In today’s gaming world overrun with cooperative, live service, and MMORPG games, it appears as if solo play has become somewhat of a forgotten art. Nevertheless, numerous gaming enthusiasts relish the immersive and tranquil experience of traversing and experiencing a game on their own. Diablo 4 acknowledges and accommodates this sector of the gaming community, thereby rendering solo play a feasible choice.
In the late 1990s, Diablo emerged as an independent game, presenting a single hero combatting the forces of Hell. Today, Diablo has expanded to incorporate co-op, guilds, and various other options for those interested in playing collaboratively or forming new friendships. However, if you have a predilection for carrying forward the tradition of solo play, here are several tips to facilitate your journey.
8. Emphasize Self-Healing Abilities
Diablo diverges from the standard RPGs as it lacks clearly defined roles for characters. There are no classes explicitly identified as a tank or healer. Although some may boast superior healing or tanking abilities, all players simply adopt the DPS role. Consequently, for solo players, this necessitates exploiting all available self-healing abilities.
Primarily, this involves strategic decision-making with regard to the Skill Tree and identifying the most beneficial new abilities. However, it also necessitates the selection of gear or accessories that bolster your regenerative powers or hit point capacity.
7. Adopt a Defensive Strategy
This involves leveraging any abilities that enhance your character’s ability to evade, move swiftly, or withstand damage. It’s an important factor to consider when selecting equipment and deciding your overall gameplay style. Before a player gains access to high-level skills, the Dodge button can prove beneficial, so ensure it’s easily accessible on your keyboard or controller.
Certain classes offer better protection. For instance, Barbarians can utilize a greater array of armor and weapons, whereas Sorcerers can employ magical barriers to both absorb and inflict elemental damage. Make these a priority when they become available in the Skill Tree.
6. Accumulate Gold
Diablo is notorious for the abundant gold scattered throughout the game. However, gold is necessary for a multitude of requirements, ranging from repairs to upgrades to gem cutting. Solo players should strive to amass and conserve as much gold as possible, given the absence of support from friends or a guild.
For players still at a lower level, it is more prudent to save gold rather than spend it on gear or upgrades prematurely. Instead, reserve your funds for the endgame, specifically for play on Tier III.
5. Gather and Store Extra Resources
Diablo 4 marks the first instance of the franchise incorporating a crafting feature. However, characters are not responsible for the actual crafting. Players must compensate a vendor for services such as potion creation or gear repair, amongst other tasks. Therefore, in addition to hunting for gold, players should also actively engage in berry picking and thorough exploration of every concealed Traveler Cache.
5. Utilize Storage for Resource Accumulation
With abundant storage space in the containers for resources, ensure to put it to good use. Take the opportunity to break down rocks for ore and gems, harvest those berries, or defeat wild creatures for their leather.
4. Familiarize Yourself with Checkpoints
The upside in Diablo is that any player can resurrect another simply by clicking on their ghost. The downside? Not every player will bother, and in a solo game, who else will be around?
Fortunately, resurrection checkpoints are typically not too distant, and you’ll encounter durability damage regardless. Even when engaging in Adventure Mode, accustom yourself to the routine of returning from those checkpoints.
3. Avoid Overcrowding Your Storage
Your storage, including your bags and the stationary chest in every town that functions as a makeshift bank, has a limited capacity. These can quickly become cluttered considering the array of items you gather in the wilderness, post-event, or after dungeon clearance. Make it a habit to visit the town Blacksmith not only for crucial repairs but also to offload your inventory, allowing space to collect even more.
Make frequent use of the salvage option, given the salvaged materials can be repurposed for other projects. However, keep in mind, this service is exclusive to certain vendors and is not always accessible.
2. Regularly Visit The Potion Maker
If you were playing with a team, you might neglect the Potion Vendor until the need for an occasional health potion upgrade arises. However, this NPC crafts unique potions with various applications that are valuable for a solo player.
The options span a range of elemental resistances, and most also provide a minor experience boost. This vendor can also refine materials and salvage specific items, a convenient service that is often overlooked.
1. Engage in Side Quests
If cooperative play doesn’t interest you, it’s beneficial to form alliances with the locals by assisting them with certain tasks and side quests. While some of these may tie into the main storyline, most are standalone.
Earning additional money and experience is always advantageous, not just for solo players. There are also renown and caches rewarded for aiding the distressed locals. In other games, “renown” equates to “reputation”. Enhancing this to a higher level results in superior rewards and perks in the future.