Everything You Need to Know About Diablo IV Coming to Game Pass - Xbox Wire (2024)

The gates of Hell are opening even wider, and Diablo IV is coming to Game Pass for Console and PC starting March 28! Whether you’re a seasoned demon slayer, or brand new to the world of Diablo, this guide is for you. Let’s unleash the darkness and unravel the mysteries of Sanctuary.

For PC players, here’s how to get in the game:

• Open the Xbox App on PC and make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account tied to your Game Pass membership. Then click on Diablo IV and then the Install button.
• Click “Install Battle.net” when prompted and complete the installation. (If you already have Battle.net installed, you’ll skip to the next step automatically)
• You’ll be prompted to connect your Battle.net account to your Microsoft account. If you already have a Battle.net account you can log in to complete the connection, or from here you can create a Battle.net account to make the connection.
• Once you have downloaded Battle.net and connected your accounts, you can complete the installation of Diablo IV!

Story and Lore

If you’re new to Diablo, you will be able to dive right into the demonic world of Diablo IV with no need to have played the previous titles. The story takes place several decades after the events of Diablo III and introduces a new cast of characters and motivations in the most sinister chapter of the Diablo universe to date. This is a standalone game that you can jump into immediately, illustrating how the very world you’ll save came to be. Set in Sanctuary, a refuge built by members of the warring High Heavens and Burning Hells as an escape from the unremitting conflict, you begin your journey wandering through an ominous frozen land. You quickly learn about the prophesied return of the demon Lilith, the Daughter of Hatred, who created Sanctuary alongside the arch angel Inarius. Consumed by hatred and revenge, her desire for the conquest and destruction of heaven and hell puts all of Sanctuary’s denizens at risk as she brings dark urges to the hearts of both demons and humans alike. It falls on you and a select few to oppose her plans and do battle while keeping the fate of Sanctuary in the balance.

Gameplay

Now that you know a little more about Sanctuary, let’s talk gameplay. Diablo IV is an isometric action role playing game (ARPG), where you’ll harness abilities, powerful Skills, and famed gear to defend your home from snarling demons and otherworldly horrors. Across Sanctuary, you’ll delve into replayable, procedurally generated dungeons, while progressing through the story and getting more potent items and materials for your wanderer. Your character traverses the open world of Sanctuary, hack-and-slashing through the progression system as one of five experience-defining class fantasies: Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Rogue, or Sorcerer Participate in world events, take down strongholds, work with other players to tackle World Bosses, or battle other players in the PvP Fields of Hatred. Join or make your own clan to form alliances with other players.

We have a quick “teach me” from head of Diablo Rod Fergusson to walk through how to play:

Choose your Class

There are 5 classes to choose from in Diablo IV. Each with multiple skills and talents to fit your preferred playstyle.

• Barbarian: The master of arms of Diablo IV. Dual wield or swing massive 2-handed weapons (with the ability to swap between both in the heat of combat) while you get up close and personal with your enemies.
• Druid: Shapeshift your way through Sanctuary as a werewolf or a werebear while doling out magic alongside your spirit animal pets (they each grant you specific boons) to freak out everyone around you.
• Necromancer: You never have to travel alone as a speaker of the dead. Use your profane knowledge to summon your own personal pack of skeletons and a golem to fight the monsters for, or with you.
• Rogue: If you can’t choose between ranged or melee, why not both? Move quickly in combat to either stab combatants up close or fire at them with a bow from afar.
• Sorcerer: Enjoy time around the fire as you set your enemies ablaze (or freeze them or strike with lightning) with elemental magics.

If you’re new to Diablo IV, it’s recommended to start by creating a character in the Seasonal realm, but do not check the “Skip Campaign” option – make your way through Diablo IV’s story mode first. Seasons are recurring, time-limited events, challenges, rewards, and gameplay changes, and when a season ends, your seasonal characters and their progress are converted to non-seasonal characters, so once you’re through the story mode, you’re good to roll a new character for Season 4 dropping in May!

You’re about to dive into a world of chaos, monsters, gear, and a conflict between the High Heavens and Burning Hells.

Pick your class, play style, and go hunt down Lilith. See you in hell, friends!