Diablo IV confirmed for 2023, debuts Necromancer class

The dead will rise… and they’ll actually be rising to help you wage war on the forces of evil, as long as you’re playing Diablo IV as a Necromancer.

Evil returns next year

Microsoft’s Xbox and Bethesda Showcase yesterday was a little bit of a mixed bag, as far as Diablo IV goes. While there was plenty to get really excited about, we also discovered that the game won’t be arriving this year. Instead, it’ll be coming to consoles and the PC in 2023.

When in 2023? We have no idea, though Microsoft did state during its show that all of the games shown were set for launch in the next 12 months. So you can kind of narrow Diablo IV’s launch down to the first half of the year. But while that was definitely disappointing, literally everything else shown about the game was looking fantastic.

Let’s start with that new class though, since The Necromancer is actually a series staple, and a fan favorite.

oining the battle alongside iconic classes Barbarian, Sorceress, Rogue, and Druid is the legendary Necromancer, the fifth playable character class, which returns with newly designed undead mechanics. Players will be able to utilize the Necromancer’s Book of the Dead, an all-new ability for the class, allowing them to dominate the battlefield with deeper customization of their undead army than ever before. Fight with aggressive skeleton Warriors, fast-attacking Skirmishers, sword and board Defenders, or scythe-wielding Reapers. Unleash a litany of spells with Skeleton Mages, imbuing them with shadow, cold, and sacrificial magics. Deploy tanking Bone Golems, health-stealing Blood Golems, and charging Iron Golems. Or sacrifice them all to absorb their power.

Activision Blizzard press release

Don’t worry, there’s gameplay

Bothered by the fact that the above video was all cinematic? Well then you need to scroll down to the next player, and check out the lengthy look at Diablo IV’s gameplay.

As you can see, D4 has a familiar feel to it, but the graphics look to be far beyond Diablo III’s. They’re some of the most impressive that you’re likely to see packaged with a traditional action-RPG. And speaking of, Diablo IV is going to be one massive entry in that genre.

Blizzard is saying that the game will contain some 140 dungeons to play through, and “dozens of side quests”. Well, that and plenty of loot as well. All of that you likely could have guessed, but Diablo IV is packing something entirely new for the series too.

You might not be aware, but D4 is an open world title. And it’s set to take full advantage of that. As you play, you’ll be able to convert enemy “Strongholds” into friendly encampments, changing the landscape in real time. You’ll also find no restrictions on how you set about ending Lilith’s reign. Blizzard promises a nonlinear experience, complete with a hefty endgame.

After you’ve beaten the main quest, you will be able to dig into Nightmare Dungeons, battle other players, and build something called a Paragon Board. That’s apparently a place that’ll allow for customizing “characters beyond max level”. Then on top of all that, there’s also the Tree of Whispers. That’ll allow you to “unlock further world objectives and bounties and acquire Legendary gear.”

With all of that, it’s going to be a long wait for launch, but it looks like Diablo IV is going to be worth it.