Blizzard has recently unveiled a huge slew of exciting updates about their latest addition to theDiablofranchise, the upcoming mobile gameDiablo Immortal. This includes a surprising shift in the game’s replayability feature as the developer behind titles such asWorld of WarcraftandOverwatchhas decided to forgoDiablo 3’s Seasons and will focus on a single-player’s character continuity and progression instead.
The news comes with an announcement that an alpha test has already been launched for select pre-registered players on Android in Australia. However, Blizzard has not given an exact date on whenDiablo Immortalwill be available for everyone else to publicly play and test the game.
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Despite skipping out on Seasons, many familiar features fromDiablo 3will make a comeback inDiablo Immortal.This includesfamiliar classes from the previous gamessuch as Barbarian, Demon Hunter, Monk, and Wizard, all of which will be available during the launch of the mobile game. The Crusader and Necromancer classes will join in on the fight against hell’s demons in later game updates.
To promote character progression after completing the main story, Paragon Levels and Rifts have returned toDiablo Immortal. In particular, using Rift-specific items called Crests in new Elder Rifts can enforce positive or negative effects on the Rift, providing greater rewards to all those who enter and complete the greater challenges.Paragon Levels have mostly stayed the samebut have been upgraded with all-new Paragon Trees, much like skill trees, which can offer some character skill customization once a player has reached endgame.
Another feature that is new toDiablo Immortalis gear progression. To discourage trading off unwanted gear to others on multiplayer, players can now dismantle said unwanted equipment instead and use the salvaged materials they receive torank up their favorite equipment and item sets. Upgrades can provide random stats that can make each piece more powerful than ever, giving players incentive to keep grinding for more gear.
Diablo Immortaldoes not look to lock story progression behind an energy-based system as most mobile games do. Blizzard is proud to declare that it is free to play, with in-game purchases. Though nothing has been confirmed by the development team, it is possible that aesthetic or vanity items will be included in the game as micro-transactions. Like inDiablo 3’s Seasonal completion bonuses, these player purchases may be unique pets, exotic character wings, intimidating portrait borders, banners, icons, and more.
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