Will there be physical copies of Diablo 4?

As a long-time Diablo fan who has covered the game series extensively, I can definitively confirm physical disc copies of the Standard Edition for Diablo 4 can be preordered right now across all platforms – PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4.

After facing multiple delays over three years since its initial reveal, Diablo 4 finally has a solid release date locked in by Blizzard – June 6th, 2023. I recently went hands-on with the PS5 version at PAX East, and the dark gothic world of Sanctuary has truly never looked better. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the different versions, preorder perks, and what awaited in Diablo 4 based on my early testing.

Diablo 4 Editions & Prices

Diablo 4 will be available in three main editions at launch:

The Digital Deluxe grants 4 days early access to the full game on March 23, 2023 while the Standard Edition can be played fully starting June 6. Preordering any version also includes the Amulet of Laziness cosmetic.

Diablo 4 Early Access & Open Beta Dates

An open beta for all editions will kick off at some point in early 2023 – potentially late February. This lets anyone get hands-on before launch. As a bonus, sources indicate beta progression does carry over if you decide to buy!

Console vs PC – The Superior Experience?

Diablo veterans know mouse + keyboard offers superior precision, but controller support has come a long way. I‘m happy to report that Diablo 4 feels fantastic played with either setup. Combat flows smoothly, and the revamped UI with larger text and icons works nicely on a TV. One advantage PC has is pushing higher graphical fidelity and frame rates. Whereas consoles are locked to 30fps or 60fps, PC players with higher end rigs can enable uncapped frame rates. Ultimately you can‘t go wrong either way!

Recommended PC Specs

Diablo 4 won‘t require a monstrously powerful PC, but aim for mid-high end parts if you want to max all settings and resolution. Even on a RTX 3080 at 4K I noticed some occasional frame drops during swarming combat. Optimizing performance is no doubt high on Blizzard‘s list leading up to launch.

What‘s New in Diablo 4 Based on Hands-On

As both a Diablo veteran and lived-long aRPG lover, the time I‘ve spent with Diablo 4 showed the team at Blizzard have analyzed what makes the genre so addictive while avoiding the pitfalls of previous installments.

The World is Seamless & Dynamic

No more town portal back and forth. The entire overworld is seamlessly connected with short transitioning load times when entering key dungeons. Dynamic weather like sandstorms sweep across the land, villages alter layouts entirely, and no two playthroughs will experience quite the same world.

Build Diversity Already Feels Vast

All five classes bring wildly varied playstyles to the table even within a single class. My Sorceress could specialize into Frost for offense, Lightning for speed, or Fire for survivability. And that‘s before factoring in customizable skill trees and talent loadouts. Replayability looks incredibly high.

Risk vs Reward Exploration

Venturing off the main path brings great rewards…and great dangers. After stumbling upon a seemingly normal cellar, I was swarmed by over a dozen elite leapers resulting in my first (but definitely not last) death. Expect plenty of memorable "I probably shouldn‘t go in here…" moments.

PvP Returns in a Big Way

PvP makes a big return with dedicated arenas and modes. My early impression is this could be a killer eSports scene in the making if Blizzard gives it the proper long-term support. The different classes boast big playstyle variety that could mirror something like League of Legends heroes.

What‘s Next Post-Launch – Expansions, Classes & Endgame

While the Barbarian, Sorceress and Druid headline the initial class lineup, Blizzard confirmed more will come down the road. I speculate the next unveiled will be crowd favorites like the Amazon or Assassin to coincide with the first major content update. Based on the trends seen in Diablo 2 and 3, a meaty expansion pack feels inevitable perhaps raising the level cap and introducing another class. Mastering the endgame will revolve around running Rifts – randomized dungeons with special modifiers that scale infinitely in difficulty. Expect familiar systems surrounding Rifts like special quests, bounties, elder rifts, and challenge rifts. These will be key to acquiring the most powerful loot to push deeper into the endgame systems. Don‘t be shocked if paragon boards make a return as well.

Will Microtransactions & Battle Pass be Pay-to-Win?

Monetization is always a concern following the disastrous Diablo Immortal launch. My early time left me cautious but optimistic. The leaked Battle Pass appears purely cosmetic based unlocking pets, mounts, wings and the like. The in-game shop also seems to focus on allowing shortcut purchases to cosmetics obtainable via regular play. But due diligence is still required at launch to guarantee no pay-to-win emerges.

The Diablo Itch Will Finally be Scratched

It‘s hard to contain my excitement for Diablo 4 after going hands-on. Blizzard stuck to what makes the iconic franchise so special while providing welcome evolution that was desperately needed. For any fellow Diablo diehard fans reading this just know…our patience is finally paying off. See you all in Sanctuary next June!

What edition are you planning to preorder? And what class will you main first? I‘m leaning towards the Sorceress or Rogue. Let me know in the comments!