Summary
- Fans are angry over the Dark Pathways microtransaction content in Diablo 4, which offers class-specific colored portals at a hefty price.
- The in-game shop of Diablo 4 has been a constant source of controversy due to high prices for cosmetic items and bundles.
- The Dark Pathways bundle, priced at $30, includes 1000 Platinum and 5 differently colored portals, but players feel it should be included in the base game or be cheaper.
Diablo 4's latest controversy leaves fans angry over the newly released Dark Pathways microtransaction content, which gives players class-specific colored portals for what many feel is a hefty asking price. The in-game shop of Diablo 4 has been a constant source of controversy ever since the popular action RPG launched in 2023. While the items on offer are typically cosmetic only, many have felt that the prices for these bundles and items are much higher than they should be, especially for an already premium AAA game that costs full price to purchase.
On top of the cosmetic gear, Diablo 4 utilizes a live-service model which includes Seasonal content and battle passes that players can also purchase a premium tier to unlock more content. While Blizzard has shown no signs of changing anything related to shop prices, new Diablo 4 bundles continue to inflame the community, including the Father's Judgment Collection bundle that launched back in November containing a new mount and horse armor for $65. While not quite as expensive as that, a new Diablo 4 bundle has left many frustrated all over again due to the asking price and what players actually receive from it.
One of the newer bundles to hit the Diablo 4 shop is the Dark Pathways bundle, a $30 purchase that essentially gives players 1000 Platinum, Diablo 4's premium currency, as well as 5 different colored portals, each one locked to their matching class. The portals themselves, while differently colored to better match each class, have subtle animation effects, such as twisting branches for the Druid or a skull that appears for Necromancers, but the overall price has left many in the community frustrated that Blizzard is charging so much for something that they believe should be included in the base game as a reward or at the very least, be much cheaper.
What's Included in the Diablo 4 Dark Pathways Bundle?
-
Hell and Back Bundle
- Tempest Gate Sorcerer Town Portal
- Transit Artery Rogue Town Portal
- Netherworld Threshold Necromancer Town Portal
- Wildroot Way Druid Town Portal
- Warpath Barbarian Town Portal
- 1000 Platinum
In a post on the Diablo 4 subreddit, players criticized Blizzard for continuing to charge players premium prices for a game that already costs full price. The 1000 Platinum currency isn't enough to offset the overall cost in many's eyes either, with the bundle still costing nearly half of the game's actual price. One player even mentioned that at that price, a player could instead purchase the hit indie game Palworld instead.
Season 3 hasn't been as smooth as Blizzard or players would have liked. After Season of the Construct launched, players found some of the content frustrating and the new Senechal construct partner underwhelming. Blizzard has made sweeping adjustments to many of the seasonal mechanics already, which have helped, though some of the upcoming Diablo 4 features have been postponed beyond their original intended release dates, like The Gauntlet and leaderboards.
Diablo 4
- Released
- June 5, 2023
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.
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Franchise
- Diablo
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
