Diablo 4 Battle Pass: Premium vs. Accelerated – What’s the Difference?
The world of Diablo 4 is vast and ever-evolving, with seasonal content bringing fresh challenges and rewards. Central to this seasonal experience is the Battle Pass, offering players a tiered progression system filled with cosmetics and other in-game goodies. But with two paid options available—the Premium Battle Pass and the Accelerated Premium Battle Pass—it can be confusing to understand the distinctions. Simply put, the Accelerated Premium Battle Pass offers the same rewards as the standard Premium Battle Pass but with the added benefit of instantly skipping the first 20 tiers and an exclusive cosmetic item. This article delves into the intricacies of each pass, helping you make an informed decision on which one best suits your playstyle and budget.
Understanding the Premium Battle Pass
The Premium Battle Pass is a paid option that unlocks access to a significantly larger reward track compared to the free version. While all players can earn rewards through the free Battle Pass tiers, the Premium Battle Pass greatly expands the number and quality of available items. These rewards primarily consist of:
- Platinum Currency: The premium currency of Diablo 4, which can be used to purchase items in the in-game shop.
- Class-Agnostic Cosmetics: Cosmetic items that can be used by any character class, allowing for greater customization.
- Class-Specific Transmog Weapons: Unique weapon appearances designed for individual classes, adding visual flair to your gear.
- Character Customization Elements: Emotes, markings, and other aesthetic features to further personalize your characters.
- Armor Skins: Skins that can be applied across all classes, offering a uniform look or unique variations.
It’s crucial to note that the Premium Battle Pass does not include any in-game power boosts, Smoldering Ashes that improve character attributes are only found on the free track. This ensures that the game remains fair for all players, regardless of their Battle Pass choices. The Premium Battle Pass is primarily focused on enhancing the visual experience and providing premium customization options.
Delving into the Accelerated Premium Battle Pass
The Accelerated Premium Battle Pass takes the standard Premium Battle Pass and enhances it with two key additions. Firstly, it automatically unlocks the first 20 tiers of the Battle Pass. This provides an immediate head start for players who prefer not to grind through the early levels or who simply want immediate access to the initial rewards.
Secondly, the Accelerated Premium Battle Pass includes a unique and exclusive cosmetic item. This item is not available through any other means and is a distinguishing mark of players who opted for the accelerated version.
In essence, the Accelerated Premium Battle Pass is a time-saving measure, allowing you to jump directly into the middle of the reward track while receiving an additional cosmetic benefit. If you value speed and exclusivity, this is the option to consider.
Key Differences Summarized
To make the differences crystal clear, let’s summarize:
| Feature | Premium Battle Pass | Accelerated Premium Battle Pass |
|---|---|---|
| ———————- | ————————————————- | —————————————————————————- |
| Reward Track | Access to all premium tier rewards. | Same access to all premium tier rewards. |
| Tier Skips | None. Requires grinding through all 90 tiers. | Instantly skips the first 20 tiers |
| Exclusive Cosmetic | No exclusive cosmetic. | Includes an additional exclusive cosmetic item. |
| Cost | Generally lower than the Accelerated option. | Generally higher than the standard Premium option due to the added benefits. |
| Power Boosts | None. | None. |
Cost and Value Considerations
The Premium Battle Pass typically costs 1,000 Platinum (approximately £8.39 / $9.88), granting access to all 63 Premium tiers. The Accelerated Premium Battle Pass costs more to reflect its additional benefits. The exact cost may vary based on your region and platform. When considering purchasing either, it’s important to evaluate what you value most. If you’re primarily interested in the cosmetic rewards and do not mind spending time progressing through the battle pass, the Premium Battle Pass is the more cost-effective option. If you value time savings and exclusivity the Accelerated Premium Battle Pass will fit you better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many tiers are in the Diablo 4 Battle Pass?
There are a total of 90 tiers in the Diablo 4 Battle Pass. 27 of these tiers are available for free to all players, while the remaining tiers are accessible to Premium and Accelerated Battle Pass owners.
2. Can I get Smoldering Ashes from the Premium Battle Pass?
No, Smoldering Ashes are only available on the free tiers of the Battle Pass, not the premium track. They are crucial for improving character stats and power, ensuring fairness regardless of the Battle Pass purchased.
3. What is Platinum and how is it used in Diablo 4?
Platinum is the premium currency of Diablo 4. It can be used to purchase cosmetic items, bundles, and other optional content in the in-game shop. Platinum is rewarded through the battle pass.
4. Does the Diablo 4 Battle Pass offer power boosts?
No, the Diablo 4 Battle Pass focuses on cosmetic rewards and character customization elements. It does not provide any in-game power boosts or advantages over players using only the free tier.
5. Can I purchase tiers in the Battle Pass?
You cannot directly gift Battle Pass tiers to other players. However, some may be unlocked via other promotional materials. The Accelerated Premium Battle Pass offers the ability to skip the first 20 tiers by default.
6. Is the Premium Battle Pass a one-time purchase?
No, you need to purchase the Premium Battle Pass or Accelerated Premium Battle Pass every season. Each season introduces a new Battle Pass with unique rewards.
7. Can I hold more than one Premium Battle Pass?
No, you can only activate one Battle Pass per season.
8. If I buy the Ultimate Edition, how do I activate the Accelerated Battle Pass?
To activate the Accelerated Battle Pass included with the Diablo IV Ultimate Edition, navigate to the Seasons section in the in-game Shop. Look for the “Activate Accelerated” button and click on it.
9. How much Platinum is included in the Premium Battle Pass?
The Diablo 4 Season 1 battle pass includes 666 Platinum. The amount of platinum rewards included may vary with each season.
10. What happens if I buy the Premium Battle Pass after having already progressed on the free track?
If you purchase the Premium Battle Pass after making progress on the free track, you will retroactively receive all the premium rewards up to your current tier level.
11. Can I use the rewards from the Battle Pass on all my characters?
Most cosmetic rewards from the Battle Pass, like armor skins and class-agnostic items, are usable across all your characters. Some items like transmog weapons will be class specific.
12. Is the Diablo 4 Battle Pass worth the cost?
Whether the Battle Pass is “worth it” is subjective. If you are interested in the cosmetic rewards, the Premium Battle Pass is a cost-effective way to get a variety of in game goods. If you value the time saving aspect of skipping the first 20 levels and the exclusive cosmetic, the Accelerated pass may be your preference.
13. How do I earn progress in the Diablo 4 Battle Pass?
Progress in the Battle Pass is generally earned by playing the game, completing quests, defeating monsters, and engaging in various seasonal activities.
14. Are there any limitations on purchasing battle passes?
Yes, you cannot gift the Battle Pass or Battle Pass Tiers.
15. How often are new seasons and Battle Passes released?
New seasons and Battle Passes in Diablo 4 are expected to be released regularly, typically on a quarterly basis, bringing new content and rewards with each iteration.
Conclusion
The choice between the Premium Battle Pass and the Accelerated Premium Battle Pass in Diablo 4 boils down to your personal preferences and playstyle. The Premium Battle Pass offers a cost-effective way to obtain a large selection of cosmetic items and in game currency, while the Accelerated Premium Battle Pass adds the bonus of immediately skipping the first 20 tiers and an exclusive cosmetic, catering to players who prefer time-saving measures and exclusivity. By understanding the nuances of each option, you can choose the Battle Pass that best enhances your Diablo 4 gaming experience.