Diablo 4 is one of the most anticipated games of the decade, and fans are eager to know what the developers have in store for them in the upcoming year. In this article, we will cover the major updates and expansions that are planned for Diablo 4 in 2024, as well as some of the features that we hope to see in the future.
Upcoming Updates for Diablo 4 in 2024
The developers of Diablo 4 have promised to deliver regular updates and content for the game, and they have already revealed some of the exciting features that will be added in 2024. Here are some of the highlights:
- Season 3: The Gauntlet, Leaderboards, Hall of Ancients. Season 3 will introduce a new endgame mode called The Gauntlet, where players will face increasingly difficult waves of enemies and bosses in a timed challenge. The Gauntlet will also feature leaderboards and rewards for the top performers, as well as a new social hub called the Hall of Ancients, where players can interact with other adventurers and show off their achievements.
- Additional Endgame Content. Besides The Gauntlet, the developers have also hinted at adding more endgame content for Diablo 4, such as new dungeons, quests, events, and world bosses. These will provide more variety and replayability for the players who have reached the level cap and want to test their skills and gear against the toughest challenges in the game.
- Changes to Helltide. Helltide is the dynamic weather system that affects the game world and the gameplay of Diablo 4. In 2024, the developers will make some changes to Helltide, such as adding more types of weather effects, increasing the frequency and intensity of the storms, and making them more impactful on the combat and the environment. For example, some weather effects will reduce the visibility, increase the damage, or spawn more enemies in certain areas.
- Increased Item Power Sources. One of the main criticisms of Diablo 4 at launch was the lack of item diversity and customization. The developers have acknowledged this feedback and have promised to improve the item system in 2024. They will add more sources of item power, such as new legendary affixes, set bonuses, runes, gems, and enchantments. They will also increase the drop rates and the quality of the items, and allow players to modify and upgrade their items more easily.
- Gold Trading Option for Consoles. Diablo 4 is the first game in the series to feature cross-play between PC and consoles, but there are some differences between the platforms. One of them is the trading system, which is more restricted on consoles due to the limitations of the online services. However, the developers have announced that they will add a gold trading option for consoles in 2024, which will allow console players to trade items with other players using gold as the currency. This will make the economy more balanced and accessible for all players.
Updates Planned for Late 2024
The developers of Diablo 4 have also revealed some of the updates that are planned for the later part of 2024, which will include the first major expansion for the game. Here are some of the features that we can expect from the expansion and beyond:
- Season 4. Season 4 will coincide with the release of the first expansion, and it will bring new content and features for the game. The details of Season 4 are not yet known, but we can expect new seasonal themes, rewards, challenges, and mechanics that will spice up the gameplay and the progression of Diablo 4.
- Itemization Changes. The developers have stated that they are not satisfied with the current state of the itemization in Diablo 4, and that they will make significant changes to it in the future. They will overhaul the item system, and introduce new item types, attributes, affixes, and mechanics that will make the items more diverse, interesting, and meaningful. They will also rework the balance and the scaling of the items, and make them more compatible with the different builds and playstyles of the game.
- Vessel of Hatred Expansion. The first expansion for Diablo 4 will be called Vessel of Hatred, and it will add a new story chapter, a new region, a new class, and more content and features for the game. The expansion will focus on the conflict between the forces of Heaven and Hell, and the role of the Nephalem, the offspring of angels and demons, in the eternal war. The expansion will also introduce a new enemy, the Vessel of Hatred, a mysterious and powerful being that is the result of a dark experiment by the Prime Evils.
- Introduction of a New Class. The new class that will be added in the Vessel of Hatred expansion will be the Druid, a shapeshifter and a master of nature. The Druid will be able to transform into different animal forms, such as a wolf, a bear, or a raven, and use their abilities and skills to fight their enemies. The Druid will also be able to summon and control various natural forces, such as storms, plants, and rocks, and use them as weapons or allies. The Druid will be a versatile and dynamic class, that will offer a unique and fun gameplay experience for the players of Diablo 4.
- Return of a Fan-Favorite Region from Diablo II. The new region that will be added in the Vessel of Hatred expansion will be the Kehjistan, the desert land that was the setting of the second act of Diablo II. The Kehjistan will be a vast and diverse region, that will feature different biomes, such as oases, jungles, ruins, and temples. The Kehjistan will also be rich in lore and history, as it is the home of the Zakarum faith, the Horadrim order, and the Mage Clans. The Kehjistan will be a nostalgic and exciting region, that will bring back many memories and references from Diablo II.
Wishlist for Future Updates
While the developers of Diablo 4 have already announced and planned many updates and expansions for the game, there are still some features and content that we hope to see in the future. Here are some of the items on our wishlist for future updates:
- Annual DLC roadmap. We hope that the developers of Diablo 4 will continue to support and update the game for a long time, and that they will provide a clear and consistent roadmap for the future DLCs. We hope that they will release at least one major expansion per year, and that they will also add smaller updates and content in between. We hope that they will communicate with the players and the community, and that they will listen to their feedback and suggestions.
- New character classes. We hope that the developers of Diablo 4 will add more character classes to the game, and that they will bring back some of the fan-favorite classes from the previous games, such as the Paladin, the Necromancer, the Assassin, and the Amazon. We hope that they will also introduce some new and original classes, that will offer new and diverse gameplay options and possibilities for the players of Diablo 4.
- Seasonal content. We hope that the developers of Diablo 4 will add more seasonal content to the game, and that they will make the seasons more varied and engaging. We hope that they will add new seasonal themes, rewards, challenges, and mechanics, that will change the game world and the gameplay of Diablo 4. We hope that they will also add seasonal events, such as festivals, holidays, and special occasions, that will make the game more lively and immersive.
- Returning characters. We hope that the developers of Diablo 4 will add more returning characters to the game, and that they will bring back some of the iconic and beloved characters from the previous games, such as Deckard Cain, Tyrael, Leah, Malthael, and Imperius. We hope that they will also introduce some new and interesting characters, that will enrich the story and the lore of Diablo 4.
- Collaborating with the community. We hope that the developers of Diablo 4 will collaborate with the community, and that they will involve the players and the fans in the development and the improvement of the game. We hope that they will create and support tools and platforms, such as modding, custom maps, user-generated content, and feedback forums, that will allow the community to create and share their own content and ideas for Diablo 4.
Conclusion
Diablo 4 is a game that has a lot of potential and promise, and we are excited to see what the developers have in store for us in 2024 and beyond. We are looking forward to the upcoming updates and expansions, as well as the features and content that we hope to see in the future. We are confident that Diablo 4 will be a game that will satisfy and delight the fans of the series, and that will also attract and welcome new players to the world of Sanctuary. Diablo 4 is a game that we will play and enjoy for a long time, and we canât wait to see what the next year will bring.
