A new wave of Diablo 4 leaks have started on the internet after a private playtesting period, and it seems that a controversial feature from the previous game is once again appearing.
In-game footage, screenshots, and other information about Diablo 4 have surfaced recently, giving fans their first look at the upcoming action RPG. In the leaks published by Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, several unconfirmed features of the RPG can be seen. Alongside Diablo 4’s character creator was posted on Reddit, along with details of the game’s Smart Loot system and partial exchange between players.
The Smart Loot system was first introduced in Diablo 3 and received a lot of attention from fans of the series. This system, which can be basically described as a targeted loot system, ensures that the loot left by defeated enemies is suitable for your character’s class and stats. For example, if you’re playing a Wizard, you’re less likely to find a crossbow than a range-focused Demon Hunter.
However, the appearance of the feature in Diablo 4 divided the players in two. Some people on Reddit think that this feature improves the Diablo formula by making the item collection process faster and more rewarding. If you know that you will stick to one class, you can almost be sure that this feature will be useful to you, as you will find many items suitable for your character.
But another group says the system encourages less experimentation for players. Players can build a strong character very quickly and have less reason to replay the game with another class. Changing a class is almost the same as starting from scratch, as you have a warehouse that is constantly fed with a source of loot suitable for a single character.
Some players suggest keeping the Smart Loot system but making it less effective to offer a greater element of luck. Others want it removed entirely, saying it eliminates unexpected moments like when you find a perfect item by pure chance or a powerful item that inspires you to completely spin your character’s build.
Restrictions on trading between players are another topic of discussion. According to leaks, low rarity items can be traded between players for small amounts, but the most valuable loot is never given away.
On the official Diablo forum, many defend the decision. They hope it will avoid attracting players who will try to regulate the market to their liking. Others point out that the importance of player-to-player trading will be closely tied to the Smart Loot system. Players will be less likely to find items they don’t want to keep for themselves if the items to drop for each player are chosen based on their character. This will partially eliminate the need to exchange items.
While the leaks stem from an early build of Diablo 4, which could change drastically when the full game releases, there’s good reason to think these features will stay in place. Blizzard has maintained and defended the Smart Loot system since Diablo 3’s release in 2012, and there were previews of Diablo 4’s limited trading system even back in 2019.
“The idea is that we have three different types of tradable items,” said lead game designer Zaven Haroutunian at the Blizzcon 2019 panel. We also think that the best quality, strongest things in the game should be items that you can never trade. You have to earn them yourself. To get that loot, you have to go to the endgame dungeons and kill the monsters.”
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