How Much Diablo 3 Can You Play For Free? A Beginner‘s Guide to the Starter Edition

As an avid ARPG gamer, one question I often get asked from friends looking to try out the genre is: how much Diablo 3 content is playable in the free Starter Edition? With the franchise being hugely influential in the game industry, I totally understand the curiosity!

The short answer is: you can play through the first act up until defeating the Skeleton King boss. But what exactly does that entail? Let‘s dig into the details.

A Solid Chunk of Act 1 Gameplay

The Diablo 3 Starter Edition provides free access to the first 60-90 minutes of gameplay, including:

• The opening cinematic and tutorial zone introducing the world and lore
• The entirety of Act 1 up until the quest "Reign of the Black King"
• The climax and final fight versus the Skeleton King boss

So you‘re looking at potentially 1-2 hours of content across 4 main quests, which is a decent taste of the gameplay, loot, and atmosphere. It may not seem like much compared to the 15+ hours for a full playthrough, but definitely enough to know if the combat clicks with you.

Trying All 5 of the Initial Classes

One of the best parts of the trial is it allows you to experiment with all 5 diverse classes:

• Barbarian – Wields heavy weapons up close dealing massive damage
• Demon Hunter – Agile ranged fighter utilizing bows, traps, turrets
• Monk – Martial artist dodging attacks and disabling enemies
• Witch Doctor – Summons zombified and demonic allies to fight
• Wizard – Unleashes devastating arcane and elemental magic

You‘re free to start and switch between characters to get a feel for each playstyle. I‘d recommend the Barb or Wizard for new players – they excel at destroying hordes of foes.

Limits Compared to the Full Version

Now, it wouldn‘t be a trial without some restrictions. The Starter Edition caps your hero‘s progression at level 13, with the following locked:

• All content beyond Act 1 and the Skeleton King
• Character levels above 13
• Any multiplayer outside of other trial players
• Access to the real-money Auction House

So while you‘ll scratch the surface of skills, gear, and enemies, the meaty end-game of Diablo 3 is still sealed away unless you upgrade to the full version.

Is the Starter Edition Representative of the Full Experience?

That‘s the golden question! In my opinion – yes, absolutely. The free 60-90 minutes features the same tight, impactful combat loop of slaying demons, dodging attacks, gathering epic loot that the series is known and loved for.

All the elements that make Diablo so addictive are there. If you enjoy the flow of destroying hundreds of minions and bosses with powerful class skills, even with the level 13 cap – you‘ll certainly love the full end-game.

What Does Full Version Progression Look Like?

If you do get hooked on the free trial and decide to upgrade to the full game, you may be wondering about longevity.

Here‘s an overview of max level progression:

• Reach max level 70 – Unlocks the bulk of your skill options and rune variations
• Complete the full story campaign – Spans 4 acts across 20+ hours adventures
• Unlock Adventure Mode – Dynamic end-game system with bounties/rifts
• Climb to Torment XVI – Enemies scale to almost impossible strength
• Master Legendary Sets – Define your character build/playstyle
• Conquer Season Journey – Refreshing game modes, rewards, leaderboards
• Step into Hardcore – Permadeath variant for ultimate bragging rights

Gearing up towards the pinnacle of Torment XVI with perfectly optimized Legendary gear takes 100s if not 1000s of hours. Diablo 3 has almost infinite progression for those chasing god-like power.

And the content keeps expanding with new seasonal themes!

How Does It Compare to Other ARPG Free Trials?

For transparency, I think it‘s useful to contrast Diablo III‘s Starter Edition with how other big ARPG names handle free trials:

• Path of Exile: Completely free base game, funded by cosmetics
• Grim Dawn: Can share full game licenses via Steam Family Access
• Torchlight II: Free weekends available, but no permanent trial option

So while not the most generous, Diablo III definitely offers the best way to extensively try before you buy. Giving players 1-2 hours to fight their way through the atmospheric opening act is more than enough to know if it clicks.

Verdict: Worth Playing for All ARPG Fans!

For fans of the genre looking to get a free taste of this legendary action RPG series – I can‘t recommend trying the Diablo III Starter Edition enough!

With 4 diverse heroes to sample, epic loot drops even early on, and 60-90 minutes battling through the bleak cathedrals and forests of Act I, you‘ll know if the trademark Diablo combat loop sinks its hooks in for you. Just be warned the sample may leave you craving the full banquet of progression and end-game content!

So for a free way to experience the genesis of the premier ARPG franchise and satiate that monster-slaying hunger in your soul – march on over to Blizzard now and storm the gates of the Starter Edition. I‘ll see you in the Burning Hells!