After a long wait, Diablo 4 is finally here, and it's bigger and more extensive than ever before. Whether you're a seasoned Diablo player or new to the series, here are 15 things you should know before you decide to buy or play the game.

Release Date and Editions
Diablo 4 is set to be released on June 6, 2023. Various editions are available, including the Ultimate Edition with early access and cosmetic items. Higher-priced editions offer additional in-game rewards.

Setting and Story
Diablo 4 takes place in the world of Sanctuary, 50 years after the events of Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls. The war between heaven and hell has left millions dead, and now Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto and mother of demons seeks to plunge Sanctuary into darkness once again. Your task is to banish her and fight off the forces of evil to save Sanctuary.

Classes
Diablo 4 features five playable classes.
The Barbarian is a weapon master specializing in close combat.
The Necromancer focuses on summoning and controlling the dead.
The Sorceress uses elemental magic to cast fire, ice, and lightning spells.
The Rogue is an agile assassin skilled in fast damage.
The Druid is a shapeshifter, capable of transforming into a werewolf or werebear.

Unique Class Mechanics
Each class in Diablo 4 has its own unique mechanics.
The Barbarian can wield up to four weapons simultaneously, allowing for versatile combat options.
The Necromancer can summon and customize various undead minions.
The Sorceress has different elemental spells with varied strengths and weaknesses.
The Rogue utilizes combo points and other specializations for enhanced gameplay.
The Druid has a spirit animal system that grants unique buffs based on collected resources.

Class Balancing
During beta testing, the Necromancer was considered the strongest class, but it has been nerfed since then. The balance of classes may change further upon release, as developers address player feedback.

Skill Types
Each class has its own set of skills. The Barbarian focuses on physical damage, the Necromancer on blood, bone, and darkness damage types, the Sorceress on fire, ice, and lightning spells, the Rogue on physical and poison damage, and the Druid on magic and melee combat.

Leveling and Skills
You can level up each class to level 50 and unlock unique skills along the way. Once you reach level 50, you can progress further to level 100 using the Paragon system, a familiar feature for veteran Diablo players. The Paragon system allows you to deepen your playstyle and improve your skills.

Open World
Diablo 4 introduces an open world for the first time in the series. After completing the prologue, you can explore the entire world with few restrictions. The world adapts to your game progress, ensuring appropriate challenges based on your level.

Different Environments
The open world of Diablo 4 features diverse environments, including snow-covered landscapes, deserts, and stony areas. Each area houses different enemies and offers unique challenges.

Dungeons
Dungeons play a crucial role in Diablo 4. They are smaller levels or missions where you fight enemies and bosses to earn experience points and valuable items. You'll find different types of dungeons throughout the game.

Activities and Events
In addition to dungeons, Diablo 4 offers various activities. Sellers provide enemies to fight and chests to loot. Some sellers generate dungeon events, such as powerful opponents dropping unique items. The end game introduces nightmare dungeons, special areas with challenging enemies, and enhanced rewards. PvP options, including dueling with other players, are also available.

Seasons
Diablo 4 includes a seasonal system, introducing new content every few months. Seasonal characters are reset for each season, providing fresh challenges. However, you cannot trade or play with seasonal characters using non-seasonal characters to maintain fair gameplay.

Battle Pass
Diablo 4 features a battle pass system offering cosmetic items. The free battle pass allows everyone to unlock in-game currency, while the premium battle pass requires real money for additional in-game currency. This system encourages progression and rewards without introducing pay-to-win mechanics.

Cross-Platform and Cross-Progression
Diablo 4 supports cross-platform play, allowing PC and console players to play together. Cross-progression is also available, enabling you to continue your progress across different platforms.

Choosing Your Class
If you're unsure about which class to play, be sure to check out our upcoming article on selecting the best class in Diablo 4. It will provide guidance on each class's strengths and playstyles to help you make an informed decision.

Diablo 4 offers an exciting and expansive experience for both new and veteran players. With its compelling story, diverse classes, and extensive gameplay features, it promises to be a thrilling addition to the Diablo franchise. Prepare yourself for an epic battle against the forces of evil and the darkness that threatens Sanctuary.