Diablo Immortal is still kicking. In fact, the upcoming mobile game is on the cusp of going into a limited technical alpha. In a new update video, lead designer Wyatt Cheng explains that “A small number of players, primarily in Australia, will briefly have access to test the game, and help us look at our early leveling experience, as well as our midgame systems.”
The Diablo Immortal alpha will feature four out of the final game’s six classes: the Barbarian, Monk, Demon Hunter, and Wizard, with the Crusader and Necromancer sitting this one out. As well, the alpha will have a lower level cap than the final version at level 45. But players wil be able to test a paragon system akin to Diablo 3‘s to continue improvement past the cap. Unlike Diablo 3, however, Diablo Immortal will have multiple paragon trees, designed around different playstyles.
Another Diablo 3 carryover are greater rifts, though in Diablo Immortal, they’ll be called elder rifts, and require keys to open.
Cheng also discusses the item-levelling system for Legendary items, saying that players will be able to upgrade older Legendaries by salvaging gear for crafting material. Upgraded Legendary items will also gain random bonus properties at certain ranks.
And seeing as this is a mobile game, Cheng covered how Blizzard will be monetizing Diablo Immortal. “The entire main quest storyline and all future content updates are always going to be free,” he said. “We are not gonna limit your game time with an energy system and new classes will be accessible to everybody, without requiring an in-game purchase. Diablo Immortal will be free-to-play, with optional in-game purchases available.”
Those optional in-game purchases will include a battle pass, and items called crests that can be used to modify elder rifts, making them harder or easier, while also increasing the loot you get from them.
To sign up for the alpha, you can head over to the sign-up page.
There is much to share from Sanctuary.#DiabloImmortal Lead Designer Wyatt Cheng (@candlesan) provides an update on the Technical Alpha, gameplay, world-building, and more.
Pre-Register: https://t.co/AY1Vn89lfk pic.twitter.com/dzQEc8awxQ
— Diablo Immortal (@DiabloImmortal) December 17, 2020