Friday, April 21st 2023

Diablo IV Final Beta Test Announced, Server Slam Event Starting May 12

Press Release by
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HELP US GEAR UP FOR LAUNCH DURING THE DIABLO IV SERVER SLAM - Calling all wanderers! In preparation for the launch of Diablo IV on June 6, we must enlist your demon-cleansing services for one final task: Server Slam. From May 12, 12 p.m.-May 14, 12 p.m. PDT, everyone can come to Sanctuary's defense on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4—along with couch co-op for consoles and cross-play and cross-progression for all platforms—against the armies of the Burning Hells to help us test the durability of our servers.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SERVER SLAM
Server Slam will give players one final weekend in Hell to experience a fraction of what Diablo IV has to offer, while simultaneously testing the capabilities of our servers prior to launch. The Prologue and entirety of Act I will be your canvas to paint with the remains of slain demons. Fractured Peaks, the first Zone, is yours to navigate as you please. Traverse its rugged landscape as Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Rogue, or Sorcerer, unleashing devastating power upon foes, and honing your unique skillset in the process.
For those who played during our Early Access and Open Beta weekends, these details may seem familiar—however, there are a few nuances we're ushering in with Server Slam.
  • Any character progress made during the Early Access and Open Beta weekends will not carry over to Server Slam. Additionally, any character progress made during Server Slam will not carry over to launch.
  • Players may level up their characters to Level 20, after which you will cease to gain Ability Points, but can continue to slay demons and earn alluring gear.
  • The Legendary Item drop rate has been altered to reflect the drop rate that will be present in the launch version of Diablo IV.
  • The version of Diablo IV available during Server Slam will include all the bug fixes and updates detailed in our Open Beta Retrospective blog.
Fractured Peaks is not only teeming with danger for you to vanquish, but a variety of activities to Level up your character with. Visit Kyovashad to repair and purchase new gear, upgrade your healing potion, access the Stash, and much more. There's also both Main and Side Quests to experience Sanctuary's rich story, World and Legion Events to exercise your martial prowess, and Dungeons to amass gear from. For full details about accessing Summer Slam go here.
WATCH THE LATEST DIABLO IV DEVELOPER UPDATE LIVESTREAM
Our latest Diablo IV Developer Update Livestream may have concluded, but you can catch up on hellish new insights about the game through the below video on demand. Today, we were joined by game director Joe Shely, associate game director Joseph Piepiora, and associate director of community Adam Fletcher—accompanied by special guest host Rhykker.


This group of Diablo experts shed some light on endgame offerings, elaborated on changes made to Classes and dungeons because of player feedback and gameplay data, and held a live Q&A session where players fielded questions directly to our developers. Be Prepared to Enter Hell's Gates.

If you have not already pre-purchased the Diablo IV Ultimate Edition for your platform of choice and want triumph over Lilith's legions with up to 4 days of Early Access to launch, visit the shop.

Thank you for getting us ready for launch!
The Diablo IV Team
Source: Blizzard News

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18 Comments on Diablo IV Final Beta Test Announced, Server Slam Event Starting May 12

#1
oxrufiioxo
Happy to see this means they want the launch week to be as smooth as possible.... It's also nice that people will be able to try some of the changes for the retail game.
Posted on Reply
#2
Space Lynx
Astronaut
still trying to decide if I want to preorder this or not... hmm

just a bit too pricey for me, so i don't think i will. i just want it for the single player campaign sigh...
Posted on Reply
#3
oxrufiioxo
Space Lynxstill trying to decide if I want to preorder this or not... hmm

just a bit too pricey for me, so i don't think i will. i just want it for the single player campaign sigh...
Yeah if it's just the SP and you don't have people to play with it's not worth 70 usd..... Don't get me wrong the Campaign is shaping up to be one of the best story wise for a diablo game but that is still like paying full price for a call of duty game and not playing the MP lol.
Posted on Reply
#4
Sithaer
oxrufiioxoYeah if it's just the SP and you don't have people to play with it's not worth 70 usd..... Don't get me wrong the Campaign is shaping up to be one of the best story wise for a diablo game but that is still like paying full price for a call of duty game and not playing the MP lol.
Agree with this, for only playing the story mode/campaign then its not worth picking it up for full price imo. 'As in not being interested in the end game content or farming out gear/etc at high level'
According to the game's director the campaign is around 35 hours long. 'take it with a grain of salt ofc but based on the beta that was only ACT 1 I can see this being true for the first playthrough'
Posted on Reply
#5
SSGBryan
oxrufiioxoYeah if it's just the SP and you don't have people to play with it's not worth 70 usd..... Don't get me wrong the Campaign is shaping up to be one of the best story wise for a diablo game but that is still like paying full price for a call of duty game and not playing the MP lol.
You are comparing Apples & Oranges - COD is an MMO - D IV is an ARPG with a couple of MMO features thrown in. If I want to play with others, I have D:($).

I don't blast through content - I will explore every nook and cranny, so I am expecting at least 80 hours of game play. That makes the cost less than $1USD per hour played.
Posted on Reply
#6
oxrufiioxo
SSGBryanYou are comparing Apples & Oranges - COD is an MMO - D IV is an ARPG with a couple of MMO features thrown in. If I want to play with others, I have D:($).

I don't blast through content - I will explore every nook and cranny, so I am expecting at least 80 hours of game play. That makes the cost less than $1USD per hour played.
Good for you I'm glad you are picking up but with any diablo there are basically three parts the story, the endgame, and the MP...... If you are only doing 1 of the three for most that is likely not worthy of 70 usd same with cod which you get a SP/co-op zombies/MP typically or some variation of the 3.

Also you must be really slow at beating games even the Developer said 35 hours which usually mean 20 hours I beat the first area in the beta story missions and most the side mission in about 3 hours on a wizard and Necro so unless the other acts have way more content not sure how It will take that long I bet 10-15 hours max.

I guess the first act could have way more content at release but I doubt it.
Posted on Reply
#7
Scircura
If you peel an apple with a sewing needle you're also entertained for less than $1/hr. And you get a snack (nature's DLC).
Posted on Reply
#8
SSGBryan
oxrufiioxoGood for you I'm glad you are picking up but with any diablo there are basically three parts the story, the endgame, and the MP...... If you are only doing 1 of the three for most that is likely not worthy of 70 usd same with cod which you get a SP/co-op zombies/MP typically or some variation of the 3.

Also you must be really slow at beating games even the Developer said 35 hours which usually mean 20 hours I beat the first area in the beta story missions and most the side mission in about 3 hours on a wizard and Necro so unless the other acts have way more content not sure how It will take that long I bet 10-15 hours max.

I guess the first act could have way more content at release but I doubt it.
I don't blast through content - I paid for all of it, so I'll play all of it. With the exception of D : ($), the Diablo franchise is a single player ARPG, can't really compare it to COD.

AFA multi-player, you have the Fields of Hatred & World Boss fights - that is it.

The closest thing to an MMO that I play is D : ($). That has about as much multiplayer fun as I care for.
Posted on Reply
#9
Super Firm Tofu
SSGBryanI don't blast through content - I paid for all of it, so I'll play all of it. With the exception of D : ($), the Diablo franchise is a single player ARPG, can't really compare it to COD.

AFA multi-player, you have the Fields of Hatred & World Boss fights - that is it.

The closest thing to an MMO that I play is D : ($). That has about as much multiplayer fun as I care for.
I've never understood the fascination with finishing games quickly. I know people do it (and some even pay more money to finish quicker), but what's the point? I play for the story, the distraction, and taking in massive details that come from years of development. Maybe I because I started with the original back in '97 - and the point was to explore every portion of the map. There was no 'end game' or seasons lol. End game meant you were done. :rockout:

I have no problem with $70 for this or feeling like I'll get my money's worth even skipping end game. I'm sure it'll take me 60-70 hours for the first play-through.
Posted on Reply
#10
oxrufiioxo
Super Firm TofuI've never understood the fascination with finishing games quickly. I know people do it (and some even pay more money to finish quicker), but what's the point? I play for the story, the distraction, and taking in massive details that come from years of development. Maybe I because I started with the original back in '97 - and the point was to explore every portion of the map. There was no 'end game' or seasons lol. End game meant you were done. :rockout:

I have no problem with $70 for this or feeling like I'll get my money's worth even skipping end game. I'm sure it'll take me 60-70 hours for the first play-through.
To be fair even though the lore was good in the previous diablo games the story was pretty bad.... Cool cutscenes though for the time. Diablo 3 was Cheesy AF to begin with.

I still would have a hard time recommending this game to someone who is only going to play by themselves and the campaign only now if they are going to play with friends and do some of the group stuff sure.

The best part of Diablo has and always will be the endgame I am hoping the story is better in this entry vs previous ones though.
Posted on Reply
#12
Super Firm Tofu
oxrufiioxoThe best part of Diablo has and always will be the endgame I am hoping the story is better in this entry vs previous ones though.
That's true for you - for me it wouldn't be possible to care less about endgame. There's really no right or wrong way to play a game.
:toast:
Posted on Reply
#13
oxrufiioxo
Super Firm TofuThat's true for you - for me it wouldn't be possible to care less about endgame. There's really no right or wrong way to play a game.
:toast:
For sure and some people spend 60 usd on call of duty just to play zombies good for them. At the end of the day it's our own hard earned money I just don't blame people either way if they don't or do feel a 70 single player campaign is worth buying or not.
Posted on Reply
#14
Sithaer
For what its worth it took me 23 hours to 'finish' the beta with a lvl 25 Sorc and try a Necro briefly.
I've did all of the side missions and explored most of the map/dungeons and did some experimenting with builds/legendary powers.


Sadly I've missed out on all of the World boss spawn times and I did not have more time to play the beta so thats something I still have to try.
When I first time play a game I also take my time with it but after that its all about end game/seasons/builds and farming for me in this genre.
Posted on Reply
#15
Ordy
oxrufiioxoGood for you I'm glad you are picking up but with any diablo there are basically three parts the story, the endgame, and the MP...... If you are only doing 1 of the three for most that is likely not worthy of 70 usd same with cod which you get a SP/co-op zombies/MP typically or some variation of the 3.

Also you must be really slow at beating games even the Developer said 35 hours which usually mean 20 hours I beat the first area in the beta story missions and most the side mission in about 3 hours on a wizard and Necro so unless the other acts have way more content not sure how It will take that long I bet 10-15 hours max.

I guess the first act could have way more content at release but I doubt it.
There is no way you finished all the story and side missions in 3 hours unless you literally skipped every single thing you could. Even then, i still don't believe you could have done anywhere near all the side missions in that time.
Posted on Reply
#16
oxrufiioxo
OrdyThere is no way you finished all the story and side missions in 3 hours unless you literally skipped every single thing you could. Even then, i still don't believe you could have done anywhere near all the side missions in that time.
Cool.
Posted on Reply
#17
Solaris17
Super Dainty Moderator
Super Firm TofuThat's true for you - for me it wouldn't be possible to care less about endgame. There's really no right or wrong way to play a game.
:toast:
I play single player for the story then I will stop when it ends but take my time doing it so $70 is worth it to me. I haven’t played since D2 and this looks good.

I could care less about multiplayer anything
Posted on Reply
#18
BArms
oxrufiioxoYeah if it's just the SP and you don't have people to play with it's not worth 70 usd..... Don't get me wrong the Campaign is shaping up to be one of the best story wise for a diablo game but that is still like paying full price for a call of duty game and not playing the MP lol.
What do you base that optimism about "one of the best story" on?
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