Diablo 4: Is the Story a Continuation of Diablo 3?
Yes, Diablo 4’s story is a continuation of the overarching narrative of the Diablo series, specifically taking place after the events of Diablo 3. While it doesn’t directly pick up from the final scene of Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls, it builds upon the established lore and the consequences of those events, moving the timeline forward approximately 50 years. This means that while you don’t need to have played Diablo 3 to enjoy Diablo 4, understanding the previous game’s storyline and world state will certainly enrich your experience. Diablo 4 introduces new characters, a new central antagonist, Lilith, the Daughter of Hatred, and focuses on a different conflict, but the foundations of its narrative are firmly planted in the history created in previous Diablo games.
Setting the Stage: The Aftermath of Reaper of Souls
The most significant event linking Diablo 4 to its predecessor is the fallout from Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls. The battle against Malthael, the Angel of Death, resulted in widespread destruction across Sanctuary. This event, and the subsequent turmoil, led to a period of rebuilding, but also created a void that Lilith would exploit. The power vacuum left by the near-eradication of humanity and the weakened presence of both Heaven and Hell creates the perfect opportunity for Lilith to return and enact her own machinations.
A New Story, Familiar Foundations
While Diablo 4 doesn’t directly rehash the Diablo 3 story, it uses the post-Reaper of Souls world as its canvas. The fragile peace is threatened once more, and humanity’s vulnerability is laid bare. It is not a direct continuation of the heroes of Diablo 3, as the player takes on the role of a new character, but the world and the lore are intimately linked.
The game is not designed to feel like a linear continuation in the sense that you are following the Diablo 3 heroes. Instead, it’s a new story that unfolds within the established world. Diablo 4 builds upon the mythology by introducing fresh challenges and focuses on new characters and threats.
Self-Contained Seasons and Future Expansions
A crucial distinction to make is that the main story campaign of Diablo 4 is a self-contained narrative, but it will be expanded on via paid expansions rather than the seasonal content. The seasons, unlike those in Diablo 3, will each include a self-contained storyline that will expand the world of Sanctuary, but will not continue the main arc directly. So, while the base game ties into Diablo 3, the additional narrative will be added through these expansions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to play Diablo 3 before Diablo 4?
No, you do not need to play Diablo 3 to understand and enjoy Diablo 4. While there are lore connections and references, the game is designed to be accessible to new players. You can jump into Diablo 4 without prior experience. A summary of Diablo 3’s story might enrich the experience, but isn’t necessary.
2. What is the chronological order of Diablo games?
The chronological order of the main Diablo games is: Diablo, Diablo 2, Diablo 3, and then Diablo 4. Diablo 4 is the latest entry in the series and is a sequel that continues the story of the franchise, occurring roughly 50 years after Reaper of Souls.
3. Is Diablo 4 a prequel or sequel?
Diablo 4 is a sequel to Diablo 3 and the other games in the series. It takes place after the events of all previous games, continuing the story of Sanctuary. It is not a prequel to any game in the franchise.
4. Who is the main antagonist in Diablo 4?
The primary antagonist in Diablo 4 is Lilith, the Daughter of Hatred. She is a powerful demonic figure with her own motives and plans for Sanctuary.
5. What happened between Diablo 3 and Diablo 4?
The 50-year period between Diablo 3 and Diablo 4 is characterized by a slow rebuilding process for humanity. The events of Reaper of Souls severely weakened Heaven and Hell, which creates a power vacuum exploited by Lilith. The angelic and demonic realms are in a state of flux.
6. Does Diablo 4 feel like Diablo 3?
Diablo 4 is similar to Diablo 3 in many ways but introduces both positive and negative changes. Gameplay, character leveling, and content distribution differ from Diablo 3. Many aspects are improved and streamlined. It is generally agreed upon that Diablo 4 has a much darker feel overall.
7. Will items or cosmetics transfer from Diablo 3 to Diablo 4?
No, it is highly unlikely that items or cosmetics earned in Diablo 3 will transfer to Diablo 4. The games are separate, and progress is not carried over.
8. Is the Diablo 4 story standalone?
Yes, Diablo 4 has a standalone story, and it can be enjoyed as a single-player game, allowing you to experience the entire campaign, dungeons, and bosses on your own.
9. Will the Paragon system transfer between characters?
No, Paragon levels are not shared across characters in Diablo 4. Each character will gain access to the Paragon system at level 50 and will level it individually.
10. Is Diablo 4 map bigger than Diablo 3?
Yes, the Diablo 4 map is significantly larger than any zone from the previous Diablo games. Even areas like the Fractured Peaks in the beta are considerably bigger than entire areas in Diablo 3.
11. Will Diablo 4 get new classes?
Yes, Blizzard has confirmed that future expansions for Diablo 4 will include new classes, one of which is entirely new to the Diablo universe. The first expansion “Vessel of Hatred” will bring such a class.
12. What is the max level in Diablo 4 before Paragon?
The max level in Diablo 4 is 100. The Paragon Board system unlocks at level 50.
13. How many Paragon Boards are there in Diablo 4?
There are a total of nine Paragon Boards per class. Each character has a common starting board and eight additional specialized boards.
14. Will Diablo 4 get DLC?
Yes, Diablo 4 will receive paid DLC and expansions, as was done in previous titles like Diablo 2 and Diablo 3. These are expected to include new content and story expansions and, possibly, new character classes.
15. Is Diablo 4 darker than Diablo 3?
Yes, Diablo 4 generally has a darker atmosphere and tone than Diablo 3. Many players feel that it has a mood much closer to that of Diablo 2.