Blizzard has confirmed that drop rates in both ofDiablo 4’s betas are at increased levels compared to how they will be at launch. Earning loot is at the heart of every ARPG experience andDiablo 4won’t be different, in that regard. Gameplay inDiablo 4will revolve around defeating foes of increasing difficulty with the hope that it will lead to increasingly great and powerful rewards. It’s just that theDiablo 4betas won’t necessarily be a representative look at what the final game’s loot drop rates will be like.Diablo 4has just two betas prior to its full launch in June. The early access beta ran this past weekend, exclusive to pre-orderers and those who earned a code.Diablo 4’s open betawill open tomorrow and will run through the weekend. It’s the only opportunity forDiablo 4players to figure out whether Blizzard’s changes fromDiablo 3are what they want prior to the full launch.RELATED:Blizzard Warns of Diablo 4 Open Beta Queue Times and Server DowntimeTheDiablo 4open beta may not wholly be the same as what players will get when the game launches in June, however.Blizzard GM of theDiablofranchise Rod Fergussonanswered a question from a fan regarding theDiablo 4’s beta’s loot drop rates. The fan asked if drop rates were increased for the beta, citing concerns from theDiabloplayerbase. Fergusson responded in the affirmative, saying that drop rates are “tuned higher” forDiablo 4’s betas.
As explanation, Fergusson explains that Blizzard increased the drop rates for theDiablo 4betas to provide a “fuller experience” and “better test” the game. While Fergusson didn’t elaborate, it’s easy to understand what he means. Increased drop rates mean players get more loot, and ultimately enjoy the beta that much more. It also lets Blizzard test its loot drop system and the loot itself, including howhigh-level Legendary abilitiesimpact balance, which it couldn’t do with normal drop rates.
While the decision from Blizzard may mean thatDiablo 4beta playersdon’t get an accurate picture of loot progression in the game, dedicatedDiablofans will likely be relieved at Fergusson’s confirmation. It likely means that rare loot will be challenging to acquire, and that putting together endgame builds won’t be as easy as the beta makes it seem. Still, there will likely be some questions now regarding Blizzard’s plan for endgame looting.
In the end, the twoDiablo 4betas were only ever supposed to offer a sample of the full game. Further, they’re a sample ofDiablo 4’s first act and nothing more. AsARPG fansknow, looting in a game’s first act is always going to be very basic. Blizzard improving drop rates ultimately letsDiablofans see more of the game than they would otherwise. Open beta participants will just have to enjoyDiablo 4’s increased drop rates for the brief time they’re available.
Diablo 4releases June 6 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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