Diablo 3 was released in 2012, about 10 years after Diablo 2, which enhanced the action and convenience by a big margin. Not only has it become more comfortable to play, the addictive item farming methods and Rifts, tied with an unlimited growth system and challenges, made Diablo 3 loved by many players for a long time. There are even players that return to the game every few months when new seasons start with new content.

As Diablo 3 is still loved by so many fans over all these years, it would have had some impact on the upcoming Diablo 4. Let’s have a look at what’s similar between the two series.

Focusing on the action! 

2 Mouse keys + 4 Keyboard keys

Diablo 3 solidified the action RPG genre and focused on the inherent fun of slaying monsters. Following this, when Blizzard introduced Diablo 4, they mentioned “endless evil to slaughter” as well.

In Diablo 3, Blizzard reduced the number of hotkeys used as part of the actionability and reduced skill assignments to six keys so that a single skill could do more. This continues in Diablo 4, having the skills placeable on two mouse keys and four keyboard keys.

The style where each character has their own resource and the way the characters enter combat by generating and using their resources is also maintained in Diablo 4.

Gearing up becomes more convenient! 

Extracting legendary power

Legendary equipment, which affects skills by enhancing or changing the properties, will also be available in Diablo 4. In Diablo 3, users were able to extract the ability of legendary equipment and apply it to their characters through Kanai’s Cube. There was a similar function in Diablo Immortal as well.

This system is also provided in Diablo 4. You can extract the legendary abilities of equipment and apply them to better equipment. The abilities can be extracted in the form of an item, and this can be used on other equipment. Also, you can open legendary abilities by clearing dungeons, and you can apply these abilities to equipment as well.

Paragon level evolved

You were able to hit the maximum level in Diablo 3 quite easily, and you were able to use all skills and runes early. After hitting the max level, the EXP gained raised your paragon level, which raised some stats.

The paragon level system continues in Diablo 4. You can raise your paragon level from Lv. 50, and this time, it’s not just stats. There’s a paragon board that diversifies the way you can play a character. By unlocking the abilities on the board, you can find the proper path for your build. There are also ‘glyphs’ you can insert to enhance those abilities. Through this, there will be many more builds to try in Diablo 4.

Season system which provides new experiences

The season system, where everything resets with a new patch, is also coming back. They mentioned that it would be held based on Diablo 3. The seasons in Diablo 4 are projected to be held every quarter.

In Diablo 3, there were many different changes every season. There were new systems, new equipment, and different attributes every time. The Altar of Rites system in season 28 is a good example.

Like this, there will be new and diverse attempts every season, along with balance patches, new items, paragon boards, and glyphs. Blizzard also mentioned new quests and events, so it is likely there will be new things to enjoy every three months.

Season objectives will continue in Diablo 4 as well, which is like achievements. By fulfilling the conditions of the achievements, you’ll be able to gain limited rewards.

Improved transmogrification and dyeing

The equipment decided the looks of your character in Diablo 2, so it was difficult to change how you wanted your character to look. In Diablo 3, you were able to change the shapes of equipment and dye them to satisfy your needs.

This is also possible in Diablo 4. Transmogrification and dyeing are possible, and the details of the looks will change according to the character’s stature and build, as well as the material of the equipment.

In the older versions, characters weren’t customizable, but in Diablo 4, you will be able to customize your characters as you please. Your characters will be rendered in the cinematics, so you can be immersed even more when you play.

▲ Your customized character is rendered in the cinematics!