The Game-Changing Diablo 4 Open-World Addition That Will Haunt Your Character Class

Players can enjoy Diablo 4 either solo or in co-op, as has been the case for previous games in the franchise. With its live-service format, encountering other players in the game world is effortless, and players can join forces with them for demon-hunting without jumping through hoops such as creating a party or matchmaking. The game boasts an open-world map with numerous dungeons and activities to explore, including Strongholds. However, these Strongholds, found in each of the game's five regions, can prove challenging for solo Rogue players. With a total of 15 Strongholds, they present a significant challenge, with enemies that are typically two levels higher than the player, including bosses. For Rogue players, completing a Stronghold may even require a complete character respec, rendering once-reliable builds ineffective.

Diablo 4's Rogue Has a Tendency to Be a Glass Cannon

Investing in the Rogue's ranged attack options can provide significant offensive power, but it comes at the cost of mobility and defense. Moreover, some ranged combat bonuses require the Rogue to stand still, making them vulnerable to enemy attacks. This vulnerability is even more pronounced when playing solo, as there are no allies present to draw aggro from mobs. To make matters worse, Strongholds in Diablo 4 are typically filled with ADDs prior to facing the boss, making solo attempts a tedious chore rather than a compelling challenge. Every time a solo player dies and respawns at their checkpoint, the enemy mobs respawn as well, resulting in an endless cycle of starting from scratch.

Investing in the Rogue's subterfuge and poison skill trees can provide an alternative approach, allowing players to slow and weaken enemies with damage over time effects while utilizing the Rogue's enhanced mobility to quickly move in and out of combat. However, even with these skills, the Rogue remains vulnerable in combat, requiring players to constantly monitor their health and positioning when playing solo in Diablo 4. This adds a level of challenge and excitement to the gameplay, but also increases the risk of losing progress with a single mistake. The Rogue's high offense and lack of defense make it a classic example of a "glass cannon" character, requiring players to prioritize evasion and avoidance tactics to stay alive. While skilled players have successfully completed the Diablo 4 campaign with the Rogue on Hardcore mode, average players may struggle with the class's fragility when exploring everything the game has to offer.

Fortunately, Diablo 4 has made it easy for Rogue players to respec their characters when faced with challenging skill checks. This feature allows for a quick change in playstyle for a small fee, which can be a lifesaver when a previously effective strategy fails against tough opposition. However, it appears that solo Rogue players must come to terms with their vulnerability for now. Diablo 4 is currently accessible on various platforms such as PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.