Diablo IV is an action RPG set in the dark, gothic world of Sanctuary. You play as one of several character classes battling the forces of Hell through an open-world campaign, then transitioning into a deep endgame. The game combines visceral hack-and-slash combat with extensive loot and character customization systems that will keep you experimenting with builds for hundreds of hours.
After choosing your class, you'll begin in the Fractured Peaks and quickly become entangled in the story of Lilith's return to Sanctuary. The campaign takes roughly 20-30 hours and is worth experiencing fully on your first character. Follow the main questline, but don't hesitate to explore side dungeons and events you encounter along the way — they provide valuable experience, gold, and gear.
Gear drops constantly in Diablo IV, and managing your inventory is an ongoing task. Equip items that increase your overall Item Power and have stats relevant to your build. Offensive stats like Critical Strike Chance and Vulnerable damage are universally strong. Sell or salvage unwanted items at town vendors — salvaging provides crafting materials used to upgrade your favorite gear at the Blacksmith.
The Skill Tree is where you define your build's identity. You earn skill points as you level up, unlocking active abilities and passive bonuses. Respeccing is cheap early on, so experiment freely. Each skill can be enhanced with upgrade nodes that modify how the skill works. Pay attention to keywords like Vulnerable, Fortify, and Barrier, as these statuses interact with gear bonuses and create powerful synergies that form the backbone of effective builds.