Alpha, Beta, and Demo versions of Diablo 4 provide players with an exciting opportunity to sample the game ahead of its official release. These pre-release versions offer glimpses into new systems, locations, items, enemies, and more. Two Betas for Diablo 4 are lined up. The first one is available to those who preordered the game and is accessible from March 17th to 19th. The second one is open to all and runs from March 24th to 26th. The final beta was from May 12 to May 14, now you can wait for the demo or final release of the game.
Diablo 4 Open Beta
The open beta includes the Prologue and the entirety of Act 1, allowing players to explore the first area, Fractured Peaks. However, character progress is limited to level 25. Even after reaching this level cap, players can continue battling demons, though they won’t earn additional levels. The beta features dungeons, quests, and ample loot to discover.
The key highlights of the open beta are:
- Full Prologue
- Full Act 1
- Fractured Peaks area
- Character leveling up to 25
- Classes
- Weapons
- Armor
Please note that progress in the beta DOES NOT carry over to the full game. However, progress will carry from Early Access to Open Beta.
This beta presents the first chance to combat the Burning Hells before the official Diablo 4 launch on June 6th. However, as the developers are testing various areas, there might be performance issues, outages, and potentially non-functional features. Player feedback is highly appreciated and will be taken into consideration for the final product.
Redeeming Your Early Access Beta Code
Early Access Beta codes can be redeemed on the Diablo website at diablo.com/beta. You will need to log in or create a Battle.net account. Pre-purchasing Diablo 4 automatically grants access to the Early Access Beta.
PC players will have access immediately after their account is flagged. Console players will need a platform-specific code to download the Beta, which will be emailed to the address associated with their Battle.net account.
Open Beta PC Specs
PC players must ensure that their system meets the necessary requirements to run the Diablo 4 Open Beta. Here are the minimum and recommended PC specifications:
Minimum Requirements for PC
To run the Diablo 4 Open Beta at 1080p native resolution / 720p render resolution, low graphics settings, 30 fps.
Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-8100
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon R9 280
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: SSD with 45 GB available space
Internet: Broadband Connection
Recommended Specifications for PC
To run the Diablo 4 Beta at 1080p resolution, medium graphics settings, 60fps.
Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD R3-1300X
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 470
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: SSD with 45 GB available space
Internet: Broadband Connection
Open Beta Focus for Diablo 4
The Open Beta and Early Access weekends for Diablo 4 allow players to dive into the early stages of the game. You’ll get a glimpse of the Prologue and Act 1 in their entirety, and have the opportunity to explore the first zone, the Fractured Peaks. Level up your character up to Level 25 and continue your demon-slaying adventures until the Open Beta ends.
This Beta stage lets you clear dungeons, complete fascinating quests, and gather powerful loot. Keep in mind, though, that this is a pre-release version; you might experience performance issues or outages, and encounter some non-functional aspects. After the Open Beta, all player feedback will be evaluated for potential improvements.
Open Beta and Early Access Timings
The Early Access to the Open Beta kicks off on March 17 at 9 a.m. PDT and wraps up on March 20 at 12 p.m. PDT. The Open Beta itself begins on March 24 at 9 a.m. PDT and concludes on March 27 at 12 p.m. PDT. Early Download options will be available closer to these dates.
Playable Classes in the Open Beta
In the Early Access weekend (March 17 – 20), players can choose from three classes: the mighty Barbarian, the agile Rogue, and the elementally potent Sorcerer. During the Open Beta weekend (March 24 – 27), the Druid and Necromancer classes are also playable. With the ability to create up to 10 characters per Battle.net account, it’s recommended that you experiment with different classes to find the one that aligns best with your playstyle. Please note that all progress and characters from the Beta weekends will be deleted when the Beta ends.
Co-op Play in the Beta
Diablo 4 supports couch co-op play on all compatible consoles. This allows a second player to join in the demon-slaying fun on the same screen. During the Early Access weekend, only one player needs official access, but the second player must have their Battle.net and console-specific accounts linked.
Additionally, the game supports online 4-player co-op, which requires all players, except those in couch co-op, to have official access during the Early Access weekend. Playing near any player grants a 5% bonus experience, and being near a party member gives a 10% bonus.
Downloading the Open Beta
Players can start downloading Diablo 4 for the Open Beta and Early Access at the following times:
Early Access: Early Download begins Wednesday, March 15 at 9 a.m. PDT
Open Beta: Early Download begins Wednesday, March 22 at 9 a.m. PDT
If you’ve already downloaded the game for Early Access, there’s no need to download it again for the Open Beta.
Early Download Guide for Diablo 4 Beta
Here’s how to get the Diablo 4 Beta for each platform. It’s worth noting that you won’t need an Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus subscription to play the game during the Open Beta and Early Access weekends in most regions. A PlayStation Plus subscription will be necessary in Germany due to rating requirements. After the launch of Diablo IV, these subscriptions will be needed for certain multiplayer features.
PC:
- Launch the Battle.net client.
- If Diablo 4 isn’t in your Favorites bar, add it by clicking the + icon, or locate it in the All Games page (it should be at the top of the list).
- Go to the Diablo 4 Game Page and click the blue Install button.
- After installation, click Play to launch the game.
PlayStation:
- Open the PlayStation Store and search for Diablo 4 Open Beta.
- Select Download.
Xbox:
- Open the Xbox Store and search for Diablo 4 Open Beta.
- Select Download.
- Open Beta Content
The Diablo 4 Open Beta allows players to explore the Fractured Peaks region and encounter Ashava, the whirlwind of Pestilence.
The Fractured Peaks
The Fractured Peaks is a treacherous yet thrilling region filled with demons and danger. Its rugged steppes and snow-covered pathways pose both challenges and opportunities for adventurers.
The city of Kyovashad, a safe zone nestled within the mountains, serves as your base of operations, where you can repair and buy new gear, upgrade health potions, access the Stash, and more.
Diablo IV’s main questline is multi-faceted and consists of several acts, with your pursuit of Lilith, the main antagonist, taking center stage. The Fractured Peaks is also full of side quests, such as the Woodsman of Nevesk Side Quest and the Altars of Lilith, which offer a permanent boost to all characters on the Eternal Realm’s core stats when found.
As you navigate the wilderness, you’ll come across World and Legion Events. World Events are short, random experiences in the zone that require completion of tasks, such as guiding a lost soul or pacifying bloodthirsty obelisks. On the other hand, Legion Events are longer challenges that require preparedness and often cooperation with other players.
Dungeons are a critical element of the Diablo universe, and Diablo IV offers plenty of them for players to delve into. Dungeons and their recommended levels are shown on the map, providing opportunities to test your skills and collect valuable gear.
In short, the Fractured Peaks in Diablo IV offer a challenging yet rewarding exploration experience. From the safety of Kyovashad to the trials of World and Legion Events, players can carve out their own legends and prepare for the battles that lie ahead. Are you ready to face the demons of the Fractured Peaks?
Ashava, the Whirlwind of Pestilence
Ashava, a formidable plague bearer wielding massive forearm blades, is one of the fiercest challenges you’ll face in Diablo IV’s Fractured Peaks. Renowned for her ability to spew lethal poison, Ashava’s defeat requires a team of skilled adventurers, the best gear, and a whole lot of courage.
Battle times against Ashava during the Open Beta and Early Access weekends are:
March 18 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 10 p.m., and midnight PDT
March 25 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 10 p.m., and midnight PDT
Victorious warriors will be rewarded with a significant loot drop, the envy of Sanctuary.
Open Beta Rewards
During the Open Beta and Early Access weekends of Diablo IV, players can unlock three unique rewards which will be accessible once the game fully launches. These are:
Initial Casualty Title: Reach Kyovashad with one character.
Early Voyager Title: Reach Level 20 on one character.
Beta Wolf Pack Cosmetic Item: Reach Level 20 on one character.
The timings for Early Access and Open Beta are as follows:
Early Access to the Open Beta begins March 17 at 9 a.m. PDT and concludes March 20 at 12 p.m. PDT.
The Open Beta begins March 24 at 9 a.m. PDT and concludes March 27 at 12 p.m. PDT.
Diablo 4 Server Slam
Blizzard has announced another event, the Server Slam, which will occur over the weekend of May 12 until May 14. No prior purchase or participation in earlier betas is required, and players from all platforms (Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox Series S and X, Xbox One, and PC) can join in.
Server Slam Features
Here’s what you can expect during the Server Slam:
The level cap is 20, lower than the 25 cap from the Early Access and Open Beta.
Progress from the Early Access or Open Beta won’t carry over to Server Slam, nor will Server Slam progress carry over to the full game.
The Legendary item drop rate has been adjusted to mirror the rate in the final release of Diablo 4.
Bug fixes and updates identified during the Early Access and Open Beta weekends will be incorporated.
Server Slam Rewards
In addition to all the previous unlockables from the Early Access and Open Beta, the Server Slam introduces a new reward – the Cry of Ashava Mount Trophy, earned by defeating Ashava with a level 20 character. If players have already earned previous rewards, they don’t need to earn them again during the Server Slam.