Diablo 4early access beta players are criticizing the game’s dungeons and are asking Blizzard to improve randomization before launch. Dungeon crawling is at the heart of theDiablofranchise.Diablo 4is no different, with Blizzard previously confirming that the new game would feature over 150 “handcrafted and yet procedurally generated” dungeons. SomeDiablo 4players are concerned that Blizzard’s dungeon design is too simple and could make repeated playthroughs tedious.
Procedurally-generated dungeons lie at the heart of theDiabloseries, going back to the original game. Even thoughDiablofeatured a singular dungeon, as players went deeper each level’s design was unique compared to those prior.Diablo 3, however, ended up being harshly criticized for its dungeon layouts. Players felt they were too simple, missing the complexities ofDiabloandDiablo 2while being streamlined for faster completion and loot churn.
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NowDiablo 4appears to be criticized for a similar reason toDiablo 3. In both theDiabloandDiablo 4subreddits, the current top posts are saying that the new beta’s dungeons are too simple and don’t feature enough randomization. One post says the dungeons are “brutally repetitive” and that the player grew bored quickly. Another post claimed that a third of the dungeons they played had the “exact same layout,” and that like withDiablo 3there’s “no sense of … exploration or discovery.” They pointed toDiablo 2’s dungeon labyrinthsas an example of what they are looking for.
It wasn’t just the dungeon layouts that were criticized, however.Diablo 4beta players also criticized the repetitive puzzle elements feature in the dungeons. Players are tasked with finding a key or crystal, gathering anima or other items, or fighting specific sub-bosses in order to progress. While these mechanics did change the pacing of dungeons, players argued that there isn’t enough puzzle diversity and dungeons only felt all the more repetitive as a result.
While it’s undeniable that Blizzard made dramaticchanges fromDiablo 3toDiablo 4with regard to visuals, themes, and atmosphere, mechanically the differences are less dramatic.Diablo 3fans will recognize a significant amount of similar content, whether it be class abilities or, as fans criticize, dungeon map layout. Dungeon layout and progression isn’t a simple thing to change, however, as it’s innately tied to gameplay balance. Blizzard might not be able to change it, even if it wanted.
It’s worth asking ifDiablo 4beta players are exaggerating a non-issue, however. ThecurrentDiablo 4betaoffers a very limited amount of the full game’s content. It’s only the first of three acts in the game, the first explorable zone of five, and just twenty-three dungeons of over 150. There are inevitably going to be more enemies, bosses, puzzles, tilesets, and more to be discovered. That doesn’t necessarily mean dungeons will grow more complex, however. Blizzard will hopefully take note, if necessary, and perhaps consider the possibility ofDiablo 2-esque labyrinthine dungeon layouts before launch.
Diablo 4releases June 6 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
