Unlock the Secrets of Diablo 4's Item Level Breakpoints
Unlock the power of your gear in Diablo 4 with Item Level Breakpoints Learn how to identify which items are worth keeping and which to leave behind with our expert guide
In Diablo 4, the search for loot has become more rewarding with the addition of the item level counter. This new feature helps players quickly assess the value of an item and decide whether to keep it or not. But what many players may not realize is that there are specific item level breakpoints that affect the strength of gear. Understanding these breakpoints can help players avoid the frustration of endlessly farming for the perfect piece of equipment. To shed some light on this important aspect of gear selection, here's a brief explanation of how it works.
What are Item Level Breakpoints?
Item level or gear score breakpoints in Diablo 4 essentially determine which power tiers a piece of equipment belongs to. The breakpoints are as follows:
Tier | Item Level |
Tier 1 | 1-149 |
Tier 2 | 150-339 |
Tier 3 | 340-459 |
Tier 4 | 460-624 |
Tier 5 | 625-724 |
Tier 6 | 725+ |
Items have a score near their name in the inventory that indicates their general power level. However, many players are unaware that items have higher base stats once they surpass certain breakpoints. Upgrading an item past a breakpoint results in significant boosts to all of its stats. For instance, a IL140 Ring might have a Critical Strike Chance roll bracket of [1-3%] along with other stats. But upgrading the ring to an item level of 150 or higher increases the Critical Strike Chance roll bracket to [3-5%]. While these numbers are not exact, they demonstrate how reaching a new breakpoint tier affects an item.
When leveling up their characters, players should refer to the chart above to determine whether upgrading an item to the next tier would be more beneficial than replacing it. This is especially true when the item has the ideal stat combinations for a specific build. In the late game, most equipment can be upgraded up to five times at the Blacksmith, raising their item level by 5 points each time. It's best to hold onto items that are at least 15 points away from the next breakpoint, as anything beyond that may be too expensive, particularly when rare resources become more scarce.
Diablo 4 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
