Ultimate Beginner's Handbook for Diablo 4

Blyndside, March 18, 2024 – 15-minute read.

Contents

Diablo 4 Newcomer’s Handbook: Essential Tips for a Powerful Beginning

If you’re just starting out in Diablo 4, this comprehensive guide for newcomers is perfect for you.

Whether you’re a veteran of previous Diablo games or a newcomer, this information will be beneficial, as it introduces fresh mechanics that are exclusive to Diablo 4.

This guide aims to cover fundamental mechanics and essential gameplay aspects to assist you in your journey through the realms of Sanctuary.

We suggest that newcomers explore our interactive map to monitor important occurrences such as Helltides and World Bosses.

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out in the comments below.

Regardless of your experience level, from experienced players to newcomers, take a look at our Spiritborn builds designed for both endgame and leveling. This class, introduced in the Vessel of Hatred expansion, offers a fresh and thrilling experience.

Greetings to all Microsoft Game Pass enthusiasts!

You might be aware that Microsoft has purchased Activision Blizzard. This acquisition means that Activision Blizzard’s game library will be available on Microsoft Game Pass, a service that many gamers likely subscribe to. It’s easy to understand the appeal, given the wide variety of games offered through the Game Pass for a monthly subscription.

This is significant news and is expected to draw a considerable number of new players to Diablo 4, as it will be available on Game Pass beginning March 28th.

I have reviewed our existing Beginner guide, made improvements in several sections, and included new content that will be useful for new players joining the game via Microsoft Game Pass this year. This updated guide will also keep you informed about Seasons, the Battle Pass, and the Seasonal Blessings you might come across.

To gain insights into the Seasonal Mechanics for the ongoing Season of the Construct, take a look at our additional guide available here.

Choosing a Class and Creating a Character

In Diablo 4, the gameplay focuses on advancing your character through leveling up, gathering items, and completing quests. To embark on this adventure, the first step is to choose your character class.

Diablo 4 features a total of five distinct classes, each offering a unique gameplay experience. From left to right, these classes are as follows (refer to the image below):

Barbarians are a close-combat class proficient in handling a variety of weapons with remarkable skill. They have the ability to enter a state of fury, granting them enhanced advantages in battle.
The Necromancer, master of blood and bone, possesses the ability to bring the deceased back to life for selfish purposes, disrupting the natural equilibrium of life and death.
Sorcerer – A wielder of elemental magic, capable of unleashing powerful spells like Lightning, Ice, and Fire, capable of wreaking havoc on the battlefield with their immense abilities.
Rogue – Specializes in both ranged and melee combat, allowing for quick transitions between the two for deadly combinations.
Druid – Capable of harnessing the powers of Storm and Earth, and can also transform into a Werewolf or Werebear.

As a newcomer to Diablo 4, don’t hesitate to create several characters until you discover one that you truly enjoy and connects with you.

Follow the links provided above to discover more about each class, or take a look at our Diablo 4 tier list to see the strength of various classes and builds.

Wellness, Recovery, and Survival

The Sanctuary is a perilous place filled with threats. To assist you in navigating this treacherous environment, I will explain the concepts of healing, health, and the varying impacts of each level of your health bar.

To begin with, let’s discuss healing. In Diablo 4, there are various methods available for restoring your character’s health, including passives and skills. However, the main and most straightforward way to heal is by using “Health Potions.” To consume a Health Potion, simply press the designated Potion Key, which is set to “Q” by default.

Health Potions provide an initial set amount of healing, followed by an additional 35% recovery over a duration of 3 seconds. At the beginning of the game, you have 4 weak health potions, and you can acquire more as you progress.

At specific levels determined by your character’s progression, you have the option to enhance your health potions at the Alchemist in town. Additionally, a quest related to the Alchemist will become available the first time you arrive in Kyovashad.

As a newcomer to Diablo 4, you’ll begin your journey with the “Weak Healing Potion,” and the prerequisites for upgrading your potions are as follows.

Small Healing Elixir – Tier 10.
Minor Healing Elixir – Tier 20.
Healing Potion of Light – Level 30.
Moderate Healing Elixir – Tier 45.
Powerful Healing Elixir – Tier 60.
Superior Healing Elixir – Tier 70.
Superior Healing Elixir – Tier 80.

Your Health Bar consists of various stages, with the initial state being “Healthy,” indicated by a Red Circle surrounding it. You are considered “Healthy” when your health bar exceeds 80%. As shown in the provided screenshot, it is not necessary for your health bar to be completely full to be classified as healthy.

The purpose of this explanation is to highlight that numerous bonuses and items will have varying effects on you based on whether you are in a “Healthy” or “Injured” condition.

You will be considered “Injured” once your health falls below 35%. This status is indicated by a red tint on your display.

Healthy – 80% or higher.
Injured – Less than 35%

Expertise, Abilities, and Progression

Advancing your character and selecting abilities is a key aspect of the gameplay in Diablo 4. You earn experience points by defeating the various monsters you encounter during your adventure. Keep an eye on your experience bar to see when you’re close to leveling up.

After defeating a sufficient number of enemies, you’ll advance to the next level and receive a skill point to allocate. You can achieve this by either clicking the Golden Triangle or pressing the “A” key.

Every class features a distinct skill tree, although many share a similar general structure. The initial set of skills available to you consists of the “Basic Skills.” In this instance, we will focus on the Sorcerer’s skill tree.

To allocate your skill points, simply click on the skill you want to unlock, using 1 out of your total of 5 points. For instance, we have invested ours in “Fire Bolt,” marking it as (1/5) points.

To allocate your skill points, simply click on the skill you want to unlock, using 1 out of the 5 available points. For instance, we have invested ours in “Fire Bolt,” marking it as (1/5) points.

This will grant you a new capability that will be automatically added to your skill bar. Your initial skill will take the place of your left mouse button.

Equipment and Item Levels

Diablo 4 features a total of five distinct levels of items.

This tier ranking can be interpreted as a scale from “top to bottom,” but it’s important to note that “Legendaries” and “Uniques” are considered the optimal options only if they align with the “skills” selected for your class. Each legendary and unique item features a distinct “passive” ability that can significantly alter your gameplay experience.

As you embark on your journey in Diablo 4 as a newcomer, you will primarily come across Common, Magic, and Rare items. Initially, focus on swapping out your Common items for Magic ones, and then upgrade to Rare items as they become available. In the early stages of the game, the specific stats of these items are not crucial, as you will be replacing them at a rapid pace.

It’s advisable to follow the principle that a higher “Item Power” usually indicates that the item is a better choice for equipping. It’s a good idea to hold onto nearly every item you come across, as they can all be salvaged at the Blacksmith, which will be discussed further later on.

Legendaries possess distinctive passives referred to as “Aspects.” These items are exceptionally potent, so it’s advisable to utilize or conserve them whenever possible.

Renown

The Renown system has been newly implemented in Diablo 4, rewarding players for various activities in the Sanctuary. As you progress, each level you achieve grants additional perks for your character, with certain bonuses also available for use across different characters.

Every area in Sanctuary features its own distinguished progress board, offering various bonuses to collect. Almost every action you take in that area contributes to its value. By accomplishing specific objectives, you will accumulate points that help you advance to the next tier on that region’s progress board.

To access the Renown Board while playing, simply press “TAB” followed by “W”.

Factors that contribute to your Renown include:

Exploring Regions – 5 Key Aspects
Uncovering Lilith Statues – 10 Highlights
Activating Waypoints – 20 Points
Finalizing the material
- Side Missions – 20 Points
- Side Dungeons – 30 Points
- Fortresses – 100 Points
Strongholds

I previously noted that one method to gain Renown is through Strongholds. So, what exactly are Strongholds?

On the global map, you may encounter regions indicated by a Red Skull symbol. These locations represent Strongholds, typically inhabited by Demons or other infernal creatures. To reclaim the Stronghold, it is necessary to eliminate the threats within.

After being restored, these locations will transform into welcoming towns for players, offering access to shops, waypoints, and even nearby dungeons. For every Stronghold you successfully clear, you will earn 100 Renown.

Dungeons

In the Sanctuary realm, numerous dungeons can be found, identifiable by the small “Gate” symbol displayed on the map (accessed by pressing M) after you have uncovered them.

After locating a Dungeon, you can access information about it, including its Level Requirement. Many dungeons in the game will adjust in difficulty according to your level, ensuring they remain pertinent to your experience.

Typically, each dungeon contains various quests that must be accomplished to completely clear it. These quests can take on multiple forms, and here are a few examples we’ve encountered.
- Engaging Gate Mechanisms
- Gathering “Animus” from specific creatures.
- Eliminating all foes within the specified location.
- Liberating Inmates
- Gathering and positioning sculptures.
- Repairing a damaged column
- Overcoming a specified number of elite opponents.
- Conquering the Dungeon Master
Once you finish a dungeon for the first time, you will receive a reward, which is typically an “Aspect.” Additionally, you can view the reward on the world map by hovering over the corresponding icon.

The rewards you receive in the form of Aspects can be affixed to Rare items, allowing you to craft your own Legendary gear.

Leaders and Influencers

In the realm of Sanctuary, one of the most significant dangers comes from Elites and bosses. Elites are scattered across the landscape and appear in various types, with some exhibiting greater strength than others.

Elites may possess special enhancements known as “Affixes.” These enhancements can manifest as extra abilities or passive traits for the Elite. You can identify these Affixes by the icon located beneath their health bar or by the Affix name displayed at the top of the screen when you engage the Elite.

Certain Affixes include
- Plague Bearer – Creates a toxic puddle that detonates upon its demise.
- Chilling Wind – This modifier creates a frigid barrier of wind that inflicts a chilling effect upon contact. Projectiles launched from a distance experience a reduction in speed as they pass through this barrier.
- Frozen – Conjures three icy orbs that cool down until they become frozen. Upon detonation after three seconds, they inflict cold damage.
- Hellbound – Conjures a three-headed stone figure that ensnares players in chains within its area of effect.
- Waller creates a U-shaped barrier that restricts player movement. A section of this barrier can be destroyed by players.
Be vigilant for these Affixes, as certain Elites might possess several Affixes, all of which will be displayed beneath their Health Bar.

Bosses

In the realm of Sanctuary, various locations are available for encountering bosses. The most frequent spots to encounter these formidable foes are within Dungeons or while navigating the world map, where Strongholds can be discovered.

Additionally, there are the Campaign Leaders and Global Bosses.

Bosses feature what are referred to as “Breakpoints,” indicated by a “Triangle” on their Health Bar. When a breakpoint is achieved, the Triangle will shift upward and change to a grey color. This change signifies that the boss has transitioned into a new phase and will also drop several Health Potions.

With each stage, the challenge of the encounter escalates, introducing new mechanics for the boss to employ, requiring you to adjust your strategy accordingly.

Bosses possess a “Stagger Bar” located directly beneath their Health Bar. This bar fills up whenever the boss experiences any type of Crowd Control. When the bar is completely filled, the boss enters a “Staggered” state, providing you with a chance to attack.

Certain bosses, like Ashava the World Boss, will experience extra debuffs when the Stagger Bar reaches its limit. For instance, Ashava’s arm blade will shatter permanently, reducing her strength for the remainder of the battle.

Blacksmith – Restoration, Enhancement, and Item Improvement

In Diablo 4, the Blacksmith makes a comeback, operating in a manner reminiscent of his role in Diablo 3. He can salvage and repair equipment, but now he also has the ability to “Upgrade” items, rather than solely crafting new ones as he did previously.

The initial blacksmith you are likely to encounter is Zivek, located in Kyovashad, and he offers three services to the player.

Repair

In Diablo 4, every item possesses durability, indicated at the bottom of the item. From what we have observed, this durability consistently caps at 100 and does not appear to improve, even with upgrades.

Durability is reduced each time the player dies; each death results in a 10% decrease in the durability of the player’s items. To restore this lost durability, visit the second tab at the Blacksmith, where you can repair specific items, those you have equipped, or all the items in your possession.
- If you find yourself low on gold in Diablo 4 and need to fix your gear, selling some Rare items can be an effective way to earn some quick cash. These items typically have a decent base value, allowing you to generate some income when you’re in a tight spot.
Salvage

In Diablo 4, salvaging is an essential task to prioritize whenever you return to town after exploring a dungeon or any other location that has filled your inventory with items. As a newcomer to Diablo 4, be sure to include this on your list of important activities.

It’s advisable to gather nearly all items, as they can be transformed into useful materials. These materials play a crucial role in enhancing your equipment. Although their significance may seem minimal in the early stages, they can provide a significant advantage in the later stages of the game, making upgrades essential for unlocking your items’ full potential.

When you dismantle an item, it will yield various materials. Each item produces materials of different quality levels, which correspond to the item’s tier; the higher the tier of the item, the more advanced the materials it will provide.

Enhancing Objects

As previously mentioned, enhancing an item requires both materials and gold. The expense is displayed at the bottom of the Blacksmith interface once you place an item in the upgrade section. The price for these enhancements rises with each upgrade. Rare items can be upgraded a maximum of three times, whereas Legendary items can be upgraded up to five times.

In the initial stages of the game, it’s advisable to hold off on upgrading your equipment and to conserve your resources for the future. You’ll probably find yourself swapping out much of your gear soon, so it’s wise to save those materials for when you really need them.

To enhance Jewels, you need to utilize the Jeweller instead of the Blacksmith.

Enhancing an item boosts its strength along with its fundamental armor or damage. Additionally, it provides a slight percentage increase to the item’s Affixes, as illustrated in the screenshot below. This effect will become quite significant in the later stages of the game.

Jewels and Equipment Slots

As you explore Sanctuary, you will come across various Gems. These Gems can be inserted into the sockets of different items. While not every item will come with a socket, you can enhance the number of sockets on an item by visiting the Jeweller. However, this enhancement will not be possible if the item has already reached its maximum socket capacity.

In Diablo 4, players can find seven distinct types of gems, each of which influences items in unique ways based on the specific item they are inserted into. Additionally, these gems can be enhanced at the jeweler, where players can boost their effectiveness by merging several gems of the same kind.

Below are some fundamental values of these Gems to provide you with an understanding of their functions.
- Amethyst
  - Weapon: Increases damage over time by 4.0%
  - Armor provides a 6.6% decrease in damage taken over time.
  - Jewelry: 11.5% Resistance to Shadows
  - Weapon: Increases Ultimate Skills Damage by 4.0%
  - Armor: Increases Barrier Generation by 4.0%
  - Jewelry: 4.0% Resilience Against All Elements
  - Weapon: Increases Critical Strike Damage by 6.0% against Vulnerable Enemies.
  - Armor: +19 Spikes
  - Jewelry: 11.5% Resistance to Poison
  - Weapon: +12.0% Increased Overpower Damage
  - Armor: Increases Maximum Life by 5.0%
  - Jewelry: 11.5% Resistance to Fire
  - Weapon: Increases Critical Strike damage by 6.0% against enemies under Crowd Control effects.
  - Armor provides a 4.0% decrease in damage taken when in a Fortified state.
  - Jewelry: 11.5% Resistance to Cold
  - Weapon: +6 Health Restored on Kill
  - Armor: Increases healing received by 4.0%
  - Jewelry: Increases armor by 100 points.
  - Weapon: Increases Basic Skill Damage by 13.3%
  - Armor: Increases damage reduction by 6.6% when under control impairment.
  - Jewelry: 11.5% Resistance to Lightning
  Identifying Elements
  
  If you’re looking to remove the Aspect from a Legendary item, Demyan the Occultist is the one to approach. Keep in mind that this process requires a payment in gold, and the Legendary item you’re using will be permanently lost. Therefore, be absolutely sure that you no longer wish to keep the Legendary before proceeding with the extraction.
  
  Consider that if you already possess the Aspect and don’t require an additional one, it might be more advantageous to dismantle the Legendary for its crafting components.
  
  After extracting the Aspect, you can find it in your Inventory within the Aspects Tab. It will appear similar to the screenshot provided. Remember, it will only display the rolled range of the Aspect you extracted, and it will not generate a new range when you imprint it onto a Rare item.
  
  Aspects of Imprinting
  
  Imprinting your Aspect is a simple process. Start by putting the item you wish to imprint into the top slot. Next, choose an Aspect from your Codex, which contains the Aspects you’ve gathered from Dungeons, or use an Aspect you’ve extracted earlier. You will have the opportunity to preview the resulting item before finalizing the imprinting.
  
  This procedure will require both materials and gold. It’s advisable to gather as many resources as possible throughout the early, mid, and late stages of the game, as imprinting aspects will play a crucial role in the progression of Diablo 4.
  
  Seasonal Themes (Seasons & Timeless Realm)
  
  Diablo 4 features a system of “seasons” that occur approximately every 3 to 4 months. Each season represents a fresh beginning, allowing players to create a new character, referred to as a “seasonal character.” During these seasons, players can engage in a revamped environment that includes new quests, unique seasonal mechanics, dungeons, and a variety of other transformative gameplay elements.
  
  At the time of composing this part of the guide, Diablo 4 is currently in its third season, known as the Season of the Construct.
  
  To design a seasonal character, simply follow the standard character creation process. Once you select a name, you will be presented with the choice to assign the character to either the Seasonal Realm or the Eternal Realm. The Seasonal Realm features all the latest content, while the Eternal Realm houses characters from past Seasonal Realms and serves as the foundation for the game’s core content.
  
  Creating seasonal characters is strongly advised.
  
  Pro tip: As each season introduces fresh mechanics and opportunities to enhance your builds, it’s essential to keep yourself informed about the top Diablo 4 builds!
  
  Combat Pass
  
  Every Season will feature a “Battle Pass.” There are two types of Battle Pass available: a basic/free version accessible to all players, and a Premium Battle Pass that requires a purchase.
  
  Every edition provides a wide array of rewards that players can obtain simply by engaging with the game. The free edition includes both aesthetic enhancements and minor in-game advantages for the character. In contrast, the Premium Pass exclusively offers cosmetic rewards, typically featuring Cosmetic Armor Sets, Weapons, and Mounts.
  
  You have the option to buy an Accelerated Pass, which functions like the Premium Pass, allowing you to bypass certain Tiers in the battle pass and speed up the process of earning rewards.
  
  As previously stated, to receive the rewards, all you have to do is engage in the game. By playing, you will accumulate “Favor,” which is utilized to access different levels of the Battle Pass, with each level offering its own reward.
  
  Seasonal Gifts (Glowing Embers)
  
  Linked to the Battle Pass and available to all players is a feature called Seasonal Blessings.
  
  As you advance through the levels of the Battle Pass, you will unlock these Seasonal blessings, which provide players with various minor enhancements during gameplay. These enhancements can include experience point boosts, increased drop rates during Helltides, or slight improvements to Seasonal Mechanics.
  
  I’ve completed the storyline. What should I do next?
  
  The universe of Diablo 4 extends beyond the conclusion of the main Campaign. As is typical for the Diablo franchise, Diablo 4 offers additional content beyond the narrative Campaign.
  
  After finishing the Campaign, you will gain access to the Capstone Dungeons, of which there are three located in the Sanctuary realm. Each dungeon becomes available only after you have successfully completed the one preceding it, and each Capstone Dungeon will grant you access to a new World Tier.
  
  Capstone Dungeons are notably more extensive than the standard Dungeons you are familiar with, and they present a greater level of difficulty, particularly with the Boss encounters. Mastering the mechanics of these Bosses is essential for success.
  
  The Capstone Dungeons and the associated rewards are outlined below.
  - Cathedral of Illumination
    - Becomes available upon finishing the Campaign.
    - Enables access to World Tier 3 (Nightmare)
    - Becomes available upon finishing the Cathedral of Light on Nightmare difficulty.
    - Grants access to World Tier 4 (Torment).
    To advance to the next level of World Tiers, focus on unlocking World Tier 3 (Nightmare) first. Achieving this will grant you access to Sacred Legendaries, new Unique items, and the ability to explore Nightmare Dungeons.
    
    Additionally, Helltides will begin to manifest throughout Sanctuary. These are unique, large-scale events that impact the entire region and can persist for as long as an hour. During a Helltide, Demons in that area will become significantly stronger, surpassing the player’s level. Defeated Demons will yield an item called “Cinders,” which can be used to unlock Helltide chests.
    
    Once you’ve advanced sufficiently and feel ready to take on the upcoming Capstone Dungeon on Nightmare difficulty, you should make your way to the Fallen Temple to unlock World Tier 4 (Torment). Engaging in gameplay at this World Tier will grant you the opportunity to acquire Ancestral items and a wider variety of unique loot.
    
    We appreciate you taking the time to read our beginner’s guide to Diablo 4! For more in-depth guides, please visit our Diablo 4 blog.