Why Diablo 4's Release is Incomplete Without These 2 Key Features

Diablo 4 has received positive feedback from both fans and critics, despite not yet being fully released. Blizzard's transparency about the development process and goals has been appreciated. Concerns about in-game purchases similar to Diablo Immortal have been addressed by the team, stating that there will be no ways to gamble money or purchase power increments, even with the season pass. Players have been able to test the game through betas, with Blizzard taking feedback into consideration. Class balance changes were made during the recent Server Slam beta, with further adjustments to buff the Necromancer's minions. While Blizzard may continue to make changes after launch, there are some deliberate features that Diablo 4 is missing, potentially harming its release.

Diablo 4's Missing Quality-of-Life Features Could Have Taken it to the Next Level

The use of a map overlay in action RPGs is a familiar concept to fans of the Diablo series. This feature was successful because it allowed players to easily check the map without continuously clicking a button and periodically closing it. Games like Path of Exile also implemented this feature successfully, allowing players to customize its opacity and displayed icons. Although Diablo 4 could have included a map overlay, Blizzard decided against it due to the fear that it would ruin the game's immersion. However, players still need to refer to the map occasionally to check their progress, and having it pop up in a separate screen accomplishes the same thing. Diablo 4's minimap is a great tool that players can use to highlight the quickest route to their destination, eliminating the need to consult the full-scale map. However, this feature may not always be feasible.

Moreover, while Diablo 4's class system features a shared health pool, the resource pool differs in color, name and usage, and is only visible on both sides of the skill bar. However, this arrangement can pose a problem as most ARPG players prefer to keep their eyes on their character and surrounding enemies. Therefore, having a small health and resource bar on top of the character model could make the gameplay feel more seamless. Unfortunately, Blizzard seems hesitant to include this feature in the game for fear of it being immersion-breaking. Nevertheless, the addition of these quality-of-life features would significantly enhance the experience of players slaying powerful bosses and uncovering Lilith's plans in Diablo 4. While their exclusion from the launch does not mean they will never be included in the game, it would feel like a missed opportunity after an otherwise successful pre-launch experience for Diablo 4 with its current model and three betas.