Summary
- Diablo 4 adds new endgame challenges like Kurast Undercity and Dark Citadel for better rewards.
- Implementing a meta-progression system like Path of Exile's Atlas of Worlds could enhance Diablo 4's endgame experience.
- Diablo 4's Nightmare Dungeons could help solve the problem if connected.
One could argue that Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion is the culmination of over one year of work on Blizzard's part to improve the base game experience, and with the sheer amount of content and changes added by the DLC's accompanying patch, even free-to-play gamers got a lot out of it. As much as this assessment may be true, one of the biggest pain points of the game so far has been the endgame, as some seasons like Diablo 4's Infernal Hordes did try to provide fans with new exciting content, but the base game has mostly been about Nightmare Dungeons and Uber Lilith.
Instead, Vessel of Hatred adds two new endgame modes that aim to give players more options in terms of Diablo 4 aspirational challenges, and that's something the game has needed for quite some time. The first of the two is Kurast Undercity, a timed trial where players can customize the difficulty and the loot for improved rewards. The second is the Dark Citadel raid, which leans more into the MMO side of Diablo 4 for better or for worse, but it still gets the job done and adds both new challenges and loot. However, as games like Path of Exile have proven, ARPGs can take things to the next level with one key element: meta-progression.
Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred's Nahantu Makes Good on a Promise at a High Cost
Diablo 4's Nahantu area is arguably a character in and of itself, but while it improves on Sanctuary, it also suffers from new issues.
Path of Exile's Atlas of Worlds is The Perfect Blueprint For Diablo 4 Meta-Progression
Diablo 4's Endgame Has Still a Long Way to Go
For those who may be wondering what meta-progression looks like in an action RPG, Path of Exile's Atlas of Worlds provides the perfect example of meta-progression in the way its system works. This is a series of interconnected endgame challenges similar to Diablo 4's Nightmare Dungeons, which in Path of Exile are called Maps. Completing Maps in given regions of the Atlas or simply completing a set number of Maps across the whole system provides players with new possible encounters and rewards, escalating all the way to Path of Exile's aspirational content.
This interconnected system makes each part of the game more valuable than it would be on its own, rewarding players for strategically approaching multiple endgame challenges rather than farming a single activity over and over. It's still something that Path of Exile players can do, but that is their choice, and it too can have some benefits - like farming specific Maps in order to complete a given set of Divination Cards. Diablo 4's Kurast Undercity and Dark Citadel are great additions, but they are nowhere near a meta-progression system.
Diablo 4's Nightmare Dungeons Could Take Farming to The Next Level
The solution wouldn't have to be too complex, either. Nightmare Dungeons could be all connected by a system that rewards completing specific ones before moving to a different "tier" of difficulty, eventually leading to unique boss encounters like Diablo 4's Uber Lilith and Uber Duriel. Path of Exile's Atlas of Worlds gives players direction in terms of what to do next, for example, at least if their goal is to complete different Maps. Nightmare Dungeons do something similar by providing players with Sigils, which can be activated to start a different Nightmare Dungeon, chaining them.
A meta-progression system that ties these endgame challenges together could lead to a longer shelf life of the game by giving players varied content -or rather promoting a varied approach to said content- and also give them new and progressively more difficult challenges for a shot at even better rewards. Diablo 4 doesn't need to copy Path of Exile, but the latter does have an integrated system that can make playing the game more satisfying for longer spans of time. New Uber boss fights and other types of encounters that are triggered upon completing other subsets of activities could make Diablo 4's endgame more engaging than it currently is, even if the current version is miles better than what the title started with.
Diablo 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
WHERE TO PLAY
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action-RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot.
Embark on the epic campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through a gripping story in a beautifully dark world, or explore an expansive end game: battle iconic bosses for powerful loot, fight back the encroaching onslaught of Hell in Helltides, master the Forge to create your ultimate weapons and progress powerful characters, with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.
Discover the critically acclaimed franchise that defined the Action RPG genre. As the battle between the High Heavens and Burning Hells rages on, hatred devours Sanctuary as evil spreads and a new wave of cultists and worshippers arise to embrace Lilith’s coming. Only a brave few dare to face this threat and bring light to the all-consuming darkness.
Expansive Open WorldForge your own path through the corrupted lands of Sanctuary, an ever-growing, fully explorable world teeming with challenges, quests, enemies, and loot. Join your fellow adventurers, rescue and retake besieged towns, delve into nightmarish dungeons and uncover lost secrets as you fight back evil. The many zones of Sanctuary are yours to explore, and with rotating areas of extreme peril like World Bosses and Helltide, danger lurks at every turn.
Immersive Character DevelopmentCreate and customize your character to face the encroaching darkness. Choose from one of five classes and build your hero with skills, abilities and cosmetics, creating a champion that is uniquely your own. Grow stronger as you progress through powerful Skill Trees and develop even more unique end game specializations with Paragon Boards.
Legendary Gear, Epic BattlesDiscover and experiment with a vast arsenal of powerful weapons, armor and more to fight back against the demons threatening Sanctuary. Explore unique combinations, create your own upgrades and collect a plethora of powerful tools to battle in immersive, action-packed combat against the deadliest of enemies.
Seasons & EventsThe tales of Sanctuary continue to unfold. Create Seasonal Characters and join in fresh adventures - master new mechanics and take on the latest threats in each new Season. Complete harrowing feats of the Season Journey and earn new Battle Pass rewards. Plus, sharpen your swords and get in the spirit of the seasons when Limited-Time Events sweep through Sanctuary.
End Game UndertakingsThere’s even more Diablo® IV to explore as you reach higher levels and more fearsome World Tiers. Face the greatest challenge yet as you take on the most powerful demons in The Pit, steel yourself against Uber Bosses to reap uber unique rewards, fight back overflowing armies of Hell as Helltides emerge across Sanctuary, battle larger-than-life World Bosses, and master the Forge to create the mightiest weapons fit for a hero.
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- All platforms
- Cross Save
- All platforms
- Franchise
- Diablo
- Number of Players
- 1-2 players
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
- How Long To Beat
- 26 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- File Size Xbox Series
- 158.25 GB
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 players (console only)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
