Diablo IV developers detail itemization

Diablo IV

A new blog post has cropped up regarding “System Design in Diablo IV”. The blog is the second part of a series designed to showcase new and updated features for Blizzard’s popular ARPG franchise. In this particular post, David Kim discusses how itemization will be changing in D4 starting with the premise that it is “a huge core part of any action RPG”.

Itemization in D4 will not “just mimic the itemization in our previous Diablo games”. While it may borrow from D2 and D3, the core of itemization in D4 will be unique. “Our plan is to take the best parts of previous games and improve upon them while introducing new elements to make D4 unique.”

While very early in the design process, Kim detailed several ways that D4’s itemization will be made unique, much of it based on community feedback. These include:

  • Affixes will be a meaningful part of any character’s power and that interesting choices in how to manifest that power will be integral to the itemization process. Developers are hoping to move away from the “best in slot” mentality. To make choices more impactful, developers are increasing the total number of affixes. Three new stats will also be present: Angelic Power, Demonic Power, and Ancestral Power. The goal is to make identifying items with good stats easier, but will allow players extra layers of choice and decision-making to choose “whether the item is good for your build”.
  • The Attack stat will only be found on weapons. The Defense stat will only appear on Armor. Neither will appear on jewelry. “Solely picking your items based on Attack and Defense will almost never be the optimal way to play”.
  • Ancient Legendaries are being removed from the game entirely.

You can check out the full and much more detailed post by visiting the Diablo IV official site.

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