Diablo IV Beginner's Guide

If you're already feeling overwhelmed or you don't feel like having a rocky start, you're not alone. The first time I entered the Sanctuary, I kind of struggled, too. That's why I made a guide to ensure you don't have a rough start in Diablo IV.

Choosing Your Class.

You will start by selecting a class, as it affects your play style throughout the game. You have a selection of five different classes: Sorcerer, Rogue, Barbarian, Necromancer, and Druid - all of them feel really different. The Sorcerer unleashes elemental power, the Rogue combines agility and precision, and the Barbarian uses plain force. 

If you're interested in controlling an army of minions, then the Necromancer has to be the choice for you. If you're looking for a class that has everything, then the Druid is your choice, with his shapeshifting and nature-based abilities.

For newcomers, I recommend taking any class and trying different leveling builds. Personally, I like the Lightning Werewolf Druid and Summoner Necromancer - they are quite fun for someone just starting out. Take your time and research because this is your foundational decision leading into the rest of your experience.

Understanding Seasons

Diablo IV introduces the series' first-ever seasonality, with seasons arriving three months apart, packed with new content, gears, bosses, and systems. You will have to make a choice to dive straight into a Seasonal Server or the Eternal Realm, where all of your prior game content remains intact.

I would definitely recommend the Seasonal Server for newcomers. That's where most of the community is, and seasons are usually more fun. At the end of the season, your character travels to the Eternal Realm, which means nothing is wasted. Seasons are a really, really good time to test new builds, learn new mechanics, and just enjoy being a part of this game.

Choosing a World Tier.

At first, you will be able to choose between World Tier 1 or World Tier 2. Both of them deal with the challenge and experience rate. In reality, World Tier 1 is way safer for fresh players; you will easily tear through enemies, and after some time, you will get some experience. Although technically, Tier 2 gives more rewards.

Capstone Dungeons unlock at Level 50, along with it, Tier 3, and finally Tier 4. Inside those higher tiers are tougher enemies, much better loot, and a general ramping up in challenge. For now, though, don't you mind about that; just enjoy the storyline and learn the game's mechanics.

Conquering Key Quests

Other than the story, there will be a number of quests that sprout from everywhere. Priority Quests, usually marked with an original icon, are the ones you'd want to focus on. These unlock important game features like upgrading potions, using gems, and modifying gears. The beginning player will appreciate these because they can make you understand the dynamics of the game without getting it all cramped up.

Getting your Mount

Ah, the mount is a complete game-changer! Well, to get your mount, complete the quest called Donan's Favor in Act IV of the story. Once you've completed that, you'll be flying across Sanctuary in no time. You can travel faster and spend your time doing the fun stuff.

Gear Basics

Now, about the equipment. Like in most RPGs, Diablo IV is color-coded according to its rarity: white for common, blue for magic, yellow for rare, orange for legendary, and gold for unique. Early on, arm yourself with the best you can find. You really don't have to be too concerned about perfect stats-they matter more later on.

On the higher World Tiers-Tier 3, Tier 4-the gear becomes "Sacred" or "Ancestral," and that is when it sees some serious jumps compared with the previous stuff. You'll probably want to actually start matching gear carefully to your build by then. For now, you want to use gear that gives you the biggest numbers, such as the Codex of Power.

The coolest stuff about Diablo IV is that most of the Legendary gear boasts special powers in Diablo called Aspects. These will really Complement your build. The so-called Codex of Power lets you round up a few different Aspects and Reuse them, providing specific dungeon completion or some other tasks. Just think about the ability library, which you could use if you only feel like using some.

For example, if you're a Druid and love your wolves, you're going to find Aspects that empower them. Doing the right dungeon unlocks the power in your Codex, which you then stamp onto your gear. Be thinking, as you're playing, of Aspects that fit your playstyle, the things that make big differences.

Overthrowing Strongholds.

Strongholds are marked locations on the map that are infested with baddies; cleaning them out actually rewards and unlocks new locations, waypoints, and objectives. Of course, these places are worth exploring whenever you come across them - they're a great way to go forward, traveling the world and creating access to new opportunities.

Participate in Events Timing

World bosses, Helltides, and Legion events all have a timer and pop onto your map quite often. It's great for farming loot and experience, not to mention some special rewards that are in conjunction with those events. You should really always be on the lookout to jump into these when they are up; you won't regret it. If you're afraid of missing those, well, there's Wowhead and add-ons like Mobalytics that help with this.

What to Do After the Story

Diablo IV really opens up once you've rolled credits on the main campaign. Here's a rough overview of everything you can get into:

1. Tree of Whispers: Grim favors for a reward.

2. Hell Tides: Tier 3 rewards rare craft resources.

3. Nightmare Dungeons are among the most challenging dungeons, and they are increasing in difficulty.

4. Renown System: Rewards granted by completing specific activities in each zone.

Once you finally cross the threshold of Level 50, then improvement to your character comes through the Paragon Board. Try it all so you can find out what you like most: There isn't a 'right' way to go about it or a 'wrong' way of doing the endgame, and variety keeps the player from ever being bored.

Also, check out our Diablo IV Review, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred DLC Review, and other guides below:

• Diablo IV Guide | Gameplay Tips and Tricks
• Diablo IV Guide | Tips For Faster Leveling
• Diablo IV Guide | Mistakes To Avoid Early In The Game
• Diablo IV Guide | Best Sorcerer Build Early Game To Level 100
• Diablo IV Guide | Most Powerful Build From Each Class
• Diablo IV Guide | Which Class Should You Pick
• Diablo IV Guide: All Essential Terms, Phrases, Figures & Skills
• Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred | Mercenary Guide
• Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred | Spiritborn Guide
• Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred | Dark Citadel Guide