Diablo 4 is an eagerly anticipated game, and I recently had the opportunity to participate in a server stress test. In this article, I'll share my impressions of the game, its performance, class balance, legendary drop rates, and my concerns about player retention.

• Performance
• Class Balance
• Legendary Drop Rates
• Player Retention
• World Boss Difficulty

↖ Performance

One of the major concerns in the previous beta tests was the game's performance, including issues like rubber banding, connection problems, and lag. However, in the recent stress test, I noticed significant improvements in these areas. While there were reports of occasional stuttering from other players, overall, the game ran better for me. It is worth noting that the lower player count during the stress test may have contributed to the improved performance. Nevertheless, this provides hope that Diablo 4's performance will be better at launch compared to some recent PC titles.

↖ Class Balance

The beta revealed some nerfs to the Necromancer and Sorceress classes, while the Druid and Barbarian received buffs. As a player, I noticed the impact of the nerfs on the affected classes, but the changes didn't significantly alter the playstyle of the Druid and Barbarian. It's important to consider that these classes may feel different when their missing class components are implemented. Balancing is an ongoing process, and I expect further adjustments to occur after the game's release.

↖ Legendary Drop Rates

During the stress test, the legendary drop rate was adjusted to match the intended rate for the game's launch. Personally, I obtained one legendary item while reaching level 20 after about four hours of gameplay. Although this drop rate may not be ideal for everyone, it didn't feel excessively low to me. However, Diablo 4's loot system heavily influences character progression, and players heavily rely on finding better gear to feel stronger. If the drop rates are too infrequent and the loot obtained doesn't benefit character builds, it may lead to player demotivation and burnout. Balancing the drop rates to strike a good balance between challenge and reward is crucial to ensuring a satisfying gameplay experience.

↖ Player Retention

While some argue that Diablo 4's endgame content is what truly matters, I believe that the majority of players are drawn to the game for its immersive story and replayability. While it's important for the endgame to be engaging, the journey to reach it should also be rewarding. Diablo games traditionally provide a sense of progression, where players start struggling but eventually become powerful. However, based on my experience, Diablo 4 feels excessively gear and loot dependent, which could hinder the sense of progression if players consistently struggle and don't feel adequately rewarded for their efforts. This may result in players losing interest and abandoning the game before reaching the endgame. It remains to be seen how the game's progression and reward system will evolve in the final release.

↖ World Boss Difficulty

During the stress test, my group and I were unable to defeat the world boss Ashava. The lower level cap, fewer legendary drops, some Diablo 4 Gold, and a reduced player count likely contributed to this difficulty. While some players managed to defeat the world boss on Tier 2, others struggled even on Tier 1. Coordinated group play appears crucial for success in these encounters, which could pose challenges for random or less-geared groups. It will be interesting to see how these world boss battles evolve and whether players can adapt to the necessary strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my time with Diablo 4 was enjoyable, but there are concerns about player retention due to the heavy reliance on gear and loot, potentially hindering the sense of progression. Diablo is not typically known for its hardcore endgame focus, and many players engage with the game for the experience and the initial playthrough.