# Diablo 4, cross-platform, now in beta **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** video-games-e-games\ **Created:** [March 25, 2023, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620 "2023-03-25T01:36:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/341 "2023-07-06T19:49:06Z")
I liked blood too, started with overpower then went with the “infinimist” build. Bonespear feels a lot more like a sorcerer. Or at least how they should feel like. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/342 "2023-07-06T20:27:59Z")
I haven’t played D4 Necro yet but in D3 the bone spear ability was also ultra powerful. Especially because I found a golem that followed me around picking up my corpses, and he could store up to 30 at a time. Then I found a weapon that dropped one corpse per second, and those two aspects combined gave me unlimited corpses. I found the minions weren’t as useful in the endgame. I’m hoping the D4 build is similarly fun. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/343 "2023-07-06T20:37:00Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Would be _much_ harder as a solo player though. > [@Atamasama](#): > > It’s **not** a single player game, even though most of the content can be done alone. Yeah, I’ve been holding off while I figure if this is worth it to me. I’m a fan of D 1-3, but I’m single-player exclusively - I don’t enjoy cooperative play. I guess I’m going to have to give it a pass. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/344 "2023-07-06T20:49:57Z")
There is zero cooperative play unless you desire it. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/345 "2023-07-06T20:53:34Z")
So far I’d say playing solo has been markedly less fun, but my character is getting stronger. I look forward to playing with my husband every night but when I have time to myself I can’t muster the enthusiasm to play solo. It’s not a bad time, exactly, it’s just not as good. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/346 "2023-07-06T20:56:31Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > There is zero cooperative play unless you desire it. If the game is substantially (or even moderately) hamstrung when playing single-player, it is not the game for me. A bit of difficulty is fine - Elden Ring-style is not. I just find that sort of thing frustrating rather than fun. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/347 "2023-07-06T20:57:21Z")
I’m with you and prefer solo and, so far, I have had no problem playing solo. You see other people in town and there are some zones (marked on the map) where others can join in battling a boss but you can just avoid those if you want (I think they are fine…short lived, cooperative, no one yet making comments about my mom). I have followed someone else into a dungeon two seconds behind them and I get my own dungeon. To each their own…just know you can solo this if you want (although I am not sure about all end-game content). ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/348 "2023-07-06T21:02:27Z")
While I think there are some places where teaming up is helpful I believe you can solo the whole game without too much problem (of course there are some encounters that are difficult…usually a good re-spec can sort it or go grind and come back later…the Butcher is one such that is difficult to solo but it can and has been done). ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/349 "2023-07-06T21:08:54Z")
Well, it’s not. At all. I don’t think I’ve group with people for more than five minutes in the several hundred hours I’ve already put into this, and those times I have it was completely unnecessary. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/350 "2023-07-06T21:19:44Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > A bit of difficulty is fine - Elden Ring-style is not. I don’t think it’s anywhere near as hard as Elden Ring. It’s all doable, but my experience is that it just feels like a slog. Because when you can’t just mow down every mob on your way to a dungeon, you spend an incredible amount of time dealing with monsters who aren’t generating as much XP. I’m not constantly dying, I’m just making slow progress. For melee classes I think you are just more vulnerable than the melee classes in D3. I feel strongly that as a Barbarian I should both be hitting hard and a tank. I’m finding myself to be mediocre in both defense and offense, but I am early in the solo game… Level 37 IIRC. I am just basing my opinion on a solo experience with one class. I’d try a different solo character, but Season 1 is coming up so soon, I don’t see the point. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/351 "2023-07-06T22:01:57Z")
Complaining about content is basically because there is basically no end-game content. I don’t recall everything about D3, but in the endgame you could farm crafting materials to get a super dungeon with better loot. Where I’m at it’s basically upgrading glyphs I don’t use or pray for the drop that only 2 people in the world have gotten so far. No incremental goals to go for. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/352 "2023-07-06T22:12:07Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > No incremental goals to go for. Which ties in with the lack of endless progression D3 had. At least you were getting SOMETHING for your time. ---
**Author:** ![Pavelb1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/353 "2023-07-07T00:27:04Z")
By the way there are some aspects that can be leveled up. So say you find a more perfect aspect on a piece of equipment you arnt going to use. Level up the equipment, extract it, then imprint it on the piece you already are using and presumably is leveled up already. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/354 "2023-07-07T01:28:51Z")
I didn’t know that. My amulet is the only piece I have without an aspect because I’m waiting for a perfect edgemaster. I have a 17% on a ring for if I get desperate, but apparently you can’t upgrade %based items. Bah. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/355 "2023-07-07T01:29:22Z")
Edgemaster is currently disabled and doesn’t do anything. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/356 "2023-07-07T01:33:53Z")
Well shit. I had a perfect disobedience that I was debating, but put that on my chest instead. I guess if one drops I’ll hold onto it and see what happens when they fix it. Apparently drop rates were just changed and a bunch of super rare uniques have been dropping from helltide chests. One just ended when I logged on so I guess I missed it. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/357 "2023-07-07T03:31:38Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > Apparently drop rates were just changed and a bunch of super rare uniques have been dropping from helltide chests. One just ended when I logged on so I guess I missed it. They patched this so don’t go farming helltide expecting anything. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/358 "2023-07-07T03:56:16Z")
I could be wrong but I kinda feel the Barb is meant to be a support class. The shouts help buff a group so, if you play with other players, a Barb is a great addition. Solo…probably better off with something else. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/359 "2023-07-07T07:05:42Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I could be wrong but I kinda feel the Barb is meant to be a support class. It seems so wrong but I think you’re correct. They are also really good at casually debuffing enemies too. This article cracked me up somewhat: > **[The best Barbarian builds for leveling in Diablo 4 season 2](https://www.polygon.com/23654868/barbarian-best-build-skills)** > > Manage your fury to smash legions of demons with these season 2 builds > The Barbarian is by far the beefiest class in _Diablo 4_, significantly tougher than the Sorcerer or the Rogue. It’s as if the authors forgot there were two other classes, because it seems like you can make a Druid or a Necro be tankier than a Barbarian. They do concur with you though about being a support class: > Additionally, the Barbarian can provide support for party members through the **Rally Cry** skill, which increases movement speed and resource regeneration while active. This makes the Barbarian more or less feel like a true support, or something similar to the **Crusader** in _Diablo 3_ . This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but instead facilities a very specific kind of play that encourages grouping up with other players. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620/360 "2023-07-07T13:31:32Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > They patched this so don’t go farming helltide expecting anything. I thought about logging in and trying to farm some on my necro but honestly the announcement of season 1 on the 18th kinda makes eternal characters pointless. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-4-cross-platform-now-in-beta/981620.md?page=19)