Diablo IV#Marketing

The core formula for the series' gameplay revolves around gradually obtaining stronger equipment by defeating increasingly difficult enemies.{{Cite journal |last1=Salter |first1=Alexander William |last2=Stein |first2=Solomon |date=March 1, 2016 |title=Endogenous currency formation in an online environment: The case of Diablo II |journal=The Review of Austrian Economics |language=en |volume=29 |issue=1 |pages=53–66 |doi=10.1007/s11138-014-0289-1 |issn=1573-7128 |s2cid=189953028}} Enemies are fought using different character class skills which can be customized by equipment and talent trees. This concept is used to progress through the story and quests.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4 Will Bring Back Talent Trees And Rune Words To The Series|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-4-will-bring-back-talent-trees-and-rune-wor/1100-6471133/%3e/|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729041452/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-4-will-bring-back-talent-trees-and-rune-wor/1100-6471133/%3E/|url-status=live}} Enemies are split into monster families which are defined by a theme, combat style, and their location.{{Cite web |title=Diablo 4's Creepy New Cannibal Enemies Are Fast And Hungry |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-4s-creepy-new-cannibal-enemies-are-fast-and/1100-6474164/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625123102/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-4s-creepy-new-cannibal-enemies-are-fast-and/1100-6474164/ |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}} Each family contains different archetypes that hold different roles allowing for synergies of specialty abilities between family members. To differentiate between them, they have unique silhouettes, stances and weapons.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4 is getting couch co-op and unique monster families|url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/diablo-4-is-getting-couch-co-op-and-unique-monster-families|website=VideoGamer.com|date=February 27, 2020|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229031453/https://www.videogamer.com/news/diablo-4-is-getting-couch-co-op-and-unique-monster-families|url-status=live}}

Creative director Sebastian Stepien explained that the goal was to create a more "grounded" story than Diablo III.{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2019 |title=BlizzCon 2019 Diablo IV: World and Lore Panel Transcript – Page 2 of 7 – |url=https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-world-and-lore-panel-transcript |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627111946/https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-world-and-lore-panel-transcript |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Blizzplanet {{!}} Diablo III |language=en-US}} In order to achieve this, the plot revolves around the simple folk of Sanctuary rather than "politics, kings, or another high-fantasy theme."

The playable character's effectiveness in combat is determined by their attributes and their boosts from equipped items.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4: All about the loot system & statistics – Millenium|url=https://www.millenium.us.org/guide/8328.html|website=Millenium US|date=November 6, 2019 |language=en|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=February 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226161201/https://us.millenium.gg/guide/8328.html|url-status=live}} Offensive attributes include attack and critical chance which increase damage output. Defensive stats include elemental resistance and defense which increase how much damage can be taken.{{Cite magazine|title=Diablo 4 is introducing new stats and getting rid of Ancient items|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-is-introducing-new-stats-and-getting-rid-of-ancient-items/|last=Brown|first=Fraser|date=December 4, 2019|magazine=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215012140/https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-is-introducing-new-stats-and-getting-rid-of-ancient-items/|url-status=live}} Diablo IV introduces three new attributes: Angelic, Demonic, and Ancestral Power. Angelic and Demonic Power alter the duration of beneficial and negative effects respectively. Ancestral Power increases the chance of effects being applied to another entity.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4 will lose Ancient Legendaries, make items more complex|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/12/3/20993841/diablo-4-ancient-item-affixes-demonic-angelic-ancestral-power-legendary-itemization|last=Gilliam|first=Ryan|date=December 3, 2019|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215012203/https://www.polygon.com/2019/12/3/20993841/diablo-4-ancient-item-affixes-demonic-angelic-ancestral-power-legendary-itemization|url-status=live}} Weapons and gear have increasing rarity which are a general indicator of their power. The rarest items have unique effects that alter more than just the character's parameters.{{Cite web|title=Blizzard Explains Diablo 4's Loot System, And It Sounds Really Good|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2019/11/03/blizzard-explains-diablo-4s-loot-system-and-it-sounds-really-good/|last=Tassi|first=Paul|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025035445/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2019/11/03/blizzard-explains-diablo-4s-loot-system-and-it-sounds-really-good/|url-status=live}} In an interview with lead game designer Joe Shely and senior producer Tiffany Wat, it was revealed that trading and crafting will be available in the game but will be limited to resources outside of the most powerful items.{{Cite web |title=Diablo IV Community Group Q&A |url=http://www.diablofans.com/news/49145-diablo-iv-community-group-q-a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327032206/https://www.diablofans.com/news/49145-diablo-iv-community-group-q-a |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Diablo IV Community Group Q&A |language=en-us}} Limited-time seasons return to the game, which add "season-specific" items, characters, events and content to keep the game fresh for players to enjoy.

Microtransactions are included in the form of cosmetic items.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4 will have cosmetic microtransactions|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/microtransactions|website=PCGamesN|date=November 8, 2019 |language=en-GB|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607224708/https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/microtransactions|url-status=live}} The game cannot be played offline and requires an internet connection.{{Cite web|title=Blizzard is making Diablo 4 online only, but solo play is available|url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/11/03/diablo-4-online-blizzard/|date=November 3, 2019|website=VG247|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301084348/https://www.vg247.com/2019/11/03/diablo-4-online-blizzard/|url-status=live}}

The player's viewpoint is an overhead isometric view, as opposed to third person or first person view.

File:Diablo IV classes.jpg

Six classes have been announced. The Barbarian, Sorcerer, and Druid were announced at BlizzCon 2019,{{Cite magazine |last=Senior |first=Tom |date=February 26, 2020 |title=Everything we know about Diablo 4 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-everything-we-know/ |url-status=live |magazine=PC Gamer |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618120745/https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-everything-we-know/ |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |access-date=May 29, 2020}} while a fourth, the Rogue, was announced at BlizzCon 2021. A fifth class, the Necromancer, was announced in 2022. A sixth class, the Spiritborn, comes with the expansion pack, Vessel of Hatred, which was released in 2024.

• The Barbarian, which appears in Diablo II and Diablo III, has the ability to switch between weapons while in combat.
• The Sorcerer, returning from the first game and Diablo II, is an elemental mage-type character wielding fire, ice, and lightning magic.
• The Druid, returning from Diablo II, can shapeshift between human, werewolf, and werebear forms, and possesses earthen and storm magic.
• The Rogue, returning from the first game, is a quick-moving combatant that alternates between bladed melee or ranged combat with a bow.
• The Necromancer, returning from Diablo II and Diablo III, utilizes dark magic for summoning and attacks.{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/diablo-4-necromancer-xbox-bethesda | title=Diablo 4 Debuting in 2023, Necromancer Revealed as Final Class | date=June 12, 2022 | access-date=June 12, 2022 | archive-date=June 12, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612181558/https://www.ign.com/articles/diablo-4-necromancer-xbox-bethesda | url-status=live }}
• The Spiritborn, an entirely new class, calls upon the unique strengths of four spirit guardians (the centipede, eagle, gorilla, and jaguar).

Character appearance is customizable rather than being tied to a class. These include choosing a character portrait and the skin color of their character.{{Cite web |date=November 2019 |title=Diablo 4 adds customizable skin tones and faces |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/1/20944237/diablo-4-character-creation-customization-appearance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104195143/https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/1/20944237/diablo-4-character-creation-customization-appearance |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |access-date=November 4, 2019 |website=Polygon}} Mount appearances can also be customized. Skill trees exist, allowing for ability customization.{{Cite web |date=November 2019 |title=The biggest changes coming to Diablo 4 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/1/20944241/diablo-4-blizzcon-features-druid-sorceress-barbarian-skill-tree |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102224352/https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/1/20944241/diablo-4-blizzcon-features-druid-sorceress-barbarian-skill-tree |archive-date=November 2, 2019 |access-date=November 3, 2019 |website=Polygon}}

Players are able to traverse through six regions within the Diablo series' world of Sanctuary.{{Cite web |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=November 2, 2019 |title=Here's how Diablo 4's shared world works |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/au/heres-how-diablo-4s-shared-world-works/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111125313/https://www.pcgamer.com/au/heres-how-diablo-4s-shared-world-works/ |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2019 |newspaper=PC Gamer}}

• The Fractured Peaks are snowy mountains that have deep cave systems.
• Scosglen is a forested coastal area, home to druids, werewolves, and drowned-type enemies.
• The Dry Steppes consist of withered plains so harsh that the inhabitants have turned to cannibalism.
• Kehjistan is a war-ravaged desert wasteland containing the ruins of a once-prosperous civilization.
• Hawezar is home to witches, and has a swamp-type setting.
• Nahantu encompasses verdant jungles teeming with dangerous wildlife.

Hell is also a playable area.{{Cite web|title=BlizzCon 2019 Diablo IV: World and Lore Panel Transcript – Page 5 of 7 -|url=https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-world-and-lore-panel-transcript|date=November 11, 2019|website=Blizzplanet {{!}} Diablo III|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627111946/https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-world-and-lore-panel-transcript|url-status=live}} Procedurally generated dungeons are included, and consist of random layouts of interior and exterior environments. Dungeons are separately instanced, therefore non-party players will not appear.{{Cite web|title=BlizzCon 2019 Diablo IV Systems and Features Panel Transcript – Page 4 of 7 -|url=https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-systems-and-features-panel-transcript|date=November 13, 2019|website=Blizzplanet {{!}} Diablo III|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928153315/https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-systems-and-features-panel-transcript|url-status=live}} Sanctuary is a fixed area, therefore it does not have the procedurally-generated maps seen in the game's dungeon.{{Cite web |title=Diablo IV: World & Lore Panel Recap |url=http://www.diablofans.com/news/49148-diablo-iv-world-lore-panel-recap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809172608/https://www.diablofans.com/news/49148-diablo-iv-world-lore-panel-recap |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=Diablo IV: World & Lore Panel Recap |language=en-us}}{{better source needed|date=July 2020}}

The game world is an open world setting; traveling between different regions or dungeons has no loading screens.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4 won't have loading screens between dungeon levels|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/no-loading-screens|website=PCGamesN|date=November 2, 2019 |language=en-GB|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929110012/https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/no-loading-screens|url-status=live}} Additionally, each region can be completed in any order as decided by the player. In order to support these new changes, enemies are scaled to the player (or the party leader in multiplayer) and the story is non-linear.{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2019 |title=Diablo 4's open world is "shared" with other players "variable by location" |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/open-world-players |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627115520/https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/open-world-players |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-GB}} Hardcore mode is present in the game.{{Cite web|title=Diablo IV To Have Extensive Customization, Release Not Soon|url=https://sirusgaming.com/2019/11/04/diablo-iv-customization/|last1=Pepito|first1=Christan|date=November 4, 2019|website=Sirus Gaming|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127125324/https://sirusgaming.com/2019/11/04/diablo-iv-customization/|url-status=live}} Select areas within each region have player interactions restricted until sufficient milestones in the story are reached, and such progress will be synced to that of the party leader. Over-world areas have non-party player interactions such as PVP, and boss events that passing players can join.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4's world bosses are ready and able to smash player faces|url=https://blizzardwatch.com/2019/11/02/diablo-4-world-bosses/|date=November 2, 2019|website=Blizzard Watch|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120160942/https://blizzardwatch.com/2019/11/02/diablo-4-world-bosses/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Blizzard Is Testing 'Interesting New Approaches' to PvP for Diablo IV|url=https://wccftech.com/blizzard-is-testing-interesting-new-approaches-to-pvp-for-diablo-iv/|last=Palumbo|first=Alessio|date=December 7, 2019|website=Wccftech|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=May 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527213754/https://wccftech.com/blizzard-is-testing-interesting-new-approaches-to-pvp-for-diablo-iv/|url-status=live}} Player population in the world will shift depending on the area. Large settlements will display large populations, and to enforce a sense of desolation, more wild zones will change the number of players shown to others.

When questioned about Diablo IV{{'}}s atmosphere, ex-game director Luis Barriga stated: "We want users to feel like they're in a medieval city."{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4 will not have rainbow unicorns and barbarians in pink rabbit suits {{!}} GamexGuide.com|url=https://gamexguide.com/diablo-4-will-not-have-rainbow-unicorns-and-barbarians-in-pink-rabbit-suits/|date=December 4, 2019|website=Gamex|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115010357/https://gamexguide.com/diablo-4-will-not-have-rainbow-unicorns-and-barbarians-in-pink-rabbit-suits/|url-status=live}} For the first time in the series, all assets are standard 3D game assets and terrain has elevation. This allows for in-game cinematics, and environment interaction.{{Cite web|title=Blizzard explains how Diablo IV is different from Diablo III|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/11/02/blizzard-explains-how-diablo-iv-is-different-from-diablo-iii/|date=November 2, 2019|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627111943/https://venturebeat.com/2019/11/02/blizzard-explains-how-diablo-iv-is-different-from-diablo-iii/|url-status=live}}

Set in the Diablo series' world of Sanctuary, Diablo IV takes place 50 years after the events of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls.{{Cite tweet |number=1646196634521419792 |user=Diablo |title=These are the dark events that led to Lilith's return in #DiabloIV. |author=Diablo |access-date=June 1, 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=BlizzCon 2019 Diablo IV: World and Lore Panel Transcript – Page 5 of 7 -|url=https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-world-and-lore-panel-transcript|date=November 11, 2019|website=Blizzplanet {{!}} Diablo III|language=en-US|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627111946/https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-world-and-lore-panel-transcript|url-status=live}} Cultists have summoned the main antagonist and daughter of Mephisto, Lilith (Caroline Faber).{{Cite web|title=BlizzCon 2019: Who Is Diablo 4's Villain, Lilith?|url=https://www.thegamer.com/blizzcon-2019-diablo-4-villain-lilith/|date=November 2019|access-date=November 4, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627111949/https://www.thegamer.com/blizzcon-2019-diablo-4-villain-lilith/|url-status=live}} After the events of previous games, the forces of demons and angels have been depleted, allowing an opening for her to establish power in Sanctuary.{{Cite web|title=Diablo IV announced at BlizzCon 2019|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/1/20942565/diablo-4-announced-release-date-blizzcon-2019|date=November 2019|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101194427/https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/1/20942565/diablo-4-announced-release-date-blizzcon-2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Diablo 4 – Blizzard on the Return to Darkness, Lilith, and the Shift to an Open-World Sanctuary |url=https://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3622525 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804001934/https://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3622525 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |publisher=AusGamers.com}}

Thousands of years before the game's events, Lilith and the angel Inarius (Gabe Kunda) created the realm of Sanctuary to provide refuge for those who wished to escape the eternal conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. This demon-angel relationship led to the birth of the Nephalem, a race that the protagonist falls under; neither Angel nor Demon, but a distinct combination of both. Those in Sanctuary believed that this power would bring attention to their shelter and, as a result, the inhabitants spoke of destroying them. Lilith, not wanting her children to be killed, destroyed any that opposed her, causing Inarius to banish her to the void.{{Cite journal |last1=Bosman |first1=Frank G. |last2=Poorthuis |first2=Marcel |date=2015 |title=Nephilim: The Children of Lilith. The Place of Man in the Ontological and Cosmological Dualism of the Diablo, Darksiders and Devil May Cry Game Series |url=https://heiup.uni-heidelberg.de/journals/index.php/religions/article/view/18506 |url-status=live |journal=Online – Heidelberg Journal of Religions on the Internet |language=en |volume=7 |doi=10.11588/rel.2015.0.18506 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214233502/https://heiup.uni-heidelberg.de/journals/index.php/religions/article/view/18506 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=May 29, 2020}}{{Cite book|last=Cain|first=Deckard|title=Book of cain.|date=2016|publisher=Insight Editions Incredib|isbn=978-1-60887-802-4|location=[Place of publication not identified]|oclc=944380537}}{{Cite book|last=Knaak|first=Richard A.|title=Diablo: the sin war. book 2, Scales of the serpent|date=2007|publisher=Pocket Star Books|isbn=978-0-7434-7123-7|location=London|oclc=84996925}}

The player character, known as "the Wanderer", is drugged by villagers corrupted by Lilith and fed petals of her blood, creating a connection to her. After escaping, the Wanderer meets Lorath Nahr (Ralph Ineson), one of the last Horadrim (returning from Diablo III: Reaper of Souls) and explains the prophecy of Lilith's return. Inarius believes he alone can fulfill the prophecy by killing Lilith, which will allow him to return to Heaven. Aided by a young woman named Neyrelle (Judy Alice Lee), the Wanderer enters the sanctum of Rathma, the first Nephalem and founder of the Necromancers. Inside, Rathma's spirit (Scott Whyte) reveals he had a key to Hell. When Inarius demands the key from him, Rathma refuses, and Inarius kills him; Lilith later finds the key. The Wanderer then journeys to Scosglen to meet another Horadrim named Donan (James Goode), who had defeated a demon called Astaroth (David Lodge) with the aid of two Druids years before. Lilith corrupts the two Druids to find Astaroth's prison and frees him, in exchange for safe passage through Hell. Astaroth possesses Donan's son Yorin (Thierry Mabonga), who dies when the demon is defeated. Donan recovers the Soulstone used to trap Astaroth, and prepares to alter it in order to trap Lilith.

Rejoining Lorath in the Dry Steppes, the Wanderer pursues Lorath's former apprentice Elias (Anthony Howell), who summoned Lilith to Sanctuary. Though Elias cannot be killed, the Wanderer and Lorath retrieve an artifact called the Sightless Eye to discover Lilith's plan: To summon the Lesser Evils to empower humanity against the Prime Evils. She also intends to consume the essence of her father Mephisto (Steve Blum) while he is weak, and use his power to conquer Hell. Elias uses a witch named Taissa (Cherise Boothe) as a vessel to summon Andariel, the Maiden of Anguish, who is defeated by the Wanderer. Seeking to break Elias' immortality, the Wanderer and the Horadrim journey to the swamps of Hawezar. Elias had claimed knowledge from an enchanted "Tree of Whispers", but failed to pay the price – his own head – for that knowledge. Learning that Elias has contained his life essence in his own severed finger, the Wanderer destroys it, before finally defeating Elias; the spirits of the Tree then claim Elias' head.

From the Tree, Lorath learns of a gateway to Hell beneath the city of Caldeum, opened using Rathma's key. In Caldeum, the Wanderer defeats another reformed Lesser Evil, Duriel, the Lord of Pain. Inarius goes ahead into Hell to confront Lilith, who kills him. Donan is mortally wounded, and Lorath remains behind, leaving the Wanderer and Neyrelle to pursue Lilith to Mephisto's Cathedral of Hatred. Mephisto himself, having appeared as a bloodied wolf throughout the Wanderer's journey, urges them to focus on Lilith, but Neyrelle chooses to use the Soulstone to contain Mephisto instead, believing him to be the greater threat. The Wanderer then faces Lilith and defeats her. As she dies, Lilith warns that without her, there could be no victory over the Prime Evils.

With both creators of Sanctuary dead, the party returns home. Neyrelle ventures off on her own with the Soulstone, knowing the Prime Evils are coming, and hoping to find a way to defeat them for good.

After the 2014 release of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, Josh Mosqueira conceptualized Diablo IV under the code name Hades, brainstorming that the game would have over-the-shoulder combat similar to the Batman: Arkham series, permadeath, and multiplayer. Upon the July 2016 departure of Mosqueira from Blizzard, this first iteration of the game was cancelled, restarting development.{{Cite book |last=Schreier |first=Jason |title=Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment |date=October 2024 |publisher=Grand Central Publishing |isbn=9781538725429 |location=New York City |pages=173-174}}

Diablo IV was announced on November 1, 2019, at BlizzCon 2019, and was planned to be released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.{{Cite web |date=November 2019 |title=Blizzard Announces Diablo IV |url=https://kotaku.com/blizzard-announces-diablo-iv-1839540812 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630145858/https://kotaku.com/blizzard-announces-diablo-iv-1839540812 |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=November 1, 2019 |website=Kotaku}}{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=June 12, 2022 |title=Diablo IV will bring the blood waves in 2023 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/12/23164873/diablo-iv-4-launch-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612181602/https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/12/23164873/diablo-iv-4-launch-2023 |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=The Verge}} Development of the PC and console builds happened simultaneously. Diablo IV{{'}}s game director was Luis Barriga, who worked on Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, and World of Warcraft: Legion.{{Cite web|title=Legion Summit Recap: Interviews on Combat Visuals, World Quests, Professions, Content Pacing and More!|url=https://pt.wowhead.com/news=253467/legion-summit-recap-interviews-on-combat-visuals-world-quests-professions-conten|last=perculia|website=Wowhead|language=pt|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101025650/https://pt.wowhead.com/news=253467/legion-summit-recap-interviews-on-combat-visuals-world-quests-professions-conten|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=The Past, Present, And Future Of Diablo|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/11/the-past-present-and-future-of-diablo/|date=November 2, 2019|website=Kotaku Australia|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=June 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613222213/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/11/the-past-present-and-future-of-diablo/|url-status=dead}} Blizzard Entertainment president Mike Ybarra stated that Diablo IV took more than 6 years to develop.{{Cite tweet |number=1663376322574577664 |user=Qwik |title=[...] @Diablo IV has been in development for a long time at Blizzard – over 6 years. Many hard decisions, challenges, and opportunities with the team's (and Studio's) journey in bringing this to release. [...] |author=Mike Ybarra |date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |language=en}}

Game designer Jesse McCree stated that the aesthetic of the game was inspired by that of heavy metal.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4's concept art has an Exorcist reference|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/exorcist|website=PCGamesN|date=November 2, 2019 |language=en-GB|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627115521/https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/exorcist|url-status=live}} Their artistic direction tried to achieve an aesthetic between that of the second and third game in the series, with the darkness of Diablo II and the hand-painted feel of Diablo III and medieval fine art.{{Cite web|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|title=Blizzard on Diablo 4's Rogue and how PvP works within the open world|website=Eurogamer|date=February 19, 2021|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-19-blizzard-on-the-rogue-and-how-diablo-4-pvp-works-within-the-open-world|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219224828/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-19-blizzard-on-the-rogue-and-how-diablo-4-pvp-works-within-the-open-world |archive-date=February 19, 2021 }} John Mueller, Diablo IV's art director, has stated that both the old masters and more modern artists, such as Frank Frazetta and Gerald Brom, serve as inspiration for the game.{{cite web | url=https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-06-06/diablo-iv-the-devil-is-in-the-details.html | title='Diablo IV': The devil is in the details | date=June 6, 2023 }} The development team drew on past editions of Diablo to design characters. For example, the Rogue was intended to capture the high dexterity gameplay of the second game's Assassin and the third game's Demon Hunter.{{Cite web|last=Gilliam|first=Ryan|date=February 19, 2021|title=Diablo 4's classes are all unique, and that starts with the Rogue|url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/19/22290230/diablo-4-rogue-class-reveal-blizzard-blizzcon|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=February 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221183952/https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/19/22290230/diablo-4-rogue-class-reveal-blizzard-blizzcon|url-status=live}}

As of July 2021, Barriga and McCree were no longer employed at Blizzard following the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing v. Activision Blizzard lawsuit.{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=August 11, 2021 |title=Jesse Mcree, Diablo 4 Director No Longer At Activision Blizzard |url=https://kotaku.com/jesse-mcree-diablo-4-director-no-longer-at-activision-1847469113 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811210822/https://kotaku.com/jesse-mcree-diablo-4-director-no-longer-at-activision-1847469113 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Kotaku}}{{Cite web |last=Mackovech |first=Sam |date=August 11, 2021 |title=More Blizzard staff leaves after CA state lawsuit, including 'Cosby Suite' members |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/08/diablo-iv-director-two-cosby-suite-staffers-no-longer-with-blizzard/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812004323/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/08/diablo-iv-director-two-cosby-suite-staffers-no-longer-with-blizzard/ |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Ars Technica}}{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/overwatch-league-casters-stop-saying-mccree-s-name-1847474058 | title = Overwatch League Casters Stop Saying McCree's Name | first = Ethan | last = Gach | date = August 12, 2021 | accessdate = August 12, 2021 | work = Kotaku | archive-date = August 12, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210812160930/https://kotaku.com/overwatch-league-casters-stop-saying-mccree-s-name-1847474058 | url-status = live }}

Following the departure of interim co-lead Jen Oneal, Blizzard announced that Diablo IV would not be released in 2022, citing high employee turnover.{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=November 3, 2021 |title=Blizzard delays Diablo IV, Overwatch 2 amid exec departure |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/11/blizzard-delays-diablo-iv-overwatch-2-amid-exec-departure/ |quote=Oneal's sudden departure came just before Blizzard announced it is "planning for a later launch... than originally envisaged" for two of its most anticipated games: Diablo IV and Overwatch 2. Neither title will be released in 2022, the company said |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103192704/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/11/blizzard-delays-diablo-iv-overwatch-2-amid-exec-departure/ |url-status=live }} Blizzard further announced that the game would be monetized by selling cosmetic items and its season pass, as opposed to selling item upgrades like in Diablo Immortal.{{Cite web |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=August 18, 2022 |title=Blizzard really wants you to know that there's no pay-to-win in Diablo 4 |url=https://www.polygon.com/23311420/diablo-4-microtransactions-monetization-season-pass-cosmetics |access-date=August 18, 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=August 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818232202/https://www.polygon.com/23311420/diablo-4-microtransactions-monetization-season-pass-cosmetics |url-status=live }} On June 12, 2022, a 2023 release was announced. During The Game Awards 2022 event, Blizzard announced that the game would release on June 6.{{Cite news |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=December 8, 2022 |title=Diablo 4 launches June 2023, Blizzard confirms |work=Polygon |url=https://www.polygon.com/game-awards-tga/23500892/diablo-4-release-date-pre-order-bonus-trailer |url-status=live |access-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209025225/https://www.polygon.com/game-awards-tga/23500892/diablo-4-release-date-pre-order-bonus-trailer |archive-date=December 9, 2022}} Subsequently Blizzard clarified that it would be released on starting on June 5, with early access starting on June 1, depending on time zone.{{cite web |date=May 25, 2023 |title=Diablo IV launches soon – here's what you need to know |url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo4/23954935/diablo-iv-launches-soon-here-s-what-you-need-to-know |work=Blizzard.com |access-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530122237/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo4/23954935/diablo-iv-launches-soon-here-s-what-you-need-to-know |url-status=live }}

Users of the open beta have reported issues with playing on a Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti graphics card with has resulted in the game running poorly with frequent overheating and crashing. Some users have reported that the game has caused their graphics card to stop working.{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2023 |title=Blizzard and Nvidia investigating reports Diablo 4 is killing RTX 3080 Ti GPUs |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-rtx-3080-ti-issue/ |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=PC Gamer |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331232936/https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-rtx-3080-ti-issue/ |url-status=live }} Both Blizzard and Nvidia reported in March 2023 that they were working to resolve the issue.{{Cite web|date=March 24, 2023|title=Diablo 4 beta players report GPU issues, Blizzard investigating|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/diablo-4-beta-players-report-gpu-issues-blizzard-investigating|access-date=April 1, 2023|website=Eurogamer|archive-date=March 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331232934/https://www.eurogamer.net/diablo-4-beta-players-report-gpu-issues-blizzard-investigating|url-status=live}}

On January 15, 2024, Microsoft Gaming announced that Diablo IV will be added to Game Pass on March 28, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=2024-02-15 |title=Diablo IV is coming to Xbox Game Pass in March |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/15/24073290/diablo-4-game-pass-xbox-pc-activision-blizzard |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=The Verge |language=en}}

Before the announcement, there was evidence for an imminent announcement in a description for a Diablo artbook.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 4 confirmed again in official art book, BlizzCon 2019 reveal expected|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/28/diablo-4-confirmed-official-art-book-blizzcon-2019-reveal-expected-10995704/|date=October 28, 2019|website=Metro|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627113609/https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/28/diablo-4-confirmed-official-art-book-blizzcon-2019-reveal-expected-10995704/|url-status=live}} In celebration of the Diablo IV announcement, BlizzCon 2019 virtual ticket holders received a set of in-game cosmetic wings based on the wings of Lilith.{{Cite web|title=Diablo 3 season 19 starts today — with two new patches|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/22/20976627/diablo-3-season-19-patch-notes-pandemonium-set-bonuses|last=Gilliam|first=Ryan|date=November 22, 2019|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627113609/https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/22/20976627/diablo-3-season-19-patch-notes-pandemonium-set-bonuses|url-status=live}} The game was promoted at The Game Awards 2022 with a new trailer and a performance of "Lilith" by singer Halsey.{{Cite web |last=Shutler |first=Ali |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Watch Halsey perform 'Lilith' at The Game Awards 2022 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/watch-halsey-perform-lilith-at-the-game-awards-2022-3364292 |access-date=February 26, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215022800/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/watch-halsey-perform-lilith-at-the-game-awards-2022-3364292 |url-status=live }}

Blizzard Entertainment has announced open access beta weekend for Diablo IV, from March 17–19 in early access for those who have pre-ordered the game, and March 24–26 for everyone.{{Cite web |author1=Brendan Lowry |date=April 20, 2023 |title=Diablo 4 Server Slam beta: How to play, download, release date, and more |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/diablo-4-server-slam-beta-how-to-play-download-release-date-and-more |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=Windows Central |language=en |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424003744/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/diablo-4-server-slam-beta-how-to-play-download-release-date-and-more |url-status=live }} On April 20, Blizzard Entertainment announced the second open access beta weekend for Diablo IV, known as the "Server Slam", this time from May 12–14.{{Cite web |last=Northup |first=Travis |date=April 20, 2023 |title=Diablo 4 Announces Final Beta Test, Confirms It Will Include Gameplay Updates |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/diablo-4-announces-final-beta-test-confirms-it-will-include-gameplay-updates |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424003743/https://www.ign.com/articles/diablo-4-announces-final-beta-test-confirms-it-will-include-gameplay-updates |url-status=live }}

Blizzard Entertainment announced on June 1, 2023 the "Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)" music video by Halsey and Suga from BTS. It was released on June 5.{{Cite news |date=June 2, 2023 |title=BTS' Suga and Halsey star in 'Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)': See the trailer of upcoming music video |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/bts-suga-and-halsey-starrer-lilith-diablo-iv-anthem-see-the-trailer-of-upcoming-music-video/articleshow/100686831.cms |access-date=June 5, 2023 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605002953/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/bts-suga-and-halsey-starrer-lilith-diablo-iv-anthem-see-the-trailer-of-upcoming-music-video/articleshow/100686831.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite tweet|author=Diablo|user=Diablo|number=1664255480980557824|date=June 1, 2023|title=.@halsey ft. #SUGA of @BTS_twt {{!}} Lilith {{!}} June 5th #DiabloIV|link=no|archive-date=June 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602172656/https://twitter.com/Diablo/status/1664255480980557824|url-status=live|access-date=July 8, 2023}}

{{Main|Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred}}

Diablo IV{{'}}s first expansion pack, Vessel of Hatred, was announced at BlizzCon 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-03|title=Diablo 4's first expansion is Vessel of Hatred and it's coming in late-2024|url=https://www.vg247.com/diablo-4-first-expansion-vessel-of-hatred-late-2024 |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=VG247 |language=en}} It is set in the region of Nahantu and features a new playable class, the Spiritborn. The expansion pack was released on October 8, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-10|title=Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred Release Date and Details|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/diablo-4/Diablo_4_Vessel_of_Hatred_Release_Date_and_Details|access-date=2024-07-18|website=IGN |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-09|title=Prepare to Embody the Spiritborn – Pre-Purchase Vessel of Hatred|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo4/24096025/prepare-to-embody-the-spiritborn-pre-purchase-vessel-of-hatred|access-date=2024-07-18|website=Blizzard Entertainment |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-09|title=Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion release date announced at Xbox showcase|url=https://www.polygon.com/24173926/blizzard-announces-diablo-4-vessel-hatred-release-date-class|access-date=2024-07-18|website=Polygon |language=en}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = (PC) 86/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/diablo-iv/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Diablo IV for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530204119/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/diablo-iv |url-status=live }}
(PS5) 88/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/diablo-iv/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Diablo IV for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=Metacritic |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530171035/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/diablo-iv |url-status=live }}
(XSXS) 91/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/diablo-iv/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Diablo IV for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=Metacritic |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530171033/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/diablo-iv |url-status=live }}

| OC = 94%{{cite web|url=https://opencritic.com/game/14353/diablo-iv|title=Diablo IV Reviews – OpenCritic|website=OpenCritic|date=May 30, 2023 |accessdate=June 22, 2023|archive-date=June 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607205149/https://opencritic.com/game/14353/diablo-iv|url-status=live}}

| Destruct = 8/10{{cite web |last=Monbleau |first=Timothy |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-diablo-4/ |title=Review: Diablo 4 |website=Destructoid |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530195348/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-diablo-4/ |url-status=live }}

| DT = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Moss |first=Gabriel |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/diablo-4-review-pc/ |title=Diablo 4 review: A bold new step for hack-n-slash RPGs |website=Digital Trends |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530172215/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/diablo-4-review-pc/ |url-status=live }}

| Fam = 37/40{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=May 31, 2023 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1800 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1800 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531062022/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1800 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |access-date=June 2, 2023 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}

| GSpot = 8/10{{cite web |last=Barbosa |first=Alessandro |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/diablo-4-review-mother-knows-best/1900-6418072/ |title=Diablo 4 Review – Mother Knows Best |website=GameSpot |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530165305/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/diablo-4-review-mother-knows-best/1900-6418072/ |url-status=live }}

| GRadar = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web |last=West |first=Josh |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/diablo-4-review/ |title=Diablo 4 review: 'A magnificent and absurd loot theme park' |website=GamesRadar+ |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530171035/https://www.gamesradar.com/diablo-4-review/ |url-status=live }}

| IGN = 9/10{{cite web |last=Northup |first=Travis |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/diablo-4-review |title=Diablo 4 Review |website=IGN |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530065736/https://www.ign.com/articles/diablo-4-review |url-status=live }}

| NME = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Andy |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/diablo-4-review-3446891 |title='Diablo 4' review: diary of a necromancer |website=NME |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531030231/https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/diablo-4-review-3446891 |url-status=live }}

| PCGUS = 85/100{{cite web |last=Colp |first=Tyler |date=June 10, 2023 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-review/ |title=Diablo 4 review |website=PC Gamer |accessdate=June 10, 2023 |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610231140/https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-review/ |url-status=live }}

| PCGN = 10/10{{cite web |last=Bergin |first=Lauren |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/review |title=Diablo 4 review – Hail Lilith, the darkness has returned |website=PCGamesN |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530171051/https://www.pcgamesn.com/diablo-4/review |url-status=live }}

| PCM = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Greenwald |first=Will |date=June 2, 2023 |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/pc-games/146055/diablo-iv |title=Diablo IV – Review |website=PCMag |accessdate=June 2, 2023 |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603033509/https://uk.pcmag.com/pc-games/146055/diablo-iv |url-status=live }}

| PSQ = {{Rating|9|10}}{{cite web |last=Adam |first=Khayl |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/diablo-4 |title=Diablo 4 Review (PS5) |website=Push Square |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531012910/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/diablo-4 |url-status=live }}

| SN = 8/10{{cite web |last=Broadwell |first=Josh |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/135694/diablo-4-review-score |title=Diablo 4 review: A new perspective on a familiar hell |website=Shacknews |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531060130/https://www.shacknews.com/article/135694/diablo-4-review-score |url-status=live }}

| TG = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web |last=Reuben |first=Nic |date=June 1, 2023 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2023/jun/01/diablo-4-review-a-hell-of-a-good-time |title=Diablo 4 review – a hell of a good time? |website=The Guardian |accessdate=June 1, 2023 |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601132245/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2023/jun/01/diablo-4-review-a-hell-of-a-good-time |url-status=live }}

| VGC = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web |last=Middler |first=Jordan |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/diablo-4/ |title=Review: Diablo 4 is Blizzard back at its best |website=Video Games Chronicle |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530171500/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/diablo-4/ |url-status=live }}

| VG247 = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Makar |first=Connor |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.vg247.com/diablo-4-review |title=Diablo 4 review |website=VG247 |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530170526/https://www.vg247.com/diablo-4-review |url-status=live }}

| VG = 10/10{{Cite web |last=James |first=Ford |date=May 30, 2023 |url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/diablo-4-review/ |title=Diablo 4 review – Hell yeah |website=VideoGamer.com |accessdate=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531031850/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/diablo-4-review/ |url-status=live }}

}}

Diablo IV received "generally favorable" reviews for the Windows and PlayStation 5 versions, and "universal acclaim" for the Xbox Series X version, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Windows Central called Diablo IV "Blizzard's magnum opus" and "Blizzard's most important, pivotal game since World of Warcraft, exceeding all expectations."{{Cite web |last=Corden |first=Jez |date=May 30, 2023 |title=Diablo 4 review: This might be Blizzard's magnum opus |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/diablo-4-review |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Windows Central |language=en |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530172848/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/diablo-4-review |url-status=live }} The game was praised for its atmosphere, storytelling, visuals, level design, and overall improvements to the gameplay over its predecessor. Travis Northup of IGN called it "a spectacular sequel". He commended the gameplay, improvements made over Diablo III, and the uniqueness and customization options of the character classes, but criticized the repetition in the game's opening act, and some technical issues. PCGamesN praised the visuals and aesthetic, writing "It's creepy, yet somehow beautiful". While liking the endgame, Ars Technica felt the skill trees presented fewer options for upgrades than in Diablo III.{{Cite web |last=Zimmerman |first=Aaron |date=May 30, 2023 |title=Diablo 4 review: Off to a hell of a good start |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/05/diablo-4-review-off-to-a-hell-of-a-good-start/ |access-date=June 1, 2023 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531234233/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/05/diablo-4-review-off-to-a-hell-of-a-good-start/ |url-status=live }}

Alessandro Barbosa of GameSpot wrote that the game's story was "moving and engrossing", particularly praising the handling of Lilith, the game's main antagonist. Barbosa thought that the game put a larger emphasis on companions than in previous Diablo installments, and highlighted the moment-to-moment action of the game as one of its strongest points. However, he criticized the boss fights in some of the game's more common dungeons for lacking in complexity, calling them less interesting than those encountered in the main story.

Polygon disliked the dungeon-crawling aspect of the game, feeling that it became repetitive fairly quickly, saying "The procedurally generated dungeons don’t vary much in layout and feel like missed opportunities to have fun with randomized architecture".{{Cite web |last=Ong |first=Alexis |date=2023-05-30 |title=Diablo 4 activates and frustrates my lizard brain |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23739085/diablo-4-review-release-date-mmo-pc-open-world |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606163929/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23739085/diablo-4-review-release-date-mmo-pc-open-world |url-status=live }} VG247 praised the game's soundtrack as "exceptional; equal parts haunting and daunting, just like its traumatised world".

On June 6, 2023, Blizzard Entertainment announced that Diablo IV became the fastest-selling game in Blizzard Entertainment's history.{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2023 |title=Diablo® IV Launches, Immediately Sets New Record as Blizzard Entertainment's Fastest-Selling Game of All Time |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230606005812/en/Diablo%C2%AE-IV-Launches-Immediately-Sets-New-Record-as-Blizzard-Entertainment%E2%80%99s-Fastest-Selling-Game-of-All-Time |access-date=June 6, 2023 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606152804/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230606005812/en/Diablo%C2%AE-IV-Launches-Immediately-Sets-New-Record-as-Blizzard-Entertainment%E2%80%99s-Fastest-Selling-Game-of-All-Time |url-status=live }} Diablo IV generated $666 million in revenue within the first five days after launch,{{Cite news |last=Isaac |first=Mike |date=2023-06-12 |title=Diablo IV Breaks Blizzard Records, Surpassing '$666 Million' in Sales |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/12/technology/diablo-iv-video-game-sales.html |access-date=2023-06-13 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613044301/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/12/technology/diablo-iv-video-game-sales.html |url-status=live }} and reached 12 million players by August 2023.{{Cite web |last=GamingLyfe.com |date=2023-08-22 |title=Diablo IV Unveils Season of Blood Featuring Actress Gemma Chan at Gamescom 2023 |url=https://gaminglyfe.com/diablo-iv-unveils-season-of-blood-featuring-actress-gemma-chan-at-gamescom-2023/ |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=G-LYFE Nation – Gaming News, Esports News, Gaming Community |language=en-US}}

The PlayStation 5 version of Diablo IV was the second bestselling retail game during its first week of release in Japan, with 24,375 physical units being sold. The PlayStation 4 version sold 8,524 units in Japan throughout the week and was ranked at number five on the weekly all-format video game sales chart. In total, Diablo IV sold 41,839 retail units across all platforms during its first week of release in Japan.{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=June 15, 2023|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/06/famitsu-sales-6-5-23-6-11-23|title=Famitsu Sales: 6/5/23 – 6/11/23 [Update]|publisher=Gematsu|accessdate=June 15, 2023|archive-date=June 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615134252/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/06/famitsu-sales-6-5-23-6-11-23|url-status=live}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://diablo4.blizzard.com/ Official website]

{{Diablo series}}

{{Blizzard}}

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