The launch of Diablo 4 was met with excitement and positive feedback initially, but as the game's first season kicked off in July, opinions started to shift towards a more negative stance. This shift was largely due to unpopular patches that saw significant nerfs to abilities, talents, and items across all classes. Coupled with the somewhat limited scope of the Season of the Malignant, the game's reputation suffered. To win back players and restore the community's morale, Season 2 and upcoming updates need to address key issues. Among these, a pivotal point is the game's itemization, which could benefit from one of two possible changes.
Addressing Itemization in Diablo 4
While Diablo 4 is a solid iteration of the franchise, incorporating staple ARPG features, it's not without its flaws. One of the standout issues is the gameplay loop, which encompasses the new approach to level scaling. This rendered the Malignant Tunnels, the new seasonal activity, obsolete by level 60. However, the most pressing problem lies in the game's itemization. Players have expressed a desire for a more accessible route to obtaining uber-rare uniques, yet another aspect of itemization requires more immediate attention.
Lowering Gold Costs or Reducing the Affix Pool
Currently, obtaining the perfect items for your character in Diablo 4 can be a lengthy and uncertain process. The game's leveling experience can already feel grindy, focused on a set range of activities like Helltides and Nightmare Dungeons. Consequently, having to find items that align perfectly with your desired build can seem like an additional chore, although it's inherent to the nature of ARPGs.
The crux of the itemization problem lies in the exorbitant amounts of in-game gold needed to reroll a single stat on an item, particularly at higher levels. Although the ability to do so provides a form of player agency and acts as a gold sink, the high cost coupled with no guarantees can be discouraging. Moreover, amassing significant amounts of gold in Diablo 4's endgame is not a simple task.
However, Blizzard holds two viable options to rectify this situation. Firstly, the studio could reduce the steep costs associated with rerolling affixes and crafting Aspects through the Occultist. Both processes are integral to any build but can be financially draining when performed multiple times across multiple items. This change would not only alleviate the in-game economy strain but also provide a more manageable path for players.
Alternatively, Blizzard could consider reducing the number of available affixes on items. Such a move would lead to better item drops and an improved likelihood of obtaining items with appropriate stats or at least acceptable ones that don't hinder progress.
Diablo 4 Legendary items
demonstrate this concept well. They can drop with either a beneficial Aspect or solid base stats for potential Aspect modification. Trimming the affix pool would streamline the process of obtaining well-suited items for various builds, ultimately reducing costs.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of refining Diablo 4's gameplay experience, addressing itemization is paramount. Whether through diminishing gold costs for rerolls or reducing the affix pool on items, Blizzard has the power to enhance player satisfaction, economic balance, and overall enjoyment of the game. By implementing these changes, Season 2 and subsequent updates have the potential to breathe new life into Diablo 4, creating a more engaging and rewarding experience for players.
