Highlights
Criticism has been directed towards Diablo 4's first major Battle Pass offering in Season 1 due to its inadequate distribution of premium currency. Players are only able to earn a meager amount of 666 Platinum, while the lowest-priced cosmetic available in the store costs 800 Platinum.Despite the option to earn an exclusive seasonal armor set through the Battle Pass, this does not compensate for the scarcity of usable currency. As a result, players are left feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.
Diablo 4 and Destiny 2 share similarities in their season pass model, but Diablo 4's approach has been criticized for using the Battle Pass as a means to attract players while still requiring additional purchases. As a result, some long-time fans of Diablo have started considering Path of Exile 2 as a potential alternative. This is due to Path of Exile 2's fair monetization system and its free-to-play nature.
Blizzard's decision regarding the inclusion of Diablo 4's premium currency, Platinum, in the game's first major Battle Pass offering has been seen as stingy. While having an additional post-launch Battle Pass in a full-price AAA title is not uncommon, the issue with Diablo 4 lies in its implementation of the in-game premium cosmetic store.
Diablo 4's Season 1 has faced criticism for various reasons, including unbalanced gameplay and changes that hinder player progress. However, attention has now shifted to the game's cosmetic pricing and the use of premium currency. The Season of the Malignant introduces a Battle Pass feature, which rewards players with Platinum, the premium currency, upon completion. Unfortunately, the amount offered, a mere 666 Platinum, falls short, considering that the cheapest cosmetic in the premium store costs 800 Platinum. As a result, players are required to purchase additional Platinum bundles in order to use the currency they have earned from the Battle Pass, leading to discontent among the community.
It is important to note that Diablo 4's new seasonal armor set functions as a universal cosmetic set that appears to be exclusive to those who complete the Battle Pass. The Platinum reward itself is not the main focus, but it is disappointing that the amount of currency awarded is insufficient for meaningful use.
Despite the existing animosity between Destiny 2 and Diablo 4, both games employ a remarkably similar season pass model. Destiny 2 does not provide any premium currency without real-money transactions, which is objectively inferior to Blizzard's approach. However, it is evident that the Diablo 4 developer is using the Battle Pass as an incentive for players.
Old-school Diablo fans may not be satisfied with Blizzard's current direction for the game and might prefer to explore Path of Exile 2 as a potential replacement for Diablo 4. Path of Exile, known for its fair monetization system and complete free-to-play model, offers an easier and more cost-effective entry point. However, it remains uncertain whether Path of Exile 2 can match the classic charm of the Diablo franchise. Diablo 4 is accessible on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
