The development team behind Diablo 4 has shed some light on when players can anticipate the introduction of competitive play in the game.
Despite being a relatively new release, Diablo 4 has already amassed a dedicated fan base, thanks to its extensive campaign and evolving endgame content.
The Anticipation Builds
Players are eagerly awaiting more content and updates, and Blizzard has been proactive in keeping the community informed about future plans. The developers have already unveiled the Malignant Heart types for Season 1 and hinted at further changes down the line.
Now, they’ve started to tease another eagerly awaited feature: competitive play.
A Peek into Competitive Play
During a recent roundtable, Joseph Piepiora, an associate game director for Diablo 4, addressed queries about the inclusion of competitive play in the game. While Diablo 4 primarily focuses on PvE and player cooperation, competition has been a staple of the series since Diablo 2.
Consequently, players have been curious about when a competitive mode, akin to Diablo 2’s Ladder, would be incorporated into the game. Blizzard has now revealed that this feature is slated for Season 3.
The Wait Continues
Piepiora confirmed that a competitive play system is indeed on the cards, but it won’t be part of the first or even the second season. The team wants to ensure that the system is implemented correctly, which, given its complexity, will take time.
Therefore, while players can look forward to this exciting feature, they shouldn’t hold their breath just yet.
Blizzard’s Approach
This announcement aligns with Blizzard’s cautious approach to Diablo 4 thus far. The team has consistently stressed that they are taking a measured approach to changes, often planning several seasons in advance.
With a start date already set for Season 2, and hints dropped about plans for subsequent seasons, players can likely expect competitive play towards the end of this year or the beginning of the next.
While some fans might be disappointed by the wait, there are plenty of regular updates to keep players engaged in the meantime. A recent Diablo 4 update for Season 1 has already revamped World Tiers, and there’s much more in store before Season 3.