Blizzard Entertainment isn’t any closer to offering a release date for Diablo 4. However, in its latest quarterly update, the development team does outline changes to the Skill system and Talents while also revealing how the Sorceress’s core gameplay works. First up, Skill progression – it’s now a skill tree with different branches and roots.
The top part represents Skills that can be unlocked with Skill Points with the circular nodes representing enhancements to active skills. The roots are for Passive Skills and require Passive Points to unlock. Passive Points are gained by exploring the different branches. It’s worth noting that only 30 to 40 percent of the total nodes can be filled in by the end game. This should result in more defined builds and ways to play.
Then there’s the Sorceress, who follows an Enchantment system. It’s part of the team’s class-specific approach to customization. Her Skills can essentially be placed in an Active Skill slot or an Enchantment slot. The latter means that it can’t be controlled but the skill will grant a secondary power. For instance, slotting Meteor into the Enchantment slot will result in a Meteor periodically hitting enemies while you cast other spells.
It’s well worth reading into other changes like how plans for end-game progression, relying less on items for character power and more. Diablo 4 is currently in development for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months especially with BlizzConline set for February 2021.