Blizzard has impressively designed Sanctuary in Diablo 4, incorporating iconic locations from the franchise while incorporating diverse climates and geography to maintain excitement throughout the campaign and beyond. While Hell is featured in the game, Heaven is noticeably absent, making it likely that it will be included as a future content update.
Considering the recent controversies surrounding Blizzard's reputation, the positive reception and strong sales of Diablo 4 must have come as a relief for both the studio and the publisher. By incorporating lessons from Diablo 3, integrating popular elements from Diablo 2, and implementing quality-of-life features from other modern action RPGs, Diablo 4 deserves a prominent place among Blizzard's esteemed collection of games. Furthermore, with its live-service model, the game will continue to provide new content and keep players engaged, beginning with the arrival of its first season in mid-July.
Locational Variety is One of Diablo 4's Strong Points
Diablo 4 offers players a diverse range of environments, allowing for a fresh and engaging gameplay experience. From the arid sand dunes of Kehjista to the frozen tundra of the Fractured Peaks, the game's expansive open world presents unique and intricately detailed locations. As players journey between the five regions, they will witness a natural sense of transformation, preventing any visual monotony. Additionally, the inclusion of instanced dungeons, ruins, and cellars adds further variation to the scenery.
In the final act of Diablo 4, players will venture into the depths of Hell, a recurring setting throughout the series. Starting from the Tristram Cathedral in the first Diablo game and continuing through mobile spin-off Diablo Immortal, Hell has remained a consistent and impactful presence. In contrast, Heaven, the counterpart to Hell, has played a less prominent role in the games, which is understandable considering the franchise's focus on darkness and evil.
Adding Heaven to Diablo 4 Would be Divine
Diablo 3 marked the first time players could explore the celestial realm of the High Heavens within the franchise. This stunningly intricate architectural setting served as the backdrop for the game's fourth act, providing a refreshing change from the desolate landscapes of previous acts. Although swarming with endless hordes of demons, this stark contrast played a crucial role in preventing monotony within Diablo 3. While some fans found Blizzard's interpretation of Heaven slightly underwhelming, longtime followers of the series were treated to an indulgent display of fan service with the opportunity to finally delve into the realm of angels.
Diablo 4, the franchise's biggest and most ambitious installment so far, would greatly benefit from the introduction of a Heaven zone. Considering Blizzard's long-term commitment to the game, including regular seasonal content and future expansion packs, it only makes sense to explore a location that holds such significance. The game's storyline naturally lends itself to the player eventually ascending to Heaven, potentially in search of assistance regarding the loose Soulstone of Mephisto and the tragic fate of Inarius.
Content: Diablo 4's exciting future includes the addition of new environments beyond Heaven. With its live-service plans, Blizzard aims to build upon the game's solid foundation to keep players engaged for years to come. It remains to be seen whether the first new playable zones will be introduced or if a larger offering of new content will be saved, but one thing is certain - Diablo 4's future is full of potential. It is currently available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.