Diablo 4: Untangling the Timeline – Is It Before or After the Story?

The burning question on many Diablo fans’ minds is, “Where does Diablo 4 fit into the grand narrative of Sanctuary?” The answer is straightforward: Diablo 4 is a direct sequel. It takes place after the events of Diablo 3 and its expansion, Reaper of Souls. Specifically, it unfolds a full 50 years after the tumultuous conclusion of the Reaper of Souls storyline. This places it firmly in the future of the established Diablo universe, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors. The game is not a prequel, nor is it a reboot. It is a continuation, albeit with new characters, a new main antagonist, and a significant shift in tone and atmosphere.

Understanding the Chronological Setting

Diablo’s Timeline at a Glance

To fully understand Diablo 4’s place in the saga, it’s essential to grasp the broader chronological context. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Diablo 1: Occurs in 1263 of the Sanctuary calendar.
• Diablo 2: Takes place over the following two years after Diablo 1.
• Diablo Immortal: Set five years after Diablo 2.
• Diablo 3: Transpires 15 years after the events of Diablo Immortal.
• Diablo 4: Unfolds 50 years after the end of Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls.

This timeline makes it clear that Diablo 4 is not an origin story; instead, it’s set in a world that has already been shaped by cataclysmic events. The world of Sanctuary is scarred, and the power vacuum created by the fall of both the High Heavens and the Burning Hells provides a fertile ground for new threats to emerge.

The Return of Lilith

One of the significant narrative developments of Diablo 4 is the emergence of Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto, as the main antagonist. She is summoned by cultists, marking her return to Sanctuary, which is a key catalyst for the game’s events. While Lilith has been mentioned in previous Diablo games and supplemental materials, Diablo 4 marks her debut as a central, active antagonist. This return adds layers of complexity to the story, drawing on the established lore but pushing the narrative in new and engaging directions.

Story Continuation and Seasonal Content

A Continuing Narrative, But Not Linearly

It’s important to understand that while Diablo 4 is a continuation of the overall storyline, the game’s seasonal content operates differently. Unlike Diablo 3, Diablo 4 seasons introduce self-contained storylines that expand the world of Sanctuary, rather than directly continuing the main campaign’s plot. The primary narrative continuation is reserved for larger, more impactful expansions. This allows for the introduction of new themes, characters, and locations without impacting the main campaign, keeping the player experience fresh and engaging.

The Impact of Past Events

Despite the episodic nature of the seasonal content, the events of previous Diablo games, most importantly Diablo 3 and Reaper of Souls, have a profound impact on the world and narrative of Diablo 4. The devastation caused by the High Heavens’ and the Burning Hells’ conflicts is still palpable, impacting the landscapes and the lives of the people of Sanctuary. Players are entering a world still reeling from these events, which provides a rich and dynamic backdrop for the new storyline.

A Darker Tone

Compared to Diablo 3, Diablo 4 adopts a much darker atmosphere. It’s a return to the grim and gritty tone that resonated so well with fans of the early Diablo games, but with modern graphics and storytelling techniques. This change in tone, combined with the new narrative direction, helps to create a sense of fresh dread and danger that is central to the Diablo 4 experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to play previous Diablo games to understand Diablo 4?

While you can enjoy Diablo 4 as a new player, you will undoubtedly gain a deeper appreciation for the story, characters, and world if you have played the previous games, especially Diablo 3. Having prior knowledge of the lore and past events will certainly enhance the experience and ensure a better understanding of the game’s narrative.

2. Is Diablo 4 set in the same world as the previous Diablo games?

Yes, absolutely. Diablo 4 is set in the same world of Sanctuary as the rest of the Diablo franchise. The familiar landscapes, locations, and lore tie into the entire continuity, making it a coherent and compelling part of the ongoing saga.

3. Does Diablo 4 reference Diablo 3?

Indeed it does. There are many references, callbacks, and Easter eggs in Diablo 4 that hark back to Diablo 3 and even previous games. Some locations are even revisited, though often in a dilapidated and changed state. One example is the once-thriving settlement of Tristram which is mentioned and hinted at being far worse for wear.

4. Is Diablo 4 more difficult than Diablo 3?

Yes, overall, Diablo 4 is considered more challenging than Diablo 3. This difficulty is partly due to the tougher enemies, but also thanks to the built-in game modifiers and a personal challenge system that allows players to increase the world tier to increase challenge and rewards.

5. How big is the world of Diablo 4 compared to Diablo 3?

The game world in Diablo 4 is significantly larger than that of Diablo 3. Specifically, The zone that was open during the beta, The Fractured Peaks is estimated to be eight to ten times bigger than a typical zone from previous Diablo games. The game features five distinct connected regions that players can explore.

6. Will there be new classes added to Diablo 4 via DLC?

While there is no official confirmation, it is highly likely that new classes will be added to Diablo 4 via DLC expansions. Historically, the series has typically added new classes with expansions, making it a reasonable assumption that the pattern will continue.

7. What is the main conflict in Diablo 4?

The primary conflict in Diablo 4 centers on the return of Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto, who has been summoned back to Sanctuary by cultists. Lilith’s influence and power threaten to destabilize the already fragile world and present a significant new challenge to players.

8. Is Diablo 4’s story a continuation of Diablo 3?

Yes, Diablo 4 is a story continuation of the events of Diablo 3 and Reaper of Souls. However, the in-game season content introduces new narratives that don’t directly continue the main campaign’s plot, reserving it for expansions.

9. Will my items from Diablo 3 transfer to Diablo 4?

It is highly unlikely that cosmetic items or gear earned in Diablo 3 will transfer to Diablo 4. Blizzard has not indicated any plans for item transfers, and any such movement would likely be announced within Diablo 3.

10. What are World Tiers in Diablo 4?

World Tiers are a difficulty scaling system in Diablo 4, allowing players to increase the challenge and rewards. By raising the World Tier, players encounter stronger enemies and earn better loot, allowing for a more difficult but more rewarding experience.

11. Is Diablo 4 a timeline?

Yes, Diablo 4 is a part of the overall Diablo timeline, set 50 years after the events of Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls.

12. Is Path of Exile better than Diablo 4?

Both games are excellent in the ARPG genre but provide different experiences. Path of Exile is known for its complex skill tree and high character customization, while Diablo 4 offers a more streamlined and approachable character system. It depends on individual player preference.

13. What is the best class in Diablo 4?

The best class in Diablo 4 often varies based on the current game patch and meta, but the Rogue has often been considered one of the top-performing classes, even after nerfs. It’s worth testing different classes to find what fits your playstyle.

14. Why is Diablo 4 considered darker than Diablo 3?

Diablo 4 embraces a darker tone and atmosphere, with more mature themes, violence, and a bleak overall setting. This is a deliberate design choice to capture a feel that’s more in line with some of the earlier Diablo games and to make the game world feel more dangerous and threatening.

15. What is considered the hardest Diablo game?

According to fans and critics, Diablo 1 is often regarded as the most difficult game in the series, while Diablo 4 also sits on the higher end of difficulty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Diablo 4 is unequivocally a sequel, unfolding in the wake of the dramatic events of Diablo 3 and Reaper of Souls. It is not a prequel or a reboot but a continuation of the ongoing story, taking place 50 years later. This places it firmly within the established timeline, adding new chapters to the lore while building upon the legacy of the series. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new player, understanding where Diablo 4 sits in the grand scheme of things is paramount to fully enjoying this epic new installment.