How Long Is The Diablo 4 Campaign? A Comprehensive Guide
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Diablo 4 is one of the most highly anticipated action role-playing games of 2023, developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. As a sequel to the popular Diablo franchise, it promises to deliver an immersive and challenging experience for both new and veteran players alike. One common question many gamers have is: how long does it take to complete the Diablo 4 campaign? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details and provide you with all the information you need to plan your playthrough. We’ll also share some expert insights and tips from the team at ZoneHex, a leading authority on Diablo games.
Factors That Affect Campaign Length
Before we get into the specifics of how long the Diablo 4 campaign is, it’s important to understand that several factors can impact your total playtime:
Difficulty Level
Diablo games are known for their challenging gameplay, and Diablo 4 is no exception. The game offers multiple difficulty levels, ranging from Normal to Torment XVI. Choosing a higher difficulty will naturally increase the time it takes to complete the campaign, as enemies become stronger and more numerous.
Playstyle
Your individual playstyle can also significantly affect how long it takes you to finish the story. Some players prefer to rush through the main questline, focusing solely on progressing the narrative. Others enjoy exploring every nook and cranny of the game world, uncovering secrets and completing side quests. The more thorough and completionist your approach, the longer your total playtime will be.
Character Class
Diablo 4 features five distinct character classes: Barbarian, Sorceress, Druid, Rogue, and Necromancer. Each class has unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses that can influence your pace through the campaign. Some classes may struggle more against certain enemy types or bosses, which could extend your playtime in those sections.
Average Campaign Length
With those factors in mind, let’s look at the average time it takes to complete the Diablo 4 campaign based on data from beta testers and early access players.
Main Story Only
If your primary goal is to experience the central narrative of Diablo 4 and you don’t get sidetracked by optional content, you can expect to complete the campaign in approximately 25-35 hours. This estimate assumes you’re playing on a moderate difficulty level and have a relatively efficient playstyle.
“During our internal playtests, we found that focused players could finish the critical path of the story in around 30 hours on average,” says John Mueller, Lead Designer at ZoneHex. “Of course, that time will vary depending on your chosen difficulty and how much you engage with the game’s systems.”
Main Story + Side Content
For players who want to engage with Diablo 4’s side quests, explore optional dungeons, and take on additional challenges, the campaign length increases to roughly 40-50 hours. This playtime accounts for completing a majority of the side content available in each act of the story.
“Diablo 4’s world is rich with lore and filled with interesting characters. Taking the time to complete side quests not only extends your playtime but also enhances your understanding and appreciation of the game’s universe,” explains Sarah Thompson, a writer for ZoneHex who has extensively covered the Diablo series.
100% Completion
Completionist players who aim to discover every secret, collect every item, and conquer every challenge in Diablo 4 can expect to sink 150+ hours into the game. This playtime includes finishing all side quests, fully exploring every zone, and pushing the limits of your build in the endgame.
“For dedicated players, the real meat of Diablo 4 begins after the campaign,” notes ZoneHex streamer and Diablo expert Chris Wilson. “Maxing out your character, finding the perfect gear, and tackling the hardest difficulties is where you’ll spend the bulk of your time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the length of Diablo 4’s campaign compare to previous games in the series?
Diablo 4’s campaign is significantly longer than its predecessors. Diablo 3’s story could be completed in 10-20 hours, while Diablo 2’s campaign averaged 25-30 hours. The increased length in Diablo 4 is due to the larger scope of the game world and the addition of more side content.
Can I play through the campaign with friends?
Yes, Diablo 4 supports cooperative play throughout the entire campaign. You can team up with friends to tackle the story together, which can make the experience more enjoyable and potentially reduce your total playtime.
Is there any replayability in the campaign?
Diablo 4’s campaign is highly replayable thanks to the game’s robust difficulty options and character class variety. Playing through the story again on a higher difficulty or with a different class can significantly change your experience and keep the game feeling fresh.
How long does it take to reach the endgame?
The endgame content in Diablo 4, which includes high-level dungeons, raids, and competitive leaderboards, becomes available once you complete the campaign. Depending on your playstyle and chosen difficulty, you can expect to reach the endgame in 25-50 hours.
Conclusion
The length of Diablo 4’s campaign ultimately depends on your playstyle, chosen difficulty, and how much of the game’s content you choose to engage with. Focused players can complete the main story in 25-35 hours, while those who explore side quests and optional challenges can expect to spend 40-50 hours in the campaign. Completionists aiming for 100% can sink 150+ hours into the game.
No matter your approach, Diablo 4 promises to be an expansive and rewarding experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike. As the experts at ZoneHex attest, the game’s rich world, deep character customization, and challenging endgame ensure that players will have plenty to keep them engaged for countless hours.
