After a decade of waiting, Diablo 4 is finally here for everyone to play – whether they have any experience with the title or not. At first glance, its dark setting may be overwhelming, but we’ll share some tips and tricks to make you a pro in no time!

The next chapter of the glorious fight against the forces of hell is an excellent opportunity to spend many hours discovering all the intriguing details of the dark Sanctuary world. After watching the official trailer, you probably already know it is an absolutely exciting hack and slash adventure to experience solo or with other players. But we also know you may have some doubts.

After all this time since the last title and many improvements from the developers Diablo IV is an entirely new thing. And there’s the terrifying Lilith. Fear not – the new game is easier than it looks! And with a few basics for newbies, you’ll instantly get all rules even without experience. We’ve broken down essential information into brief sections in this ultimate Diablo 4 Beginners Guide, so feel free to use this practical knowledge however you need.

Select a class

Let’s start with the most fun part of any Diablo game, which will be crucial for your immersion later, where character progression is everything. Diablo 4 features five character classes (two genders) that differ significantly in skills and overall play style. But there is no need to decide on one right away – we highly recommend considering all the classes because the one you would never expect may resonate with your style more than others.

This strategy will also guarantee some necessary knowledge about the combat skills of your team or opponents in PvP (Player versus Player). And remember, Diablo IV operates on a seasonal system – meaning that after completing the campaign, you can start a new season as someone completely different and have endless fun. Now that you’ve got those basics – let’s take a look at all character classes:

  • Barbarian – Perfect for melee combat with four switchable weapons (including two one-handed at once) and rage power for dealing more damage. This class enjoys a lot of health, creates powerful combos, and is awesome for newbies who want to experiment with skill customization.
  • Sorcerer — This character class fights from a distance using magical abilities — including AoE to knock down more enemies simultaneously. Sorcerer regenerates quickly, demonstrates extraordinary intelligence, and is suitable for beginners who want to fight from a distance.
  • Rogue – They are sneaky and agile and can infuse weapons with extraordinary effects to deal impressive damage. They are appropriate for melee and ranged combat using daggers, bows, crossbows, and swords. This character class combines Sorcerer and Barbarian skills, which will be great for those who want to attempt something in between.
  • Druid – They use the power of the elements and nature and are suitable for strengthening allies on the battlefield. Druids can also assume animal versions that are much more powerful than their base form.
  • Necromancer – Using dark powers, Necromancers summon the dead to aid in combat and deal damage from a distance. They can also cast debilitating curses and suck the blood from enemies, making them perfect for players who want a darker experience.

Customize your gameplay

Diablo IV features two game modes to choose from right after creating your character. And although all events and quests remain common to both, each provides a different difficulty level. Hardcore mode means complete death with losing all loot, gear, achievements, progress, everything. Softcore returns players to the last checkpoint, but equipment and armor lose 10% durability.

You will also be requested to select a World Tier. There are two to choose from: Tier 1 and Tier 2. The first is uncomplicated and allows you to better focus on the story, uncovering secrets and developing the character. The second means more aggressive enemies, 20% experience points after winning a fight, and 15% more gold dropped from defeated opponents. There are also two additional difficulty levels unlockable after completing further gameplay stages.

Take a good look at the skill tree. Each class has its own attributes, and you can distribute points in all available categories or focus on one. We recommend the second way, as your primary ability determines your basic attacks and powers. But feel free to experiment because up to the fifteenth level, all players can change their skills for free. Check what suits you best and enjoy the entertaining gameplay!

Stay alive

Staying alive may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget this fundamental thing in battle madness. You will find your HP in the lower left corner – this glowing orb indicates the health level, and when it is above 80%, you are fine. Anything below requires some help. Fortunately, the Sanctuary offers many methods of restoring health: using potions, going to a healer, or gaining a new experience level. Taking care of your well-being is crucial, as low health changes how various items and bonuses affect your character.

Explore the world

Do not hesitate to explore the world thoroughly – especially if you start on the easiest Tier 1. There’s no need to rush from one main quest to another when Diablo IV has so much to offer! Follow the side path or travel however you want to learn the abilities of each class better and discover what it’s all about.

As a legend of the hack-and-slash genre, Diablo IV is all about fighting hordes of enemies hiding in the least expected places – and opponents mean valuable loot. Don’t be afraid to lose because each restart helps understand the intuitive rules that control this unique world.

Leveling up and combat

Attacking and killing monsters leads to progress, which is one of the primary goals of Diablo IV gameplay. Start by unlocking the talents in the principal abilities of your skill tree as soon as possible. After reaching the fourth experience level, invest in the main skills that guarantee to deal more damage – which means extra power in general.

During combat, learn to dodge (Space on PC, B on Xbox, and Circle on PS). It will help you escape a complex situation when surrounded by many enemies offering sudden death. Immediately start running around to break the mass of enemies into smaller, killable groups.

Try to go everywhere and destroy what you can. Inconspicuous ruins hide unimaginable treasures – even the destruction of an ordinary wagon leads to a memorable discovery of a craved equipable item that gives more opportunities on the battlefield.

Blacksmith

Your favorite weapon may deteriorate over time or feel not good enough. Blacksmith is the ultimate answer. This handy NPC lives in almost every city with fast travel points. You’ll meet the first one in Kyovashad, and he’ll give some simple quests teaching about the basics of upgrading items.

But later on, you can visit the blacksmith to discover the options for recovering, disassembling, repairing, and upgrading your stuff. Use his services to complete your dream equipment adjusted to your favorite character.

Item Tiers

You’re probably wondering how to recognize the value of objects. There are five item tiers: Common, Magic, Rare, Legendaries, and Unique. Prepare that initially you will find only Common and occasionally Magic or Rare. After obtaining the items, compare them with the ones you already have in your inventory. Check everything: type of weapon, stats, and various unique properties or bonuses.

Sometimes on your way (after slaying a boss or completing a quest), you will acquire aspects. Never underestimate these rewards, as they can be crucial for upgrading your gear. Go to your local occultist and use his services to add mighty bonuses to your chosen, preferably the best weapon.

You can also extract them from legendary items and apply to another favorite piece of equipment. However, remember Aspects are not universal, and sometimes you can get a version destined for a different class than yours.

Renown – a new system

Everything you do brings profit. The Sanctuary world divides itself into regions filled with mysterious locations, points, towns, and dungeons. Exploring new places, clearing dungeons, or completing events translates into Renown Points and progress. Over time, all these points unlock unique rewards that you can always check in your menu. It is worth completing these goals to get surprising bonuses in the easiest way possible.

Altars of Lilith

These are brand-new collectibles that you can find in the visited regions. Don’t hesitate to interact with them, as unlocking the Altars of Lilith provides many passive bonuses to your character. And in this game, every perk can determine your success!

Strongholds

These little red skulls are a perfect opportunity for earning some Renown and having fun defending the world from ultimate evil. Strongholds are special events that mark the place occupied by hellish beasts, and clearing them restores peace and means a new town to explore and manage.

Dungeons

Diablo means dungeons filled with monsters and unimaginable riches. While exploring the game world, you will come across gate icons leading to the dungeons and helping you learn all the requirements of such a location. There’s most often a quest inside and a valuable reward to claim upon completion (mostly Aspects, but not necessarily), and the enemies usually scale to your level, so definitely use this opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause the game?

Diablo IV is an online-only title that requires a constant internet connection. This world is really alive, and everything is constantly changing, so unfortunately — there is no way to pause the game — even when playing solo. Hide somewhere safe or teleport to the town to take care of other matters without losing any progress you’ve made.

How does PvP work?

Fields of Hatred are unique areas enabling battling monsters in PvE or other players in PvP. Go there to earn valuable Seeds of Hatred by fighting, opening chests, and participating in World Events. But hurry before someone steals your rewards!

What is cow level?

It is a secret realm available since Diablo 2, launched as a joke. The mythical cow level takes players to an alternative world infested with mad cows and provides unique rewards unavailable in other regions. In Diablo 2 , it indeed existed, and in Diablo 3, there are two secret levels, one of which is called Not the Cow Level. Funny because the boss there is the cow. The developers now claim there is absolutely no cow level in Diablo IV and never will be. But this may be a lie and a way to lower the players’ attention. So explore and find your way to the legendary cow level!

Can I have a mount?

The mount-unlocking quest comes only after completing all three story acts. When you come across the Mount: Donan’s Favor quest, you’ll obtain a horse that makes exploration more fun than fast travel. And you can customize its style!

Summary

There’s no shame in not recognizing the specific rules of your favorite video game series or not getting them right away. Great titles become increasingly complex, and playing different genres can leave you feeling lost – especially after ten years!

Diablo IV is one of the video games that make discovering everything anew or for the first time genuinely fun. So don’t be afraid to try, don’t worry about dying, and explore it all to design a playstyle that suits you and not others. And remember – there is no cow level.