In Diablo 4, the pursuit of loot is paramount. The game's latest installment introduces a new item system that adds a refreshing twist to the quest for that coveted upgrade. While this change may seem minor, it is actually quite significant, and players will only have access to it once they reach the early stages of the endgame.
As players progress through Diablo 4, they will come across two new types of loot that will greatly impact their character builds. It is crucial to understand the ins and outs of these items, and this guide will provide comprehensive coverage of all the important details.
What are Sacred and Ancestral Items?
In Diablo 4, Sacred and Ancestral items offer a significant upgrade from the common gear found in the early levels of the game. These exclusive item tiers can only be obtained by playing on higher difficulties, with Sacred items dropping in World Tier 3 and Ancestral gear appearing in World Tier 4.
The key difference between these tiers lies in their superior stats and power levels. As players progress through the game and encounter tougher enemies, they will require stronger gear to overcome them. Sacred items provide a noticeable improvement over standard gear, while Ancestral items represent the ultimate equipment available to players.
Sacred and Ancestral versions of items are available in all rarities, ranging from common white items to rare Uniques. However, players should not assume that playing at higher difficulties will guarantee the drop of higher-tier items, as luck still plays a significant role in the game. Nevertheless, engaging in activities like Nightmare Dungeons or opening Tortured Gifts during Helltides tend to yield better gear than regular loot sources.
In addition to their superior base stats, Rare-tier Sacred and Ancestral items possess an extra affix compared to their regular Rare counterparts. Furthermore, they boast better minimum and maximum affix rolls, although item category is not the sole factor that determines the extent to which these stats can be rolled.
Players can enhance their Sacred and Ancestral weapons in the town Blacksmiths, but it can be costly. It's important to note that while Ancestral items have superior stats compared to Sacred or regular ones, players should review the affixes that come with them. In some cases, a Sacred Helmet may be more advantageous than an Ancestral one, especially if it provides additional skill ranks or better elemental resistances. Moreover, with enough upgrading, a Sacred item can hold its own against Ancestral gear and remain effective in the later stages of the game.
Diablo 4 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.