Since its establishment in 1996, the Diablo series has attributed its triumph to its compelling gameplay, ominous ambiance, and remarkable loot. Gamers constantly seek out items that significantly enhance their character's abilities, aiding them in confronting and vanquishing the infernal demons that threaten to seize control of the Sanctuary.
Diablo 4 players express the unparalleled exhilaration of assuming the role of a hero in a fast-paced action game. However, regrettably, the items utilized by players to safeguard the Sanctuary from demons do not always uphold the same caliber as seen in previous installments. In Diablo 4, there exist several items that are actually inferior to those found in previous games.
10 Stone of Jordan
The Stone of Jordan was highly coveted in both Diablo 2 and Diablo 3 for its ability to enhance damage to all skills and increase the wearer's maximum mana or resource.
In Diablo 4, the Stone of Jordan has diminished in value. Its damage boost has significantly decreased, making it ineffective in battles against Lilith, a formidable demon. Consequently, it has become less dependable and less desirable than it was previously.
9 Windforce
The Windforce bow has always been highly coveted by players due to its incredible damage and knockback ability. In Diablo 1, it was known as a long war bow, while in Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, it took the form of a hydra bow. The knockback effect of this weapon has made it particularly valuable for crowd control.
However, in Diablo 4, Windforce has disappointed gamers by losing its knockback feature. Instead, it now only stuns enemies for a brief period of time. This change has made it less efficient in keeping enemies at a distance, and has significantly diminished its uniqueness compared to its previous iterations.
8 The Furnace
In Diablo 3, the Furnace was the preferred choice for players specializing in eliminating elites, particularly crusaders. The item, a two-handed mace, had a passive ability that inflicted fire damage based on a percentage of the enemy's maximum health with every strike. Its effectiveness in effortlessly dismantling foes made it highly sought-after among players.
In Diablo 4, however, the Furnace has been stripped of its remarkable passive ability. Instead, it now only possesses a probability of igniting enemies, causing damage over time through fire. This alteration not only diminishes its effectiveness against adversaries with high health, but also limits its versatility.
7 Natalya's Set
In Diablo 3, the Natalya's Set was originally created exclusively for the Demon Hunter class, consisting of a crossbow, cloak, ring, boots, and gloves. It offered significant benefits by improving the wearer's skills and attributes such as mobility, damage output, and survivability.
However, in Diablo 4, Natalya's Set is no longer restricted to the Demon Hunter class. It can now be used by any class that is capable of wielding crossbows. This expanded accessibility makes the set less specialized and therefore less desirable to dedicated Demon Hunters.
6 Enigma
The Enigma runeword in Diablo 2 was famous for its incredible effects, allowing players to enhance their body armor by inserting three specific runes. Some of its notable abilities included increased maximum life and mana, magic find and damage reduction, and the highly sought-after power of teleportation. This item was widely recognized as one of the most powerful assets in the game.
Unfortunately, in Diablo 4, the Enigma has undergone significant changes. Instead of granting teleportation, it now provides Blink, a skill that allows for a short-range dash but has a cooldown period. Many gamers feel that this alteration takes away from the exhilarating experience that the item once offered.
5 The Oculus
The Oculus, a wand exclusive to sorceresses with immortal-type builds in Diablo 2, stood out as a formidable weapon in the game. It granted significant bonuses to skills, improved mana regeneration, and had the ability to cast various spells upon striking an enemy. In Diablo 3, the Oculus was replaced by a different legendary wand with the same name but different effects. This new version enhanced damage for those within a specific area and was well-suited for different wizard builds.
However, in the upcoming Diablo 4, The Oculus has lost its unique appeal. Developers have made it more specific to certain classes and less versatile, resulting in a decrease in its overall strength.
4 The Stormshield
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The changes made to the iconic Stormshield in Diablo 4 have disappointed some players. This well-known item, which played a crucial role in various builds like the Hammerdin build throughout Diablo 2 and 3, offered excellent defense, block chance, and resistances. Unfortunately, in Diablo 4, significant nerfs have transformed the Stormshield into a generic legendary item, resulting in noticeable reductions in both its block chance and resistances.
3 The Thunderfury
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From being one of the most renowned melee weapons in Diablo 3, Thunderfury stood out due to its exceptional attributes. It boasted high damage output, swift attack speed, and the unique ability to deliver lightning damage while impeding the movement of enemies with every strike. Additionally, Thunderfury possessed an enchanting visual element: it emitted electrifying bolts that linked both foes and comrades together.
Regrettably, Diablo 4 gamers will find that Thunderfury has lost its former dominance. The weapon now features a less powerful base damage, a reduced proc coefficient, and is limited to dealing only elemental damage.
2 Frostburn Gauntlets
The Frostburn Gauntlets have a legendary reputation and are a staple in all Diablo games. They are known for their ability to increase cold damage and freeze enemies when in contact. These gauntlets were highly regarded in Diablo 1 and 2, particularly among Sorceress and Necromancer builds that focused on icy spells.
However, in Diablo 3, the Frostburn Gauntlets lost their appeal. They had lackluster statistics and did not complement other items or skills effectively. While still usable in Diablo 4, the gloves do not possess the same power they once had.
1 Arkaine's Valor
Arkaine's Valor, a renowned and highly sought-after chest armor, holds a revered place in the history of Diablo games. With a profound legacy, this ancient artifact, once owned by the esteemed Nephalem warrior Arkaine, has the ability to enhance all attributes and skills. In both Diablo 1 and 2, players eagerly desired the exceptional power of Arkaine's Valor, especially those who embraced hybrid playstyles and utilized a variety of skills and attributes.
However, in Diablo 3 and 4, the allure of Arkaine's Valor has diminished somewhat as a result of its reduced defensive capabilities and limited customization options. Additionally, it lacks the synergy that could be achieved with other items or skills.
Players can currently access Diablo 4 on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series S.