Blizzard’s plan to overhaul Diablo 4’s current Battle Pass system could mark a turning point for how the action RPG handles its rewards. Rather than persisting with the familiar 90-tier structure, split into free and premium tracks, the developer could look to adopt a fresh approach that prioritizes player choice and reduces the predictable grind seen in most other live-service games. Rod Fergusson, Diablo general manager, has hinted that the existing battle pass model feels “antiquated,” and while the next season isn’t going to have an immediate change, there are better ways to “gamify and give the players more agency” in a live-service environment moving forward.
This openness to experimentation comes at a crucial time because Diablo 4 is well into its seasonal model, with Season 7 extended and Season 8 on the horizon. Each new Season typically includes fresh quests, balance tweaks, and a themed Battle Pass, but fans have begun clamoring for something more user-friendly. Marvel Rivals features passes that never expire, which is an example that could guide Diablo 4 toward a more engaging, flexible system for unlocking content.
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Blizzard Could ‘Steal’ the Marvel Rivals Battle Pass Formula for Diablo 4
The Marvel Rivals’ Battle Pass eliminates a core frustration of many live-service games: the fear of missing out. By allowing the passes to be completed even after their corresponding Season ends, the game offers a more welcoming environment. It helps players engage with the game at their own pace without feeling rushed or pressured to complete everything in a limited time. This technique also creates a longer content cycle where each pass retains value well beyond its launch window. Adapting this formula within Diablo 4 could address the common complaints surrounding its current Battle Pass design.
For one, a never-expiring battle pass would mesh seamlessly with the game’s emphasis on replayability. As new Seasons, expansions, and difficulty tiers roll out, players could revisit older passes without sacrificing progress on newer ones. A battle pass overhaul also opens the door to a more creative reward track, where gear, cosmetics, and lore elements are delivered when players want them. Instead of forcing players down a rigid track of 90 tiers, whereby unlocking content is linear and isn’t exactly the best grind-motivator, a battle pass that allows players to decide what reward they pursue next could lead toward a more personalized progression experience. This philosophy was recently teased by Fergusson, indicating that it could be in the cards.
Introducing Daily and Weekly Challenges Could Also Be Helpful
Another practical strategy that could breathe fresh life into Diablo 4’s season format is the introduction of daily and weekly challenges. While the game already offers a Season Journey with various objectives, a more structured rotation of time-bound tasks, similar to Apex Legends, would further reinforce players’ sense of ongoing progress and objective variety.
Tackling smaller goals each day or week helps push consistency and engagement, and would prove especially useful if a never-expiring Battle Pass system were introduced. In tandem with players picking the order of their rewards, daily and weekly challenges could be a game-changer for the current Diablo title.
Action RPG
Hack and Slash
- Released
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June 6, 2023
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
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