Diablo 4 is the latest, highly anticipated instalment of the iconic Diablo series, which was first introduced in 1996. This title represents the cRPG genre with hack ‘n’ slash and dungeon crawling elements. The official release of Diablo 4 took place on June 6, 2023.
Like in previous instalments, in Diablo 4, the player’s task at the beginning is to choose one of the five available playable characters. In this part of the game, players also have the option to pick the gender of their character and customize his or her appearance for better immersion. Here is a ranking of all five Diablo 4 classes – we will present their strengths and try to determine together which class is the best to play!
1. Sorcerer
We will start our ranking with the Sorcerer, whose character has been present in the Diablo series since the beginning (although replaced by the Wizard in the third instalment). The Sorcerer class focuses on magic and spells fuelled by Mana.
Class description:
Capable of harnessing the powers of elements (fire, ice, lightning), the Sorcerer specializes in ranged attacks, including area-of-effect attacks or attacks with damage over time (e.g., fire attacks that deal additional damage to enemies).
The Sorcerer can deal tremendous damage, especially with high Intelligence, which is the priority skill for this class. With the development of certain abilities, the chance of critical hits or Mana regeneration get enhanced, thus increasing the possibility and frequency of special attacks during combat. Skilful development of Lightning magic skills also allows the Sorcerer to leave energy orbs that can be recollected to replenish Mana during battle. The Sorcerer can also effectively slow down enemies using the Chill spell.
Additional mechanics:
The Sorcerer also has a unique and expanded Enchantment mechanic. With this ability, in addition to the six skill slots available to all classes, the Sorcerer can also utilize three additional Enchantment slots, totalling nine skills. While these slots cannot be used as active skills, the character gains passive or semi-passive secondary bonus powers related to these skills, such as Ball Lightning effectively piercing enemies and obstacles or Meteor dealing serious burning damage to multiple enemies.
2. Barbarian
The Barbarian is the second iconic character that appears in almost all Diablo instalments. Strong, resilient, and tank-like, the Barbarian is the equivalent of an armoured warrior. This character can effectively mow down hordes of enemies. The main abilities of the Barbarians revolve around close combat using two-handed or dual-wielded weapons (swords, maces, axes). They also have high defence and stamina, and their special abilities are fuelled by Fury.
Class description:
Barbarians have a wide variety of weapons that can be assigned to different skills and attacks, allowing them to change equipment even during combat, dealing massive damage. They also possess powerful Shouts that stun enemies. Fus-ro-dah! (Yea, we know… different universe)
Additional abilities:
Most of the Barbarians’ skills focus on dealing increased damage, but they have two distinct specializations: the Warlord focuses on defence, tactical damage, and party bonuses, while the Berserker specializes in reckless offence, maximum damage output, self-buffs, and speed.
Barbarians also have another cool feature: each point of Strength increases the damage of their skills, while Willpower improves Fury generation, and Dexterity grants critical chance.
3. Rogue
The Rogue is a class that was absent from the Diablo series for several years (replaced by Assassin, Amazon, and Demon Hunter), but it made a grand return to the delight of fans of the first instalment. Rogues are a fast, agile characters proficient in both melee and ranged combat. Their special attacks are fuelled by Energy.
Class Description
In addition to being able to engage in close-quarters combat and use bows and crossbows, the Rogue fights stealthy and can also use special skills to effectively defeat enemies. Similar to the Barbarian, the Rogue can dual-wield two one-handed weapons (but cannot assign them to skills and attacks). Another advantage of this class is mobility, which can be used for assault, quick repositioning, or to retreat.
Additional Abilities
Rogue skills are divided into three categories: Combo Points, Exploit Weakness, and Shadow Realm. However, to unlock them, players must first complete several Rogue-specific quests.
In addition to their basic abilities, Rogues also have a unique class-specific Imbue system, which allows them to modify the damage they deal as Cold, Poison, or Shadow. Using special cursed oils applied to weapons enables them to deal additional damage – enemies attacked by the curse explode, injuring their allies. Similar to the Sorcerer, the Rogue can also cast basic spells such as Chill, which paralyses enemies.
4. Necromancer
The Necromancer is another class that we could encounter in previous Diablo instalments (in the base games or expansions). It is a character that, similarly to the Sorcerer, possesses magical abilities but of a slightly different nature. It is one of the easiest classes to master in Diablo IV and one of the fan-favorites.
Class Description
One of the most important and interesting abilities of the Necromancers is the ability to resurrect dead enemies and turn them into skeletons or golems that fight on their side. Interestingly, unlike the other classes, their special abilities are fuelled by two resources – Essence and Corpses (which replenish is based on the number of slain enemies).
Necromancers have an intriguing arsenal of weapons. In addition to being able to use daggers, swords, wands, and even shields, their arsenal can also include scythes resembling the Grim Reaper’s.
Additional Abilities
In addition to regular weapon attacks, Necromancers can cast curses that deal damage over time, but also absorb life from enemies, create bone cages on the battlefield, summon exploding spirits, and even cast spells that cause enemies to harm themselves with their own attacks. It all depends on the choice of developed skills, of which Necromancers have four.
5. Druid
The Druid is a class that could previously be encountered in one of the Diablo II expansions, and is a combination of the Barbarian and Sorcerer. Druids are large, strong, tank-like characters, whose combat is based on melee attacks, dealing massive damage… But they also have the ability to cast certain spells. During regular attacks, Druids charge up Spirit, which allows them to use special attacks.
Class Description
The Druid is an interesting class, perfect for those who enjoy direct combat with a twist. Due to their connection with Mother Nature, Druids have the ability to transform into powerful, deadly beasts such as werewolves and werebears, which can deal direct and area damage.
Druids also wield storm and earth magic, which allows them to stun or repel enemies, giving their character time to shape-shift or replenish health. Their arsenal includes one-handed and two-handed weapons (swords, axes), as well as totems.
Additional Abilities
With the development of their character and mastery of subsequent skills, Druids can summon animals such as ravens or wolves that deal additional damage to enemies. After completing one of the quests dedicated to Druids, it is also possible to unlock spirit animals that provide bonuses to the character.
Summary
The new Diablo instalment offers players several interesting characters with unique skills. Each class has its strengths, special attacks, weapons, and certain quests that unlock great abilities. Which one is the best to play? According to us – all of them! Especially since, due to the nature of Diablo, you cannot avoid direct clashes with enemies. The choice of which class to play and the path of its development is entirely up to you.
There are classes available for ranged combat, those that fight in melee, and those that use magic. Each of them is balanced similarly, allowing for enjoyable gameplay.