Diablo IV Introduces The Necromancer, New Gameplay, Coming 2023 | Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022

Diablo IV is coming in 2023. The news was shared alongside some new gameplay and the reveal of the game’s final class during the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase on Sunday.

The much-anticipated action RPG was heavily featured during the briefing with developer Blizzard first revealing the game’s final class — The Necromancer. However, the extended presentation also shed some light on the game’s open world, its character customisation, and its endgame content.

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An open world and non-linear exploration is something new for the Diablo series and one that opens up plenty more opportunities for players as they explore the myriad of dungeons on offer in the game. Strongholds were also introduced as areas players will need to “reclaim” from enemy forces with Blizzard stating that these will allow players to have a “real effect” on the overall game world.

And whilst basic character classes are fixed — players can choose between Rogue, Sorceress, Barbarian, Druid and the newly introduced Necromancer — there are now more ways to customise them than ever before although they all seem purely cosmetic. We also got a brief look at some character abilities, which also showed off new levels of verticality and just how good the game looks.

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There’s clearly a push from Blizzard to do more with Diablo IV and that extends to multiplayer. Cross-play will be a feature alongside local co-op for two players, and PvP will return as well. Particularly skilled players will be highlighted as a “champion” with others players tasked with taking them out for some serious loot. In-game events are also set to feature, with multiple players being able to team up to, for example, take down a large boss.

The only thing missing from this extensive presentation was a release date. 2023 is all we know for now. However, Xbox did state all games shown were set to release in the next 12 months. 

What we do know is that Diablo IV will release on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 — a reminder that the ink isn’t quite dry on that Microsoft - Activision Blizzard acquisition just yet. A mention of Xbox Game Pass was notably absent, but that could change in due course.