Diablo 3’s final season worth playing?
Yes, Season 29, despite being the last, offers a final chance to experience the game’s end-game content and systems in its polished state. It’s a great send-off for those who enjoyed the game.
2. Is Diablo 4 just a reskinned Diablo 3?
While Diablo 4 builds upon some of Diablo 3’s gameplay mechanics, it introduces significant changes in world design, character progression, and overall feel. It’s not merely a reskin but an evolution of the formula.
3. How does Diablo 3 compare to Diablo 2?
Diablo 3 is more streamlined and action-focused than Diablo 2, which is known for its complex systems and slower pace. Both are considered great but provide different core experiences.
4. Is Diablo 3’s single-player experience still enjoyable?
Yes, Diablo 3 has an enjoyable single-player experience. The story can be enjoyed solo, and the Adventure Mode allows players to explore the game at their own pace.
5. Is Diablo 3 difficult?
Diablo 3 allows you to scale the difficulty, making it approachable for casual players while still offering challenges for hardcore gamers.
6. Which Diablo game is the most challenging?
The original Diablo is generally considered the most challenging.
7. How long is the Diablo 3 campaign?
The Diablo 3 campaign can take anywhere from 20-30 hours to complete, but the real game starts after the campaign with Adventure Mode.
8. Is Diablo 4 more complex than Diablo 3?
Some players find Diablo 4 to be more complex, particularly with character building and crafting. Diablo 3, on the other hand, is considered more straightforward in this regard.
9. Is Diablo 4 worth it over Diablo 3 if I’m a casual player?
If you’re a casual player, Diablo 3 could be a better entry point due to its faster pace and simpler systems. Diablo 4 may be more overwhelming.
10. What are some reasons to still play Diablo 3 in 2023?
Diablo 3 remains a solid choice due to its polished gameplay, lower price, faster pace, and extensive post-game content.
11. Will Blizzard continue to support Diablo 3?
Blizzard has announced that Season 29 will be the final content update for Diablo 3 and will be shifting focus to other titles, mainly Diablo 4.
12. What is the best way to experience Diablo 3?
The Ultimate Evil Edition of Diablo 3 is generally considered the best way to experience the game, as it includes all expansions and updates.
13. Which Diablo game is considered the best?
Many players and critics consider Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction to be the best in the series.
14. How does Path of Exile compare to Diablo 3?
Path of Exile is a free-to-play action RPG often compared to Diablo. It’s known for its complexity and vast character progression options. It has a deeper skill system than Diablo 3, making it for more dedicated players.
15. What is the most popular class in Diablo 4?
As indicated in the source article, the Sorcerer class has been the most played in Diablo 4, followed by the Rogue and Necromancer.
Conclusion
Diablo 3 is not obsolete simply because Diablo 4 exists. It is a fully realized and enjoyable game that offers a different experience. It has a lot to offer players, especially those seeking a cheaper, faster, and more polished version of the action RPG format. So, yes, Diablo 3 is absolutely worth playing after Diablo 4, and perhaps even before, especially if you’re looking for a solid, cost-effective adventure.