Why the Race to Level 100 Could Ruin Your Diablo 4 Experience

At the start of Diablo 4's early access period, the game caused quite a stir due to the developers' incentivized push for players to reach level 100 in Hardcore mode and secure a spot on a statue of Lilith in-game. Though the first players have already achieved this feat, the race to the top continues to heat up as more players aim for a place in gaming history. However, players who rush through to the end miss out on one of the game's greatest features - its captivating storyline.

The Diablo franchise has always offered intriguing lore for players to explore, but most fans tend to focus on the gameplay and the addictive cycle of defeating enemies, collecting powerful loot, and taking on even stronger foes. As a result, the game's stories have often been told through in-game lore and cutscenes, often becoming an afterthought. Diablo 4 subverts this trend by introducing an array of compelling side quests and NPC interactions that, while not mandatory, shouldn't be ignored.

Diablo 4's Story Is a Series Highlight

Diablo 4 stands out from its predecessors with its exceptionally well-produced story, featuring fully-voiced dialogue and more nuanced NPC interactions. The use of a compelling villain, Lilith, sets it apart even further. Unlike previous games in the franchise, where villains were clearly defined but lacked depth, Diablo 4 offers players a glimpse into the motivations and personalities of Lilith and her plans for Sanctuary. This adds a layer of complexity to the antagonist's role beyond the typical "bring Hell to Earth" storyline found in past games. With its impressive storytelling, Diablo 4 builds upon the successes of its predecessor and elevates the entire series to new heights.

Great RPGs often have some of the best writing and character interactions in their side quests, and Diablo 4 is no exception. While the quests themselves may seem mundane, the conversations with quest-givers and the impact of choices made during the quests can be intriguing. One early quest, accessible during the beta periods, tells a harrowing and heartbreaking story that seems to reference the legendary horror film Hellraiser.

However, rushing through the game to reach level 100 and complete the endgame activities quickly undermines the developer's efforts to make the game engaging. While the main gameplay loop of Diablo 4 emphasizes action, players should not forget the "RPG" portion of the game and explore the many compelling distractions available in the world of Sanctuary. The unexpected interactions and side quests are some of the game's best features, carefully placed detours that should not be missed in the pursuit of character maxing.

Diablo 4 is available now in early access with its full launch coming June 6 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.