Diablo 4, first look at classes


The last two weekends have been an opportunity to dive into the beta of the new Diablo. We discovered the basics of the next title of the license, what would be its first act and its first levels, but also the main features. It was also an opportunity to test the 5 different classes offered by Diablo 4and as much to say that if some are particularly exhilarating, others have left us wanting more.

First observation when looking at the casting, the objective is to thrill the nostalgic fiber of the players of Diablo II. Barbarian, Sorcerer, Rogue, Necromancer and Druid are in the game for the launch. A cast that is already well established, but which offers a wide variety of play styles. These feedbacks are obviously based on what we saw during the betas, with a limited spell kit, and a cap at level 25.

The raw power of the Barbarian fleshed out

Blizzard has had the opportunity to come back to it on several occasions, but the Barbarian is clearly taking time to see its potential grow. He has an arsenal of 4 weapons which he can use according to the chosen skills. But even when choosing to use only one, the others contribute their stats to the equipment. We feel a real power emanating from the class, to the detriment of a reduced resistance without adequate equipment.

The Barbarian lacks a bit of energy as a whole, despite a kit rather provided in cleave and AoE. The key skills of Diablo II And Diablo III are present, which will not disorient aficionados. However, its mobility is still pretty ridiculous compared to other classes, and dodging isn’t always enough.

A flabby but full of potential Druid

The Druid is clearly the class that has convinced us the least so far. If the different paths he can take are well differentiated, the class is very soft without having a lot of damage. Able to transform into a bear or a werewolf, he can also adopt a more leisurely style of play with the earth and lightning paths. But on the other hand, the follower of nature is much more resistant than the other adventurers.

We find in his kit spells coming straight from Diablo II, revised to offer a more pronounced game. Only, if it is satisfying to adopt the form of a bear to strut among the enemies while they are massacred, the whole thing is tedious. Nothing really dramatic, but you have to like to take your time. We still don’t know what his unique skill is worth, which was not available during these betas.

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Raise the dead with the Necromancer

Very inspired by his version Diablo III, the Necromancer has a very specialized skill tree. His undead army is a basic ability, and he can quickly decide to get rid of it to gain power. An exchange that does not seem really profitable as the invocations are essential in combat. Besides that, he can specialize in blood, bone or shadow, for direct or over time damage. Enemy corpses can also be useful to him, although he can let them decompose naturally.

At low level, and especially without equipment, some routes are clearly below others. His lack of mobility is also a defect in a few situations, but he benefits from very effective ranged skills so as not to be dependent on it. This iteration of the Necromancer is very pleasant overall, despite the presence of some abuse related to legendary aspects with the path of blood.

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The Elemental Sorcerer is back

Arcane magic vanishes, and these are the three elemental paths of Diablo II who return in this new opus. Without being complementary, fire, lightning and ice can be used simultaneously to obtain various effects. However, by specializing in one of these magics, the potential of the class is affirmed. He also has some pretty effective defensive skills, keeping him out of harm’s way without much difficulty.

Overall, picking a single item seems most effective with Sorcerer. And if it’s the fire that seems to stand out at the moment, teleportation remains a strong asset of the class. However, the other ways are not to be neglected. Lightning is very effective in single target despite a high resource cost, which makes it a good specialization for world bosses. The way of the ice should meanwhile impose itself more naturally in the late game thanks to all the control it offers.

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A Thief with adaptive gameplay

Mixture of Amazon and Assassin Diablo IIthe class has the Demon Hunter agility of Diablo III. The Thief can thus play from a distance with a bow or a crossbow, or in hand-to-hand combat with two melee weapons. A skill tree that plays both ways, but also takes the opportunity to add traps. The class has a terrifying but barely functioning offensive arsenal.

Of all classes of Diablo 4, the Thief is the one whose resource most often runs out. If he wants to ensure correct damage in his fights, he must spend his energy very quickly. And despite enormous mobility, it’s neither fighting in melee nor in distance that everything seems to harmonize. This will probably be the class most dependent on its legendary aspects.

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While all classes are fun enough to play, they don’t all seem equal in Diablo 4. Being limited to level 25 and a handful of skills available, we can only advise newcomers to look into classes that are easy to learn like the Sorcerer or the Necromancer. The others will be a little more difficult to master, but are still very effective overall.



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