Should You Jump into Sanctuary with Diablo 4 as Your First Diablo Game?

The iconic Diablo series has captivated gamers for decades with its dark fantasy world, thrilling action RPG (ARPG) gameplay, and addictive loot cycle. Now, with the release of Diablo 4, many newcomers are wondering if it’s the right place to start their journey into Sanctuary. The short answer is yes, absolutely, Diablo 4 is an excellent starting point, even if you’ve never touched a Diablo game before. While there are some nuances to consider, it’s designed to be accessible to both newcomers and veterans alike. Let’s delve into why, and address some common concerns.

Why Diablo 4 is a Great Entry Point

Diablo 4 strikes a balance between honoring the series’ heritage and introducing modern ARPG sensibilities. It’s designed in a way that minimizes the need to be familiar with the previous entries in the series. While the lore and story might resonate more with returning players, the fundamental gameplay loop of slaying demons, acquiring loot, and leveling up is engaging on its own. Here’s why it works as a first experience:

• Accessibility for Newcomers: Diablo 4’s core mechanics are relatively easy to grasp. You’ll quickly understand the basics of combat, character progression, and itemization. The game does a decent job guiding you through these systems early on.
• Standalone Story: While Diablo 4 builds upon the events of previous games, particularly Diablo 3, you don’t need prior knowledge to enjoy its narrative. The game introduces new characters and threats while referencing past events that can be appreciated without direct understanding of previous titles.
• Modernized Gameplay: The game features updated visuals, smoother combat, and a more streamlined interface. This makes for a more intuitive and enjoyable experience, especially for those unfamiliar with older ARPGs.
• Casual-Friendly Design: Unlike some hardcore ARPGs, Diablo 4 is designed to be casual-friendly, allowing players to engage at their own pace. You can comfortably enjoy the game without feeling pressured to min-max every aspect.
• Active Community: You will find an abundance of online resources, guides, and community forums. This means help is never too far away for new players who might need tips or advice.

Potential Considerations

While Diablo 4 is beginner-friendly, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Missed Story Impact: While the story is self-contained, returning players might have a deeper appreciation of the lore and character relationships. Some story beats will resonate more with those familiar with previous Diablo games.
• Confusion at Times: Occasionally, references to past events might be confusing for new players. While the game tries to be informative, some nuances might be missed without prior knowledge.
• World Tier System: Instead of traditional difficulty settings, Diablo 4 utilizes a “World Tier” system. New players should start on World Tier 1 and then explore higher tiers as they grow more comfortable with the game.
• Vastness of the World: Diablo 4’s open world can feel vast and overwhelming at times. Players new to ARPGs might need to adjust to the scope and scale of Sanctuary.

Should You Play Diablo 3 First?

It might be tempting to start with Diablo 3, which is often considered an easier entry to the series. However, while D3 is a solid game, playing it before Diablo 4 is not necessary. Diablo 4 incorporates many lessons learned from D3 and offers a more streamlined and modern experience. While D3 is cheaper and has been refined over time, you don’t gain any significant advantage by playing it before D4. If you eventually want to play through the Diablo series you can play D3 after you have played Diablo 4.

Starting Class Suggestions

For your first character in Diablo 4, it’s recommended to pick a class that is beginner friendly. Two classes are often suggested:

• Necromancer: This class is known for its ease of play, largely thanks to the army of skeletons at your disposal. The minions can deal impressive damage and draw aggro away from you.
• Barbarian: A solid melee class that is straightforward to play, the barbarian excels at close-range combat and is a good option for those who prefer a more hands-on approach.

While the Sorcerer is the most played class, it’s also frequently considered the weakest at the start, therefore might not be the ideal choice for absolute beginners. The Druid is the least played class. While it has a unique playstyle, it’s not commonly recommended for new players, it is also an underperformer in the earlier levels. It’s best to choose a class that aligns with your preferred play style rather than choosing the most popular or most talked about classes.

Conclusion

In summary, Diablo 4 is an excellent choice for your first Diablo experience. It’s accessible, engaging, and provides a modern ARPG experience. While some story elements might resonate more with veteran players, the core gameplay loop is enjoyable for anyone regardless of their familiarity with the series. Don’t hesitate to jump into Sanctuary with Diablo 4; you’ll find an addictive and rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

No, you do not need to play Diablo 1, 2, or 3 before jumping into Diablo 4. The game tells a self-contained story with new characters. While some references to past events might be made, the core narrative is easy to follow even for new players.

2. Is Diablo 4 hard for beginners?

No, Diablo 4 is designed to be beginner-friendly. It has a system called World Tiers that allows you to adjust the game’s difficulty. Starting on World Tier 1 is recommended for newcomers. Higher World Tiers provide better loot and more experience but are more challenging.

3. What is the easiest class to start with in Diablo 4?

The Necromancer is generally considered the easiest class for beginners, thanks to the skeletal minions that fight alongside you. The Barbarian is also a solid choice as a straightforward melee class.

4. Is Diablo 4 better than Diablo 3?

This is subjective, but many consider Diablo 4 an improvement over Diablo 3. It has a darker atmosphere, a more engaging post-game, and a better-designed crafting and looting system.

5. Can I play Diablo 4 solo?

Yes, you can absolutely play Diablo 4 solo. It is designed to accommodate solo players. However, it also offers multiplayer options if you want to play with friends.

6. What is the most popular class in Diablo 4?

Initially, the Sorcerer was the most played class, though recent discussions indicate that its popularity does not match its in-game power. The Druid is generally considered the least played class.

7. What is the best solo class in Diablo 4?

The Necromancer is often recommended as the best overall class for solo play, thanks to its minion army. The Sorcerer and Barbarian are also good choices for solo players.

8. Is Diablo 4 newbie-friendly?

Yes, Diablo 4 is very new player friendly. It has a comprehensive tutorial, helpful UI elements, and plenty of resources available online to assist new players.

9. What does the World Tier system mean?

World Tiers are the game’s difficulty levels. Starting on World Tier 1 is recommended for beginners. Higher World Tiers increase enemy difficulty but offer better rewards, such as more experience and loot.

10. Should I skip the campaign in Diablo 4?

If your primary goal is to reach the endgame as quickly as possible, then skipping the campaign is an option, but it’s recommended for your first character to experience the story of Sanctuary.

11. Is Diablo 4 darker than Diablo 3?

Yes, Diablo 4 has a darker atmosphere and is more reminiscent of the original tone of the series compared to Diablo 3, which was considered more bright and cartoonish.

12. How do I party up with friends in Diablo 4?

You can form a party in Diablo 4 after completing the short prologue and reaching Kyovashad. Then you go to the main menu and click on social to find your friends.

13. Is the class system more varied in Diablo 4 compared to Diablo 3?

The class system in Diablo 4 is considered more in-depth, but it is not necessarily more varied compared to Diablo 3. In D4 each class has a unique set of mechanics, skills, and talents.

14. Has the Sorcerer class been buffed in Diablo 4?

Yes, recent patches have buffed several Sorcerer abilities, making it a more powerful class in both leveling and end-game content.

15. Is Diablo 3 easier than Diablo 4?

Yes, Diablo 3 is often considered easier than Diablo 4 by many players. D3 also has more readily available guides for beginners to learn from.