Diablo IV set to release in June 2023 for PC and consoles, with two beta periods scheduled prior to launch.
Participation in the beta can earn players rewards in the final game. The first beta is set to begin shortly, so here’s what you need to know.
It’s important to keep in mind that although progress made during the early access beta will transfer over to the open weekend, it won’t carry over to the full game release later this year. Therefore, don’t get too attached to your character.
Diablo IV beta dates
The first phase of Diablo IV’s early access weekend will take place from March 17-19, exclusively available to pre-order customers and a select number of registrants who followed the correct steps back in October.
For those who didn’t receive an invite, an open beta will run from March 24-26. Pre-loading the game will be available roughly one week before the beta begins. Keep reading for more information on how to access the beta and what to expect.
For both sets of dates, the beta will kick off at 9 AM PT / noon ET and run until the ending date at noon PT / 3 PM ET.
For us in the GMT+8 zone, the early access beta will start on 18 March at exactly 12 midnight and end 21 March at 3 AM. As for the open beta, it will start on 26 March at 12 midnight to 28 March at 3 AM.
How to get into the beta
If you have pre-purchased Diablo IV digitally, you will have automatic early access to the open beta on your chosen platform. For those who received an early access code, you will need to redeem it on a Battle.Net account. Follow these steps to activate the code:
- Go to the Diablo beta website
- Log in or create a Battle.net account
- Enter your code here and select your gaming platform from the drop-down menu
- A success page will then confirm that your code was valid and it access will be added to your account on PC
- For console players, a platform-specific code to download the beta will be emailed to the address linked to your Battle.net account closer to the start of the early access weekend
Diablo IV beta platforms
Blizzard is rolling the Diablo IV beta out to a wide variety of platforms, as you’ll be able to play on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Beta downloading for the early access period begins on March 15 at 9 AM PT / noon ET on all platforms. The open beta’s early downloading period is at the same time on March 22, but those who have already downloaded the initial beta client do not need to re-download it for the open beta.
Couch co-op will be available for the beta period, as well, on both Xbox and PlayStation platforms. Both players have to use their own Battle.Net accounts to enable this, and can have up to 10 characters during the beta period.
Beta PC specs
Both the minimum and recommended PC specs for the beta have been revealed. Note that these are subject to change when the full game launches.
Minimum
- OS: 64-bit Windows 10
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon R9 280
- CPU: Intel Core i5-2500L or AMD FX-8100
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: SSD with 45GB free
- Internet: Broadband connection
Recommended
- OS: 64-bit Windows 10
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 370
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD R3-1300X
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: SSD with 45GB free
- Internet: Broadband connection
What to expect from the Diablo IV beta
During the Diablo IV beta, players will be able to access everything in the prologue and Act 1, including the main campaign missions and additional quests. The beta will offer players a chance to explore the first zone, Fractured Peaks, and level up their character up to level 25.
Blizzard has stated that while some bugs may be present, the beta will provide players with a core gameplay experience. Feedback from the beta will also be considered ahead of the official release of Diablo IV.
While progress made during the Diablo IV beta won’t transfer to the full game, players who manage to reach level 20 will receive the Beta Wolf Pack, a cute cosmetic item featuring a wolf pup on their character’s back.
Additionally, those who make it to level 25 will have a chance to be included in a Diablo fresco, immortalized in the La chapelle des Jesuites. It’s an exciting opportunity for players to leave their mark on the game and be a part of its legacy.
During the beta period, players can engage in the main campaign missions in Diablo IV, which revolve around your conflict with Lilith, as well as side quests. Additionally, there are Altars of Lilith scattered throughout the map, which provide permanent stat boosts upon completion.
A world boss named Ashava will spawn four times during the beta period, once on each Saturday, allowing both closed and open beta players to participate. There are also smaller World Events and larger Legion Events that are designed to be tackled with other players.
Which classes are included?
During the early access period, there will be three classes to choose from, and this will expand to all five classes for the open beta. The initial beta will include:
- Barbarian
- Rogue
- Sorcerer
The second, open beta will also add Druid and Necromancer.
For more details on what is going on in the beta, check the full Diablo IV Beta Guide here.
