Summary
Given how beneficial it is to playDiablo 4in co-op, Blizzard should strongly consider how some form of a matchmaking feature could benefit the player base by providing solo players extra assistance and benefits. The grind to reach max level and complete theParagon Point Boards inDiablo 4is an extremely long journey, and playing with a party is a great way to help alleviate the grind that some players may be missing out on.
While standard activity-based matchmaking options could prove to be worthwhile forDiablo 4, some other unique styles of matchmaking could also be plenty useful. Even for players who don’t need the XP boost provided by nearby players, there are other additional benefits to playing in a group that solo players should have easier access to.
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Diablo 4 is Better With Friends
One of the best ways thatDiablo 4encourages players to team up is the experience point boost provided when other players are nearby. Although this doesn’t require players to be playing in the same party since it includes players who happen to be in proximity, playing in a group is still a great way to ensure that this boost is permanently active. It’s very common to temporarily team up and cooperate with random nearby players for the differentWorld Events inDiablo 4, but this XP buff can still be useful in so many other activities throughout the game.
While it may not apply to Hardcore mode, another reason to play the game in co-op is the ability to revive fallen teammates. Having companions is still a good resource to have in Hardcore mode, but being able to revive teammates is a severely underrated feature. Whether it’s in the middle of a boss fight, a World Event, or aNightmare Dungeon inDiablo 4, successfully reviving another player can turn the tide of most fights.
Not to mention,Diablo 4’s PvPis also best played in a group. There isn’t exactly a healer or support character class inDiablo 4at the moment, but having teammates will still provide strength in numbers that solo PvP players can’t easily compete with. This same sentiment applies to the entirety ofDiablo 4when comparing the difficulty of playing solo compared to playing co-op, although it can reach an extreme in PvP that players can weaponize.
What A Matchmaking Feature Could Look Like in Diablo 4
The clan feature inDiablo 4is a great stepping stone for a matchmaking feature, but it can turn into an awkward situation where there is an abundance of players in a given clan who never end up cooperating with each other. With players potentially being in different time zones, world tier difficulties, and progress levels inDiablo 4’s main story, it’s a bit hard for public clans with random players to coordinate and frequently play together the way that typical matchmaking features could.
With all the benefits thatDiablo 4offers to co-op players, it’s somewhat shocking that the game doesn’t currently do much to enable cooperation. Aside from standard activity-based matchmaking features, even something as minimalist as theSummoning Pools matchmaking inElden Ringcould go a long way inDiablo 4.
The “Call For Help” and “Answer The Call” matchmaking options from theTom Clancy’s The Divisiongames could also be a great addition toDiablo 4. This style of matchmaking inThe Divisiongames also plays into a reputation known as the Shepherd system, which will eventually earn players a unique title based on their Shepherd rank. Both a matchmaking feature and a reputation system could be great for encouraging cooperation inDiablo 4, and bonus points if it takes afterThe Division2and offers a stylish player title inDiablo 4as well.
Diablo 4is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
