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−	This is the '''Diablo 3 Basics''' page, which is the main '''Fact Sheet''' of known '''Diablo III''' information. This much anticipated sequel to Diablo and Diablo II was announced at [[Blizzard]]'s [[WWI 2008]] in Paris, during 27-28 June 2008. Regardless if you just heard that Diablo III is announced, or if you have been following some of the {{wl|[http://www.diii.net/news news]}}, this page should be able to get you up to date!
−	If you are looking for the '''Basics Section''' of the wiki, you can find that in the '''[[:Category:Basics|Basics Category]]'''.	+	This is the '''Diablo 3 Basics''' page, which is the main '''Fact Sheet''' of known '''Diablo III''' information. Regardless if you just started playing diablo 3 or returned after a long vacation to other games, this page will get you up to speed!
−	[[Image:Diablo III Logo.jpg|frame|right]]
−	The game will feature a similar isometric view as its predecessor, but will be created completely in a 3D-environment.	+	[[Image:Diablo III Logo.jpg|right|150px]]If you are looking for the '''Basics Section''' of the wiki, you can find that in the '''[[:Category:Basics|Basics Category]]'''.
	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
−	Diablo III, while featured completely in '''3D''' with a 3D environment, will follow closely in Diablo II's track by using the classic isometric view, fast gameplay and randomised content for high replayability. Some changes have been made in order to make the game faster and more flexible as well as making players choose and employ tactics rather than mindless mouseclicking. Besides taking well learned lessons from WoW, the developers have been inspired by games such as ''Zelda'' and ''God of War''. Regardless, the game will be possible to play with a mouse alone, if a player so wishes (but you would be a lot less efficient).
−	Remember that you as a newbie to Diablo can find more related articles in the '''[[:Category:Basics|Basics Category]]'''	+	Diablo III, while featured completely in '''3D''' with a 3D environment, follows closely in Diablo II's track by using the classic isometric view, fast gameplay, and randomized content for high replayability. Some changes have been made in order to make the game more welcoming to new players, to ramp up the difficulty more smoothly, and to create a "deep and engaging" combat system. The Diablo III developers took inspiration from previous games in the series, as well as [[World of Warcraft]], and other different games such as ''Zelda'' and ''God of War''.
		+
		+	Remember that if you're a newcomer to Diablo, you can find more related articles in the '''[[:Category:Basics|Basics Category]]'''.
	<br>		<br>
	<br>		<br>
	== Character Classes ==		== Character Classes ==
−	[[Image:Screenshot 8.jpg|300px|right|thumb|[[Barbarian]] hammering.]] [[Image:Screenshot 16.jpg|300px|right|thumb|[[Witch Doctor]] [[Skull of Flame|flameskulling]].]]Blizzard have confirmed that the game will ship with <span style="color:white;">'''five'''</span> character [[class]]es. <span style="color:white;">'''Four'''</span> classes have been revealed:	+	The Following classes are in diablo 3:
−	* '''The [[Barbarian]]''' - The same character you played in [[Diablo II]], but with some [[Barbarian skills|new skills]], and backed with power of the [[ancient]]s.	+
−	** [[Barbarian skills]] - All known skills.	+	{|
−	* '''The [[Monk]]''' - Not the same as in Diablo: Hellfire. A new martial arts specialist inspired by the [[Assassin]] and [[Paladin]] from Diablo II and the rogue from World of WarCraft.	+	! colspan="3" | Barbarian
−	** [[Monk skills]] - All known Skills.	+	|-
−	* '''The [[Witch Doctor]]''' - A new class that comes from the jungle region of [[Taganzi]], and uses [[Witch Doctor skills|voodoo magic]] to do his bidding. One of his highlights is the [[Wall of Zombies]] spell.	+	| [[File:Barbfemale.jpg|85px]]
−	** [[Witch Doctor skills]] - All known Skills.	+	| [[File:Barbmale.jpg|80px]]
−	* '''The [[Wizard]]''' - A new class that is a pure spell caster harnessing arcane and elemental magic to do her bidding. Very similar to the [[Sorcerer]] and [[Sorceress]] of previously Diablo games. One of the highlights is the [[Wizard_skills#Slow_Time|Slow Time]] spell which warps space and time, slowing nearby monsters and projectiles.	+	| '''The [[Barbarian]]''' - The one returning class is still a mighty brawler, but he's gained countless new tricks, with only a few skills returning, and all of them modified in various ways.
−	** [[Wizard skills]] - All known Skills.	+	* [[Barbarian Skills]]
−	* '''The [[Other classes]]''' - Speculation on the missing class.	+	* [[Barbarian passive skills]]
		+	* [[Resource]]: - [[Fury]]
		+	|-
		+	! colspan="3" | Demon Hunter
		+	|-
		+	| [[File:Demon-hunter-art4.jpg|center|125px]]
		+	| [[File:Demon-hunter-male.jpg|90px]]
		+	| '''The [[Demon Hunter]]''' - The game's ranged weapon specialist, Demon Hunters are fast-moving archers with devastating offensive capabilities and a wide variety of tactical traps and demonic gadgets.
		+	* [[Demon Hunter Skills]]
		+	* [[Demon Hunter passive skills]]
		+	* [[Resource]]: - [[Hatred]] & [[Discipline]]
		+	|-
		+	! colspan="3" | Monk
		+	|-
		+	| [[File:Monkfemale.jpg|85px]]
		+	| [[File:Monkmale.jpg|85px]]
		+	| '''The [[Monk]]''' - The follower of a thousand Gods, Monks from [[Ivgorod]] are holy warriors. Combining fast-hitting, melee-ranged martial arts with holy magics, auras, and defensive tactics.
		+	* [[Monk Skills]]
		+	* [[Monk passive skills]]
		+	* [[Resource]]: [[Spirit]]
		+	|-
		+	! colspan="3" | Witch Doctor
		+	|-
		+	| [[File:Witchfemale.jpg|85px]]
		+	| [[File:Witchmale.jpg|70px]]
		+	| '''The [[Witch Doctor]]''' - A mysterious class from the jungles of [[Teganze]], the Witch Doctor wields a huge array of magical attacks, as well as the ability to mind control enemies and summon up pets to fight alongside him.
		+	* [[Witch Doctor Skills]]
		+	* [[Witch Doctor passive skills]]
		+	* [[Resource]]: [[Mana]]
		+	|-
		+	! colspan="3" | Wizard
		+	|-
		+	| [[File:Wizardfemale.jpg|85px]]
		+	| [[File:Wizardmale.jpg|70px]]
		+	| '''The [[Wizard]]''' - An evolutionary improvement from the Sorcerer and Sorceress seen in previous Diablo titles. Wizards boast an impressive array of offensive spells that are useful for every situation, as well as defensive spells and escape abilities that combine to create this murderous [[glass cannon]].
		+
		+	* [[Wizard Skills]]
		+	* [[Wizard passive skills]]
		+	* [[Resource]]: [[Arcane Power]]
		+	|-
		+	|}
		+
		+	=== Skills ===
		+	When just starting the game, you have a basic attack, which is a [[primary skill]]. The next level will unlock another skill, and so on. At level 6, you unlock [[skill runes]], which alter the way skills work. For example, a [[Wizard]]'s basic fire [[Hydra]] can use a skill rune turning it into a frost or lightning hydra. Each 10 levels up to level 30, you unlock a [[passive]] slot, which change the way your character functions. For example, there is a [[Barbarian]] passive that makes it so instead of losing fury over time, you regenerate it. All basic skills are unlocked by level 30, but it takes until level 60 for your character to reach full potential.
		+
		+	Skills can be changed at your convenience. At level 60, changing skills makes you loose [[Nephalem Valor]]. When changed in town, there are no cooldowns.
		+
		+	Unlike diablo 2, many skills have cooldowns ranging from 5 seconds to a whooping 2 minutes. Skills with cooldowns tend to be more powerful than normal skills and are worth the wait.
		+
		+	==Monsters==
		+
		+	In [[Sanctuary]], you face many [[monsters]], [[demons]], [[beasts]], [[undead]], etc. They range from small, such as the [[imp]] found in crypts, or large, like the mighty [[Siegebreaker]]s that are employed by lords of hell. It will be necessary to know the strengths and weaknesses of these monsters. You can begin learning about them here: http://www.diablowiki.net/Category:Monsters.
		+
		+	==Death==
		+
		+	In [[softcore]], death is very mild, punished only by 10% durability loss and a need to run back to where you came from. The task is made much easier by [[checkpoints]], which help with this, and [[waypoints]], which make going places a very simple task.
		+
		+	One planned feature that didn't make it into the game were specially gruesome player fatalities, which some bosses were to have the ability to inflict when they killed players.
		+
		+
		+	==Difficulty Levels==
		+
		+	There are four [[difficulty]] levels in Diablo III, [[Normal difficulty]], [[Nightmare difficulty]], [[Hell difficulty]], and [[Inferno difficulty]]. Each difficulty level repeats the same game content, but with monsters, items, and everything else increased in level to keep scaling up the challenge. Normal is designed to be fairly easy, especially early on, to usher new players into the game and teach them the ropes without too much challenge. Difficulty starts to increase in Nightmare and Hell, and characters should max out at level 60 around the end of Hell. In addition, there are 10 [[monster power]] options that increase loot drops, experience gain, and the life and damage of your foes.
		+
		+	==Gold==
		+
		+	[[Gold]] is the main trading resource in diablo, and is common to find. It is used for repairs, buying potions and other services from vendors, trading, and the [[Auction House]].
−	New with Diablo III is the choice of gender for each class. Class creation is not as customizable as the characters in popular MMO [[World of WarCraft]], but the developers have made it possible to choose a '''male or female''' character of the class they prefer.	+	==The Auction House==
−	We have no word at all about the next class, like Jay hinted on the previous two ([[Monk]] and [[Wizard]]). Before the Wizard was released, he mentioned we would hate[http://www.diii.net/n/693870/jay-wilson-videogamercom] it (possibly because it's so similar to Sorceress, but still different) and the next one, which turned out to be the Monk, we would love[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/exclusive-jay-wilson-interview/]. Well, fans have loved both, so perhaps it doesn't really matter what Jay says.	+	The [[Auction House]] is a huge trading base, where you can buy and sell nearly every item in the game, excluding account bound items. It is being removed in March 2014.
		+	==Items==
−	===Maximum Character Level===	+	[[Image:Barbarian swing.jpg|thumb|right|[[Barbarian]] swinging two magical axes.]]
−	Has been tentatively announced as 100, though this is far from carved in stone as of yet. The most recent comment was by D3 Community Manager [[Bashiok]] in September, 2008:[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/bashiok-on-level-cap-and-inventory/]	+	Armor and weapons function much as they did in previous games in the series. Players find low level gear early on, and one of the major goals/enjoyments of playing is to find better quality gear and thus improve your character's performance. One big change to the appearance of armor is the elimination of exception and elite versions of gear. Unlike in Diablo II, Diablo III characters will not find the exact same looking armor repeated on each difficulty level. Instead there are 18 "tiers" of armor, organized into something the developers call [[gear sets]].
−	::The first and last thing said on it was in an interview with Jay at WWI when we first announced, and paraphrasing that: we will probably keep it about the same, level 99, but it always seemed like an arbitrary number to stop at so we may up it to 100.	+	Each gear set has a distinctive, organized look, and thus a character wearing all (or most) of say, gear set 14, would have a cohesive, coherent appearance as the items would match each other. The developers have released numerous screenshots of the classes in complete gear sets, and they are stylish indeed. It's less clear, in advance of playing the higher levels, just how often (if ever) a character will have most or all of the same gear set on, or if characters will always be clad in a mixture of different level equipment.
−	<br>	+	Item quality is similar to that of Diablo II, with item scarcity progressing [[normal]] > [[magical]] > [[rare]] > [[set]] > [[legendary]] (unique items). There should be more mixing and matching at the highest levels, with rare, set, and legendary items of approximately-equivalent quality, depending on the random mods they spawn with.
−	<br>
−	== Skills ==	+	Item and weapon types can be seen below.
−	You can look at the above known class [[skills]] for detailed information about what will be available, but one big general change for character abilities is that you now have a skill bar instead of a potion bar. It works similar to WoW, and more skills can now be accessed easily. Read more about the [[potion]] changes below.
−	* A '''[[:Category:Skills|Full List of Skills]]''' of the class skills.	+	===Item Crafting===
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	=== Skill Tree Respecs/Resets ===	+	[[Crafting]] returns in Diablo III, in a major game system that combines elements of the item crafting and item gambling systems from Diablo II. Players use the [[Blacksmith]] NPC [[Artisan]] to create semi-random weapons and armor, including (eventually) set items and legendary items. Each crafted item requires [[gold]] and [[materials]], and crafted items all have some pre-set and some random mods, making the item creation a gamble that player may wish to repeat many times, in hopes of spawning an item with better [[modifier]]s.
−	In Diablo II, a character always had all their skills and stats as they were allocated. If you made any mistake, the only solution was to start over. There has not been a definite word on talent/skill respecs, but [[Jay Wilson]] has said that he didn't like that you were limited in the old system, and that regardless of how the skill system will look, respecs are probably going to be available.
−	<br>
−	<br>
		+	The Blacksmith must first know the [[recipe]] to create the item, and these are taught to the Artisans by [[training]] them to higher levels, as well as by finding crafting [[plans]], including rare ones, as drops from monsters and chests.
		+	The [[Jeweler]] works very similar to the blacksmith, however he specializes in gems and some account bound rings + amulets, rather than gear.
−	=== Skill Runes ===
−	[[Rune]]s will work very different in Diablo III compared to {{iw|Rune Diablo II Runes}}, and is now part of the character customization. You will enter skill runes for your skills/spells, which will affect how the these work in the game. A multiplying rune might make your spell fire additional fireballs, another rune might make the blast radius bigger etc.
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	==Stats/Attributes==	+	===Armor and Weapon Types===
−	'''It's no longer possible to choose where to enter your own stat points.''' They will be automatically assigned every time you level up. The customization that this brought in Diablo II is now going to be moved to itemization among other ways. Have a look what kind of secondary attributes are influenced by the initial stats/attributes '''[[Attributes#Strength|Strength]]''', '''[[Attributes#Dexterity|Dexterity]]''', '''[[Attributes#Vitality|Vitality]]''' and '''[[Attributes#Willpower|Willpower]]'''.
−	*The '''[[Attributes|full list of attributes]]''' shows how attributes and secondary attributes interact.
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	==Monsters==	+	*[[Armor]]: [[helms]], [[shields]], [[Chest Armor|chest armor]], [[Hands|gloves]], [[Feet|boots]], [[rings]], [[amulets]], and [[belts]] return. Belts are now just another piece of armor; they do not have any special potion-holding function.
−	[[Image:Goatmen surround a Siegebreaker.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[Goatmen]] & [[Siegebreaker]].</span>]]Diablo III will have a great array of '''[[monster]]s''', and they will employ more intelligent behaviour, and effects as well. There will be more 'mini-boss' encounters that make for more epic gameplay, an example is the [[Thousand Pounder]], who isn't really a [[boss]], but a unit type. Other 'effects' include skeletons with large shields that can block and protects archers, [[ghoul]]s that climb up sheer walls to attack you, or [[Grotesque]]s that explode into a hundred [[Lamprey]] monsters. We can expect many unique attack patterns and behaviours from the Diablo III monsters.	+	** New armor types compared to Diablo 2: [[pauldrons (item type)|Shoulders]], [[Wrists|bracers]], and [[pants]].
		+	** New class-specific armor types compared to Diablo 2: [[Mighty Belts]] for the Barbarian; [[Cloaks]] for the Demon Hunter; [[Spirit Stones]] (helms) for the Monk; [[Voodoo Masks]] for the Witch Doctor, and [[Wizard Hats]] for the Wizard.
−	* '''The [[Monster|Monsters Article]]''' has much more information on the 35 known monsters.	+	* [[Weapons]]: [[Axes]], [[Spears]], [[Polearms]], [[Swords]], [[Maces]], [[Bows]], [[Crossbows]], [[Wands]], [[Shields]]. (There are no throwing weapons in D3v, and many of these weapon types have class limitations -- Monks can not use bows/xbows, only Wizards and Witch Doctors can use wands, etc. See the individual items pages for full details.)
−	* '''The [[:Category:Monsters|Full List of Monsters]]''' show what can currently be killed.	+	** New types of weapons compared to Diablo 2: [[Fists]], [[Daggers]] (no longer a type of sword).
−	<br>	+	** New class-specific weapons compared to Diablo 2: [[Mighty Weapons]] for Barbarians; [[Hand Crossbows]] for the Demon Hunter, [[Daibos]] and [[Fist]]s for the Monk, and [[Ceremonial Knives]] for the Witch Doctor.
−	<br>	+	*** Class specific weapons, off-hand only: [[Mojos]] for the Witch Doctor, [[Orbs]] for the Wizard, [[Quiver]]s and [[1 handed Crossbows]] for the Demon Hunter.
−	==Spectacular Deaths==
−	Diablo III promises to bring many different '''[[death|death animations]]''' for each killed enemy, as well as special death animations for [[critical hit]]s, and special fatalities by [[boss]] monsters when their hit would kill a player.
		+	===Other Items Information===
−	The '''[[death penalty]]''' will be a lot more lenient. People will no longer lose [[experience]] when dying. Naturally, if the [[Hardcore]] mode makes a return, a death will be permanent, but potentially possible for friends to loot the corpse. There will also be [[checkpoint]]s that automatically save the progress of a player, and when a character dies, he's transported to the nearest checkpoint.	+	* [[Runes]] are no longer found in Diablo III. They were never item socketables, but were socketed into skills, until a major system overhaul in early 2012.
−	<br>	+	* The [[inventory]] is much larger than it was in Diablo II, and after numerous permutations, it's settled on a large grid with all items either 1x1 or 1x2 in size, which allows for many more items than Diablo 2 ever did.
−	<br>	+	* The [[stash]] in town is large (though it shrunk from 5 to 3 pages during beta testing), and is shared between all characters on the same account. (But not HC and normal characters.) You must buy all the stash upgrades to take advantage of the space, though.
		+	* All gold and item drops from monsters, chests, quests, etc, are specific to your character. You only see items you can pick up, and do not see items for other characters, nor do they see yours in party or public games.
		+	** Items dropped by a character are seen by all, and can be picked up unless account bound.
		+	* Trading is supported, both between characters and in a much larger way through the Battle.net [[Auction House]], which has two version, the gold and the [[real money]] version.
		+	* [[Potion]]s are much simpler in variety than in previous Diablo games. There are no mana or rejuvenation potions, just health, and they come with a long cooldown between uses. Potions are intended for emergency use only, and players must learn to survive with life leech, hit point regeneration from equipment, and by using the [[health globes]] that monsters drop. Successful players must be a bit more cautious than they were in previous games of the series.
−	==Items==
−	[[Image:Barbarian swing.jpg|thumb|right|[[Barbarian]] swinging two magical axes.]]While the [[Category:Items|item]] system won't be identical to that of Diablo II, it will be very similar. '''[[Items]]''' will drop randomly and have random attributes. Some of the things that definitely changed:
−	* [[Runes]] no longer attach to weapons, and 'rune words' are '''completely removed'''. They are instead used to enhance your skills/spells.
−	* The [[inventory]] is now 'WoW-style' with '''one slot per item'''. No more 'inventory-tetris'.
−	* The [[stash]] is in the game, bigger this time, and will be possible to expand further.
−	** The dev team is discussing potentially making it a shared stash between your characters, or adding a mail system.
−	* Items will now drop '''per character''', and be invisible to other characters. They are still [[trade]]able, but you will never go a run without loot again.
−	* [[Known Items Listing|The Full List of Items]] contain all known items.
−	* [[Potion]]s are drastically changed, with some sort of limits. If it's less gained health/mana, or if it has a [[cooldown]] is unknown, but the old potion system is replaced by [[Health Orb]]s and the belt is replaced by a [[skill]] bar.
−	* There will be some new trading system ''in addition to'' the old one, possibly like the WoW Auction House.
−	<br>
−	<br>
	==NPCs==		==NPCs==
−	[[Image:Cain-concept1.jpg|thumb|right|75px|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[Cain]]</span>]]There is a small number of [[NPCs]] that are confirmed for Diablo III:	+
−	* [[Deckard Cain]] - Back to ask us to listen.	+	[[Image:Cain-concept1.jpg|thumb|right|75px|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[Cain]]</span>]]
−	* [[Leah]] - Girl from the [[cinematic]]. Apparently located close to Deckard Cain, likely in [[Tristram]].	+	As in previous games in the series, [[NPCs]] will feature importantly in Diablo III.  Much of the game [[story]] will be given by the NPCs, and they will be more interactive, while their speeches will be shorter, more to the point, and can be listened to while playing; you are no longer forced to "stay awhile" to "listen."
−	* [[Pablo DeSoto]] - Father of Leah. Close to his daughter, likely in [[Tristram]].	+
−	* [[Captain Rumford]] - This NPC was found in the small town area where new characters began the [[BlizzCon 2008]] demo.	+	[[Followers]]: Diablo III's answer to mercenaries from D2, the followers have their own skillset and rings, amulet and weapon slots that you can customize. In addition, you can give them follower specific items, such as the [[Templar Relic]].
−	* [[Mr. Meat Wagon]] - Unnamed NPC that dumped corpses unto a fire.	+	[[Artisans]]: Are special NPCs who craft items and provide other essential services, as well as much dialogue and information about the game world and quests. They are the [[Blacksmith]] and [[Jeweler]], after the [[Mystic]] was removed during beta testing. She will return in [[Reaper of Souls]].
−	* [[Crying Ghost]] - First ever Quest NPC.	+
−	* [[Little Girl Ghost]] - Second ever Quest NPC.
−	* Speculated characters to appear in the game can be found on the [[NPC]] article.
−	<br>
−	<br>
	==Locations==		==Locations==
−	[[Image:Sanctuary World Map.jpg|thumb|225px|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[world map|Sanctuary world map]], with locations noted.</span>]]The [[world map]] of [[Sanctuary]] was actually released with the second Diablo game's manual, but a new and improved map has been made by Blizzard, outlining the continents and the major [[settlement]]s. Many of these locations will be re-visited in [[Diablo III]] including [[Tristram]]. Areas close by that were never visited in the previous games will also have a chance, like the [[Leoric Highlands]] and [[Westmarch]].
−	We have been shown detailed pictures of [[Skovos]] (the land of the [[Amazon]]s), as well as [[Caldeum]] and Tristram. Skovos is confirmed to be excluded from the game, but the level of detail they are putting in to the universe suggests either a big expansion pack, MMOs or a film.	+	[[Image:Sanctuary World Map.jpg|thumb|225px|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[world map|Sanctuary world map]], with locations noted.</span>]]The [[world map]] of [[Sanctuary]] was actually released with the second Diablo game's manual, but a new and improved map has been made by Blizzard, outlining the continents and the major [[settlement]]s. Many of these locations will be visited in [[Diablo III]], including [[Tristram]]. Areas close by that were never visited in the previous games will also have a chance, like the [[Leoric Highlands]] and [[Westmarch]], and much of Act Three takes place in the Barbarian Lands around the [[Arreat Crater]].
		+
		+	The scorching deserts of the [[Aranoch]] will be revisited by the player when they have the opportunity to visit one of the largest capital cities in Sanctuary: [[Caldeum]]. The player will also explore the depths of the [[Archives of Zoltun Kulle]], ex-horadric mage.
		+
		+	Outdoor areas will be less randomized than dungeons, and the terrain will for the most part be static. Instead, a lot of random scripted events will take place. You will  find interactive environments with dangerous traps, obstacles, and [[destructible]] elements, such as vases and bookshelves. There will be "numerous" outdoor locations. These portions of the map that are randomised are called [[events]], and can even happen within randomised dungeons. Some are more common than others.
−	Outdoor areas will be less randomised than dungeons, and the terrain will for the most part be static. Instead a lot of random scripted events will take place, some will even be really advanced. It can vary from an escort [[quest]], to a mouldy tome, or a big bad [[boss]] monster. You will also find interactive environments with dangerous traps and obstacles, and [[destructible]] elements. There will be "numerous" outdoor locations.
−	<br>
−	<br>
	==Dungeons==		==Dungeons==
−	The only known dungeon of the game so far is the [[Forgotten Tombs]], which is seen on the [[gameplay video]]. It seems to be located adjacent to the [[Leoric Highlands]], and probably close to [[Tristram]] as well. Dungeons will be almost completely randomized, increasing replayability in the game. As a dungeon is a lot easier to randomize, these will be made different each time, and outdoor locations slightly more static. You will also find interactive environments with dangerous traps and obstacles, and [[destructible]] elements. There will be "numerous" dungeons.
−	<center>	+	The land is filled with dungeons, as in Diablo II. Dungeons vary widely in size and design, and are much more randomized than outdoors.
		+
	<gallery>		<gallery>
	Image:Screenshot 20.jpg|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[Dark Berserker]]s and a [[Grotesque]] in the [[Forgotten Tombs]].</span>		Image:Screenshot 20.jpg|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[Dark Berserker]]s and a [[Grotesque]] in the [[Forgotten Tombs]].</span>
−	Image:Screenshot 19.jpg|<span style="font-size:90%;">Several [[Walking Corpse]]s. [[Follower]]s can be seen as well.</span>	+	Image:Screenshot 19.jpg|<span style="font-size:90%;">Several [[Walking Corpse]]s.</span>
	Image:Screenshot 16.jpg|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[Witch Doctor]] who's [[Skull of Flame|flameskulling]] some [[Walking Corpse]]s.</span>		Image:Screenshot 16.jpg|<span style="font-size:90%;">[[Witch Doctor]] who's [[Skull of Flame|flameskulling]] some [[Walking Corpse]]s.</span>
	</gallery>		</gallery>
−	</center>	+
−	<br>
−	<br>
	==Transportation==		==Transportation==
−	Most transportation in Diablo III will be on foot, as there will be '''no mounts''' in the game. On the other hand, we've heard the [[D3 team]] talk about [[Waypoint]], so they will likely return, and there is also less running after a [[death]] due to [[checkpoint]]s.	+
−	<br>	+	As in Diablo II, travel is on foot. Unlike Diablo II, there is only one movement speed, rather than a walk and run option. This speed can be increased with item mods and some skills, and there is no stamina drain while moving. There are no [[mounts]] in Sanctuary, to ride about the world at a higher rate of speed.
−	<br>	+
		+	The main method of speedy transportation in the game comes from [[waypoint]]s, of which there are dozens per act, many more than were found in Diablo II. Waypoints are tied to quests and there are multiple waypoints in connected areas, tied to each quest. For instance, a player can only use the waypoint to the start of an area, and then while clearing that area and deeper dungeons within it, additional waypoints will be encountered, for easy returns to town. This allows for more travel without cluttering up the waypoints menu with dozens of them, as well as preventing players from warping right to the end of a quest, Diablo 2 boss run style.
		+
		+	The [[town portal]] system evolved repeatedly during Diablo III's development. TPs were in as [[scroll]]s, then out entirely, then back in via the [[Stone of Recall]] system, then changed back to a town portal activated directly from the [[belt interface]]. See those pages for more details.
		+
	==Easter Eggs==		==Easter Eggs==
−	While no Easter eggs have been confirmed, we can most likely expect some sort of surprise content in Diablo 3. However, it's not certain exactly what this will be. One thing is known and that is that all previous somewhat modern Blizzard games have had Easter eggs to some degree.
−	* Diablo II had its own [[Cow Level]].
−	* Blizzard have hinted at Easter eggs and secret levels.
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	===Cow Level===	+	There are numerous small [[Easter Eggs]] already seen in Diablo III during the beta testing. These include funny item and monster names, developer names carved on headstones, inside jokes via the [[Achievements]], and more. There are certain to be many other discovered in the full game.
−	The [[Cow Level]] is a very distinct piece of content in Diablo 2, but is as of yet unconfirmed for Diablo 3. Cows and Diablo have been closely linked in fan's minds since Diablo 1, and it's not unlikely that we'll get a secret Cow Level in Diablo 3 as well, even if it likely will be very different from the Diablo 2 version.	+
−	<br>	+
−	<br>	+	===Secret Level (SPOILER!)===
		+
		+	Most fans believed there would be a secret level in Diablo III with rainbows and unicorns and happy clouds, based on various hints and jokes the developers had been making stemming from the [[art controversy]]. The fans were right, as [[Whimsyshire]], the Diablo 3 secret level, was found shortly after the game's release.  See that article for full details.
−	===Rainbow Level===	+	* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?708777-The-secret-rainbow-level Rainbow Level forum thread from 2008]
−	This is a rumour started by the [[art controversy]] (see below), and all the hub-hub about the colour in Diablo 3 that came after the announcement might inspire the dev team to make a rainbow level with unicorns and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carebear Carebears].
−	* [http://forums.diii.net/showthread.php?t=708777 Rainbow Level forum thread]
−	<br>
−	<br>
	==Art Changes==		==Art Changes==
−	Some fans were very upset that [[Diablo III]] is seemingly full of much more colour than the predecessor [[Diablo II]]. While the settings in general now include a lot more colour, Blizzard argues that Diablo II was more colourful than people remember. Some fans have also expressed fears that Diablo III will become too much like [[World of WarCraft]]. You can read more about concerns and responses here:	+
−	* '''[[Art controversy|Diablo III Art Controversy]]'''	+	Diablo III uses more color, or at least uses color more obviously, than previous games in the series, and this spawned numerous fan debates shortly after the title was revealed in June 2008. The early screenshots and gameplay movies sparked the [[art controversy]] and angry online petitions, which Blizzard reacted to by defending their design choices.
−	<br>	+	* The [[Art controversy]] article goes into great detail on this topic.
−	<br>	+
	==Story Line==		==Story Line==
−	[[Image:Cinematic 10.jpg|thumb|right|300px|<span style="font-size:90%;">Mystical comet overlooking a settlement in the western part of [[Sanctuary]].</span>]]The [[story line]] of the game takes place twenty years after a few powerful heroes saved [[Sanctuary]] from the demonic onslaught in [[Diablo II]]. This has gone by largely unnoticed by the general population as most of those warriors who directly faced [[Hell]]'s armies (and were fortunate enough to survive) went mad from their experiences. Some people know that some sort of conflict took place, but for the most part the war against [[Diablo]] is a myth.
−	The [[Barbarian]]s gained their identity and cultural pride from protecting the Worldstone within [[Mount Arreat]]. To see it defiled by Baal and his minions, and then destroyed, tore out the heart of these proud people. They abandoned their homeland and became nomadic, wandering the lands of [[Sanctuary]] and pitching themselves into battle after battle in an effort to forget the pain of their shattered homeland.	+	[[Image:Cinematic 10.jpg|thumb|right|300px|<span style="font-size:90%;">Mystical comet overlooking a settlement in the western part of [[Sanctuary]].</span>]]The [[story line]] of the game takes place twenty years after a few powerful heroes saved [[Sanctuary]] from the demonic onslaught in [[Diablo II]]. Those events took place out of the sight of the common populace, and have become myth or legend over the intervening years. Most of the principles are dead or insane, and no one has had any sight of the Archangel [[Tyrael]] since he destroyed the Worldstone, triggering an explosion that erased [[Mount Arreat]] and shattered the Barbarians' civilization.
−	What happened to [[Tyrael]] after he destroyed the [[Worldstone]] is unknown to everyone. Scholars like [[Deckard Cain]] anticipated a huge invasion of demonic forces as the protection from the [[High Heaven]]s and the [[Burning Hell]]s, but no invasion ever materialized. Cain has spent the last years trying to figure out what happened, and trying to prepare us for the inevitable onslaught.	+	Since the destruction of the [[Worldstone]], those few humans (such as [[Deckard Cain]]) who did know of the danger to the world have been expecting an imminent demonic invasion, without the Worldstone to keep them in the [[Burning Hells]]. This has not happened because, and players will eventually learn, the two remaining lords of Hell, [[Belial]] and [[Azmodan]], have been building armies for a full-on invasion, intended to utterly destroy humanity.
		+
		+	Additional information on the story line and specific details can be found here:http://www.diablowiki.net/Category:Lore
		+
		+
		+	===Character Personalities===
		+
		+	Unlike the blank cyphers that all characters were in previous games in the series, the individual characters in Diablo III will have personalities. The Wizard is young, brash, and headstrong. The Monk is powerful and quietly confident. The Barbarian is strong and stoic. The Demon Hunter is angry and reckless in her (or his) need for vengeance. And the Witch Doctor is spiritual, mysterious, and misunderstood by the populace at large.
		+
		+	The characters behave accordingly, and inspire different replies and behavior from the NPCs. The [[Followers]] such as the [[Templar]] and [[Enchantress]] each have a distinct personality with a fleshed-out background and will not only banter to the player character, but also to other NPCs (and even to each other within the camp or town). The same holds true for other NPCs, such as [[Leah]], who may on occasion follow the player into the fray during a quest.
−	We know from the [http://www.diii.net/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=600 Diablo III cinematic] that a great comet of some importance is falling down on to the [[Tristram Cathedral]], and that some unlucky soul (if it's [[Leah]] or [[Cain]] isn't sure) is hit by it. [[Hell]]'s armies are amassing, and it isn't safe any more.
−	<br>
−	<br>
	==Quests==		==Quests==
−	Not that much information is yet available in regards to [[quest]]s, but what is known is that the quest system will help players interact more with the '''[[lore]]''' of the game, but still be '''optional''', and not something you need to experience unless you so choose. [[Blizzard]] claim the quest system itself will be '''new'''. There will be the standard story-line quests, as well as optional random quests related to the game you are currently in and [[class]]-quests. The random quests will vary from game to game. The same [[location]] in the game might spawn a caravan needing protection, or a mouldy tome which contains a quest, or perhaps just a big bad [[monster]].	+
−	<br>	+	There are a lot more quests in Diablo 3 than Diablo 2, at least 10 each act. They are all manditory to progress though the game, although that is subject to change in the [[Reaper of Souls|expansion]].
−	<br>	+
		+	Quests can be repeated in Diablo III through the game creation menu.
		+
	==Single Player and Multiplayer==		==Single Player and Multiplayer==
−	[[Image:Battle.net 2.0.jpg|right]]You will be able to play Diablo III both offline on your PC/Mac as well as online with friends. [[Jay Wilson]] has said on numerous occasions that the primary focus will be co-op multiplayer, but not excluding single player game. They want all the fans to meet up together as one community, and will make huge changes to the current setup. The preferred multiplayer system for [[Diablo III]] will be [[Battle.net 2.0]] and there will be '''NO LAN'''.
−	Besides the co-op, it will also be possible to fight versus other players.	+	The main focus of Diablo III is co-op [[PvE]] style play. Up to four players (yes, just four) can join up in a game and play together, and players in the same game are always friendly and in the same party. Players can, however, do some [[Brawling]].
−	<br>	+
−	<br>	+	Game creation and group formation will be easier in Diablo III than in the past: it is mostly automated. Diablo III, being on "battle.net 2", is using a match-making system very similar to that which is seen in ladder play in [[StarCraft II]] or the dungeon finder in [[World of WarCraft]]. A player can choose a few options for their game, including whether or not they want it to be private, , which quest they would like to start on (if they don't wish to simply resume the quest they were last playing), and a tag (Monster Slaying, Key Warden or Brawling). Players can instantly join games in which people on their [[Friends List]] are playing.
		+
		+	Diablo III takes place over Battle.net. There is no offline mode: the game is online only. Diablo III is following in Starcraft's footsteps and does <u>not include LAN support</u>. Though Blizzard always claims that this is a benefit, enabling greater player connectedness, most players regard it as an annoyance implemented as a security feature, since all Diablo III play requires players to possess a Battle.net account and valid cd-key.
		+
		+
		+	===Battle Arena===
		+
		+	[[File:Battle-arena-new-round1.jpg|frame|350px|A new round begins in the Battle Arena.]]
		+
		+	Arenas were first delayed, then delayed again, then replaced by [[Brawling]] with the promise better would be coming out. So far, no improvements have been made to pvp in Diablo 3.
		+
		+	[http://eu.battle.net/d3/en/blog/3828550/Diablo_III_PvP_Update-09_03_2012#blog]
	===Battle.net 2.0===		===Battle.net 2.0===
−	Blizzard have promised very big changes in [[Battle.net 2.0]], and besides removing the [[LAN]] functionality, the idea is to encourage people to play online with [[Achievement]]s, handy friends/foes lists and community support. You can read more about confirmed Battle.net features here:
−	* [http://www.diii.net/articles/689867/definite-battlenet-20-features Definite Battle.net 2.0 Features]
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	===Player Killing===	+	Battle.net 2.0 for Diablo III includes a [[Friends List]], numerous matchmaking and automatic game joining options, and limited [[chat channel]] support.
−	[[PvP]] will be possible in [[Diablo III]], but not as it works in Diablo II. Players will no longer be victim of "unwanted PvP action".	+
−	<br>
−	<br>
	==Other Changes==		==Other Changes==
		+
	Among the things that are not listed under their own headline, there are a few other things to highlight about Diablo III:		Among the things that are not listed under their own headline, there are a few other things to highlight about Diablo III:
−	* The old {{iw|Mercenaries Diablo II Mercenaries}} are now called '''[[follower]]s''', and it's now possible to have more than one with you on your travels.	+	* '''[[Chest]]s''' will not ever spawn in a locked version.
−	* Blizzard have not given a final decision if there will be a '''[[Hardcore]]''' mode in Diablo III or not, but [[Jay Wilson]] has said that he likes the idea and can't see any reasons why it should not be included.	+	* Monster corpses are no longer something that players can interact with. There are no corpse skills like Diablo II's {{iw|Corpse_Explosion Corpse Explosion}} or {{iw|Find_Item Find Item}}, and bodies on the ground will vanish after certain criteria have been met. However, dead bodies can be affected by [[physics]].
−	* '''Corpses''' will no longer be left permanently. In the opening [[gameplay video]], the corpses stayed for just a few seconds before fading away, but was later increased to 20 seconds, and in the latest builds, there is no upper limit, but instead an upper limit of corpses (so older corpses fade out). The reason is that when the number of corpses amount, they will weigh down the PC running it significantly, since it retains physics from [[Havok]] while in the game.	+	** There are no player corpses either, in the sense of lootable objects as they were in Diablo II. Like monsters, dead players are subject to the game's physics and can be blasted aside or out of sight by spells, and will vanish after a few seconds.
−	* '''[[Chest]]s''' will no longer be locked.	+
−	<br>	+
−	<br>	+	=== System Requirements ===
		+
		+	See the [[System Requirements]] article for full details on minimum and recommended system specs for PC and Mac.
		+
		+	<center>
		+	{|
		+	| Windows Minimum Requirements:
		+	* Windows® XP/Vista/7 (latest service packs) with DX 9.0c
		+	* Intel Pentium® D 2.8 GHz or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 4400+
		+	* NVIDIA® GeForce® 7800 GT or ATI Radeon™ X1950 Pro or better
		+	* 1 GB RAM (XP), 1.5 GB (Vista/7)
		+	* 12 GB available HD space
		+	* DVD-ROM (required for retail disc versions only)
		+	* Broadband* Internet connection
		+	* 1024x748 minimum resolution
		+
		+	| Mac Minimum Requirements
		+	* Mac® OS X 10.6.8, 10.7.x or newer
		+	* Intel® Core 2 Duo
		+	* NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT or ATI Radeon™ HD 2600 or better
		+	* 2 GB RAM
		+	* 12 GB available HD space
		+	* DVD-ROM (required for retail disc versions only)
		+	* Broadband* Internet connection1024x768 minimum resolution
		+	|}
		+	</center>
−	==Release Information==	+	<center>
−	This is a collection of all information available pertaining to the release of Diablo. Including [[release date]], [[system requirements]], [[Beta Test|beta testing]], price/payment methods and age [[rating]].	+	{|
−	<br>	+	|
−	<br>	+	PC Recommended System Requirements
		+	* Windows® Vista/7 (latest service packs)
		+	* Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 5600+ 2.8 GHz
		+	* 2 GB RAM
		+	* NVIDIA® GeForce® 260 or ATI Radeon™ HD 4870 or better
−	=== Release Date ===	+	|
−	As usual, the [[Release Date|release date]] for any Blizzard production is kept under wraps for as long as possible. What is known is that [[Diablo III]] is ''behind'' [[StarCraft II]] in the development cycle. A StarCraft release for 2010 and a Diablo III release in '''2010/2011''' seems probable, and the [[BlizzCon 2008]]/[[BlizzCon 2009]] information also seems to indicate this.	+	Mac Recommended System Requirements
		+	* Mac® OS X 10.7.x or newer
		+	* Intel® Core 2 Duo
		+	* 2 GB RAM
		+	* NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M or ATI Radeon™ HD 4670 or better
		+
		+	|}
		+	</center>
−	Still, the level of polish makes it harder to estimate development time left. Any other dates or rumours are that -- rumours.
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	=== System Requirements ===
−	* Windows XP compatible
−	* Windows Vista compatible
−	* Mac OSX compatible
−	Read more on the [[Diablo III System Requirements]] page. Diablo III is made completely in 3D, using [[Havok]] physics engine, with a custom game engine made by [[Blizzard]]. The game is currently native to DirectX 9, and will not require DirectX 10 to run. The game will probably use a slightly higher level of system requirements than [[StarCraft II]], which also uses Havok & DirectX 9, and is the closest thing we can compare the game to. You can read more on StarCraft II's requirements and DirectX compatibilities as well as shader info here:
−	* [http://www.starcraftwire.net/articles/954/starcraft-2-graphics-requirements-confirmed Graphics Requirements Confirmed] - The most prominent part of the system requirements, the graphics requirements released from Blizzard document.
−	* [http://www.starcraftwire.net/articles/675/starcraft-2-system-requirements StarCraft II System Requirements] - System requirements analyse from available information.
−	* [http://www.starcraftwire.net/articles/735/kalos-chronicles Kalos' Chronicles] - Technical articles for StarCraft II.
−	Here is a Blizzard quote on the system specs: [http://ablegamers.com/Disabled-Gamers-News/AbleGamers-Interviews-the-Diablo-III-Team.html]	+	===Diablo Beta Testing===
−	::'''''[[Jay Wilson]]:''' Currently we have no plans for specific DirectX 10 support.  Right now are running a DirectX 9, and we run on a pretty broad range of systems, really fast. Overall, across-the-board Blizzard's goal is that all of our games support a broad range of systems.  We don't jump up the system specs in any grand way. We have no intentions of being a high-end game, and certainly no intentions of being an exclusive DirectX 10 game at this time...''
−	::''We don't exactly know what the system specs are yet, but we'll try to keep them pretty low. We make a lot of decisions about what we do and do not put into our graphics, in order to keep the game running fast. One of the reasons why we talk a lot about art style, and how we focus a lot on art style, stylization of art over... when we do that it allows us to have a good looking game about falling back on technology, our technology does not have to carry us when we have such great art in the game.''	+	The [[Diablo 3 beta]] test began in early September, 2011, and continued through the end of the year and into 2012. The frequency of patches and number of beta testers increased dramatically in early 2012, as the game neared completion and balancing changes grew more frequent.
−	<br>	+	Prior to the start of the test, the developers had repeatedly said it would be a quick beta test, devoted largely to technical issues and Battle.net stress testing. That turned out to be very untrue.
−	<br>
−	===Diablo Alpha Beta Testing===
−	As with the release date, a time for beta is currently unknown. General information on Blizzard beta tests can be seen on the '''[[Beta Test]]''' page.
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	===Retail Price===
−	The retail price for Diablo III is unknown and will be stated closer to release. It's likely that the game will be "boxed" (no monthly fees, just a one-off price) and priced similar to other AAA titles.
−	<br>
−	<br>
	===Game Age Rating===		===Game Age Rating===
−	The '''[[rating]]''' of [[Diablo III]] is estimated to be aimed for gamers above the age of 15, while still trying to avoid USK 18+ in Germany, or other similar ratings that would severely hamper the sales of the game in that country. [[Blizzard]] are more likely to censor the game in affected countries than to avoid releasing it if the censorship is too harsh.	+
	* '''America ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Software_Rating_Board ERSB])''' - "M" Mature Rating (player should be at least 17 years old). No law enforcement.		* '''America ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Software_Rating_Board ERSB])''' - "M" Mature Rating (player should be at least 17 years old). No law enforcement.
	* '''Europe ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEGI PEGI])''' - 16+ (player should be at least 16 years old). No law enforcement (for most countries).		* '''Europe ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEGI PEGI])''' - 16+ (player should be at least 16 years old). No law enforcement (for most countries).
	* '''Germany ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unterhaltungssoftware_Selbstkontrolle USK])''' - USK 16+ (player should be at least 16 years old). Law enforcement of USK.		* '''Germany ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unterhaltungssoftware_Selbstkontrolle USK])''' - USK 16+ (player should be at least 16 years old). Law enforcement of USK.
	* '''Read more''' in the '''[[rating]]s''' article.		* '''Read more''' in the '''[[rating]]s''' article.
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	===Copy Protection and DRM===
−	It's unknown what type of copy protection (DRM) will be used on Diablo III, but with the new Battle.net changes and new Battle.net accounts, the game will likely only use a very light form of copy protection since the license is associated with the account. Online play will most likely not require a DVD in the drive, and offline play is unknown.
−	<br>
−	<br>
−	<br>
	==Who's in Charge?==		==Who's in Charge?==
−	Naturally, [[Blizzard]] are the guys making Diablo III, but that isn't a surprise. The important people for this production is the relatively new Blizzard employee Diablo III Lead Designer [[Jay Wilson]], besides the regular team. For fans, you might want to keep a look out for [[Bashiok]], the new Diablo Community Manager and [[Leonard Boyarsky]] who is the Lead World Designer for Diablo III, and head of [[quest]]s & [[lore]] as well as designing the world of [[Sanctuary]].	+
−	<br>	+	[[Blizzard Entertainment]] , with the Diablo III Game Director being [[Josh Mosqueira]]. [[Jay Wilson]] was formerly the Lead Designer and Game Director, but quit.
−	<br>
	==Expansions, MMO or Diablo Movie==		==Expansions, MMO or Diablo Movie==
−	Whatever will come after [[Diablo III]] is unknown, but it seems apparent that Blizzard are confident [http://www.incgamers.com/Games/1935/features/90/Diablo-III-Inforview] that there '''WILL''' be expansions. They have mentioned that the story line will have a more "final" ending than in Diablo II, which possibly means to make it better for an expansion, or perhaps a future MMO or a [[Diablo movie]]. Regardless, [[Jay Wilson]] has said that there are lots of potential for expanding the universe. What types of media this will come in is unknown: books, comics, manga, expansions, games or a movie...
−	[[Mike Morhaime]] said that they would like to make '''Diablo III expansions annually'''[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/diablo-3-will-have-several-expansions], and confirming plans for multiple expansions for the game.	+	[[Mike Morhaime]] said they would like to make '''Diablo III expansions annually'''[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/diablo-3-will-have-several-expansions], and confirming plans for multiple expansions for the game. So far, [[Reaper of Souls]] has been announced.
−	<br>	+
−	<br>
−	==Further Information==	+	==References==
−	You can follow the links to each specific section for further details on Diablo III development and information. You can also use one of the following links for further information:
−	* {{wl|[http://www.diii.net/news Diablo III news]}} - The most coherent news listing for Diablo III.
−	* [[Media Coverage]] - All Interviews, Previews, Pictures, Videos and Articles from around the web.
−	* [[:Category:Basics|Diablo III Basics]] - A listing of articles with good information if you are new to Diablo III.
−	* [[Diablo III FAQ]] - Frequently Asked Questions
−	* [[Diablo 3 History]] - The history of Diablo III up until the announcement.
		+	(more references needed}
−	==References==
−	* [http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/full-monk-skill-tree-discussion-and-status/ Full Monk Skill Tree Stats and Discussion ]
−	* [http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/exclusive-jay-wilson-interview/ Exclusive Jay Wilson Interview]
	* [http://www.blizzard.com/us/press/080628.html Blizzard Press Release]		* [http://www.blizzard.com/us/press/080628.html Blizzard Press Release]
−	* [http://diabloiiikore.com Official News Release]
−	* [http://www.diii.net/n/693870/jay-wilson-videogamercom Jay Wilson - Videogamer.com]
−
	[[Category:Diablo III]]		[[Category:Diablo III]]
	[[Category:Basics]]		[[Category:Basics]]
	[[Category:Featured articles]]		[[Category:Featured articles]]

---

Latest revision as of 02:44, 5 November 2018

This is the Diablo 3 Basics page, which is the main Fact Sheet of known Diablo III information. Regardless if you just started playing diablo 3 or returned after a long vacation to other games, this page will get you up to speed!

If you are looking for the Basics Section of the wiki, you can find that in the Basics Category.

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Diablo III, while featured completely in 3D with a 3D environment, follows closely in Diablo II's track by using the classic isometric view, fast gameplay, and randomized content for high replayability. Some changes have been made in order to make the game more welcoming to new players, to ramp up the difficulty more smoothly, and to create a "deep and engaging" combat system. The Diablo III developers took inspiration from previous games in the series, as well as World of Warcraft, and other different games such as Zelda and God of War.

Remember that if you're a newcomer to Diablo, you can find more related articles in the Basics Category.

Character Classes[edit | edit source]

The Following classes are in diablo 3:

Barbarian
		The Barbarian - The one returning class is still a mighty brawler, but he's gained countless new tricks, with only a few skills returning, and all of them modified in various ways. Barbarian Skills Barbarian passive skills Resource: - Fury
Demon Hunter
		The Demon Hunter - The game's ranged weapon specialist, Demon Hunters are fast-moving archers with devastating offensive capabilities and a wide variety of tactical traps and demonic gadgets. Demon Hunter Skills Demon Hunter passive skills Resource: - Hatred & Discipline
Monk
		The Monk - The follower of a thousand Gods, Monks from Ivgorod are holy warriors. Combining fast-hitting, melee-ranged martial arts with holy magics, auras, and defensive tactics. Monk Skills Monk passive skills Resource: Spirit
Witch Doctor
		The Witch Doctor - A mysterious class from the jungles of Teganze, the Witch Doctor wields a huge array of magical attacks, as well as the ability to mind control enemies and summon up pets to fight alongside him. Witch Doctor Skills Witch Doctor passive skills Resource: Mana
Wizard
		The Wizard - An evolutionary improvement from the Sorcerer and Sorceress seen in previous Diablo titles. Wizards boast an impressive array of offensive spells that are useful for every situation, as well as defensive spells and escape abilities that combine to create this murderous glass cannon. Wizard Skills Wizard passive skills Resource: Arcane Power

Skills[edit | edit source]

When just starting the game, you have a basic attack, which is a primary skill. The next level will unlock another skill, and so on. At level 6, you unlock skill runes, which alter the way skills work. For example, a Wizard's basic fire Hydra can use a skill rune turning it into a frost or lightning hydra. Each 10 levels up to level 30, you unlock a passive slot, which change the way your character functions. For example, there is a Barbarian passive that makes it so instead of losing fury over time, you regenerate it. All basic skills are unlocked by level 30, but it takes until level 60 for your character to reach full potential.

Skills can be changed at your convenience. At level 60, changing skills makes you loose Nephalem Valor. When changed in town, there are no cooldowns.

Unlike diablo 2, many skills have cooldowns ranging from 5 seconds to a whooping 2 minutes. Skills with cooldowns tend to be more powerful than normal skills and are worth the wait.

Monsters[edit | edit source]

In Sanctuary, you face many monsters, demons, beasts, undead, etc. They range from small, such as the imp found in crypts, or large, like the mighty Siegebreakers that are employed by lords of hell. It will be necessary to know the strengths and weaknesses of these monsters. You can begin learning about them here: http://www.diablowiki.net/Category:Monsters.

Death[edit | edit source]

In softcore, death is very mild, punished only by 10% durability loss and a need to run back to where you came from. The task is made much easier by checkpoints, which help with this, and waypoints, which make going places a very simple task.

One planned feature that didn't make it into the game were specially gruesome player fatalities, which some bosses were to have the ability to inflict when they killed players.

Difficulty Levels[edit | edit source]

There are four difficulty levels in Diablo III, Normal difficulty, Nightmare difficulty, Hell difficulty, and Inferno difficulty. Each difficulty level repeats the same game content, but with monsters, items, and everything else increased in level to keep scaling up the challenge. Normal is designed to be fairly easy, especially early on, to usher new players into the game and teach them the ropes without too much challenge. Difficulty starts to increase in Nightmare and Hell, and characters should max out at level 60 around the end of Hell. In addition, there are 10 monster power options that increase loot drops, experience gain, and the life and damage of your foes.

Gold[edit | edit source]

Gold is the main trading resource in diablo, and is common to find. It is used for repairs, buying potions and other services from vendors, trading, and the Auction House.

The Auction House[edit | edit source]

The Auction House is a huge trading base, where you can buy and sell nearly every item in the game, excluding account bound items. It is being removed in March 2014.

Items[edit | edit source]

Armor and weapons function much as they did in previous games in the series. Players find low level gear early on, and one of the major goals/enjoyments of playing is to find better quality gear and thus improve your character's performance. One big change to the appearance of armor is the elimination of exception and elite versions of gear. Unlike in Diablo II, Diablo III characters will not find the exact same looking armor repeated on each difficulty level. Instead there are 18 "tiers" of armor, organized into something the developers call gear sets.

Each gear set has a distinctive, organized look, and thus a character wearing all (or most) of say, gear set 14, would have a cohesive, coherent appearance as the items would match each other. The developers have released numerous screenshots of the classes in complete gear sets, and they are stylish indeed. It's less clear, in advance of playing the higher levels, just how often (if ever) a character will have most or all of the same gear set on, or if characters will always be clad in a mixture of different level equipment.

Item quality is similar to that of Diablo II, with item scarcity progressing normal > magical > rare > set > legendary (unique items). There should be more mixing and matching at the highest levels, with rare, set, and legendary items of approximately-equivalent quality, depending on the random mods they spawn with.

Item and weapon types can be seen below.

Item Crafting[edit | edit source]

Crafting returns in Diablo III, in a major game system that combines elements of the item crafting and item gambling systems from Diablo II. Players use the Blacksmith NPC Artisan to create semi-random weapons and armor, including (eventually) set items and legendary items. Each crafted item requires gold and materials, and crafted items all have some pre-set and some random mods, making the item creation a gamble that player may wish to repeat many times, in hopes of spawning an item with better modifiers.

The Blacksmith must first know the recipe to create the item, and these are taught to the Artisans by training them to higher levels, as well as by finding crafting plans, including rare ones, as drops from monsters and chests.

The Jeweler works very similar to the blacksmith, however he specializes in gems and some account bound rings + amulets, rather than gear.

Armor and Weapon Types[edit | edit source]

• Armor: helms, shields, chest armor, gloves, boots, rings, amulets, and belts return. Belts are now just another piece of armor; they do not have any special potion-holding function.
  • New armor types compared to Diablo 2: Shoulders, bracers, and pants.
  • New class-specific armor types compared to Diablo 2: Mighty Belts for the Barbarian; Cloaks for the Demon Hunter; Spirit Stones (helms) for the Monk; Voodoo Masks for the Witch Doctor, and Wizard Hats for the Wizard.

• Weapons: Axes, Spears, Polearms, Swords, Maces, Bows, Crossbows, Wands, Shields. (There are no throwing weapons in D3v, and many of these weapon types have class limitations -- Monks can not use bows/xbows, only Wizards and Witch Doctors can use wands, etc. See the individual items pages for full details.)
  • New types of weapons compared to Diablo 2: Fists, Daggers (no longer a type of sword).
  • New class-specific weapons compared to Diablo 2: Mighty Weapons for Barbarians; Hand Crossbows for the Demon Hunter, Daibos and Fists for the Monk, and Ceremonial Knives for the Witch Doctor.
    • Class specific weapons, off-hand only: Mojos for the Witch Doctor, Orbs for the Wizard, Quivers and 1 handed Crossbows for the Demon Hunter.

Other Items Information[edit | edit source]

• Runes are no longer found in Diablo III. They were never item socketables, but were socketed into skills, until a major system overhaul in early 2012.
• The inventory is much larger than it was in Diablo II, and after numerous permutations, it's settled on a large grid with all items either 1x1 or 1x2 in size, which allows for many more items than Diablo 2 ever did.
• The stash in town is large (though it shrunk from 5 to 3 pages during beta testing), and is shared between all characters on the same account. (But not HC and normal characters.) You must buy all the stash upgrades to take advantage of the space, though.
• All gold and item drops from monsters, chests, quests, etc, are specific to your character. You only see items you can pick up, and do not see items for other characters, nor do they see yours in party or public games.
  • Items dropped by a character are seen by all, and can be picked up unless account bound.
• Trading is supported, both between characters and in a much larger way through the Battle.net Auction House, which has two version, the gold and the real money version.
• Potions are much simpler in variety than in previous Diablo games. There are no mana or rejuvenation potions, just health, and they come with a long cooldown between uses. Potions are intended for emergency use only, and players must learn to survive with life leech, hit point regeneration from equipment, and by using the health globes that monsters drop. Successful players must be a bit more cautious than they were in previous games of the series.

NPCs[edit | edit source]

As in previous games in the series, NPCs will feature importantly in Diablo III. Much of the game story will be given by the NPCs, and they will be more interactive, while their speeches will be shorter, more to the point, and can be listened to while playing; you are no longer forced to "stay awhile" to "listen."

Followers: Diablo III's answer to mercenaries from D2, the followers have their own skillset and rings, amulet and weapon slots that you can customize. In addition, you can give them follower specific items, such as the Templar Relic. Artisans: Are special NPCs who craft items and provide other essential services, as well as much dialogue and information about the game world and quests. They are the Blacksmith and Jeweler, after the Mystic was removed during beta testing. She will return in Reaper of Souls.

Locations[edit | edit source]

The world map of Sanctuary was actually released with the second Diablo game's manual, but a new and improved map has been made by Blizzard, outlining the continents and the major settlements. Many of these locations will be visited in Diablo III, including Tristram. Areas close by that were never visited in the previous games will also have a chance, like the Leoric Highlands and Westmarch, and much of Act Three takes place in the Barbarian Lands around the Arreat Crater.

The scorching deserts of the Aranoch will be revisited by the player when they have the opportunity to visit one of the largest capital cities in Sanctuary: Caldeum. The player will also explore the depths of the Archives of Zoltun Kulle, ex-horadric mage.

Outdoor areas will be less randomized than dungeons, and the terrain will for the most part be static. Instead, a lot of random scripted events will take place. You will find interactive environments with dangerous traps, obstacles, and destructible elements, such as vases and bookshelves. There will be "numerous" outdoor locations. These portions of the map that are randomised are called events, and can even happen within randomised dungeons. Some are more common than others.

Dungeons[edit | edit source]

The land is filled with dungeons, as in Diablo II. Dungeons vary widely in size and design, and are much more randomized than outdoors.

• 

  Dark Berserkers and a Grotesque in the Forgotten Tombs.

• 

  Several Walking Corpses.

• 

  Witch Doctor who's flameskulling some Walking Corpses.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

As in Diablo II, travel is on foot. Unlike Diablo II, there is only one movement speed, rather than a walk and run option. This speed can be increased with item mods and some skills, and there is no stamina drain while moving. There are no mounts in Sanctuary, to ride about the world at a higher rate of speed.

The main method of speedy transportation in the game comes from waypoints, of which there are dozens per act, many more than were found in Diablo II. Waypoints are tied to quests and there are multiple waypoints in connected areas, tied to each quest. For instance, a player can only use the waypoint to the start of an area, and then while clearing that area and deeper dungeons within it, additional waypoints will be encountered, for easy returns to town. This allows for more travel without cluttering up the waypoints menu with dozens of them, as well as preventing players from warping right to the end of a quest, Diablo 2 boss run style.

The town portal system evolved repeatedly during Diablo III's development. TPs were in as scrolls, then out entirely, then back in via the Stone of Recall system, then changed back to a town portal activated directly from the belt interface. See those pages for more details.

Easter Eggs[edit | edit source]

There are numerous small Easter Eggs already seen in Diablo III during the beta testing. These include funny item and monster names, developer names carved on headstones, inside jokes via the Achievements, and more. There are certain to be many other discovered in the full game.

Secret Level (SPOILER!)[edit | edit source]

Most fans believed there would be a secret level in Diablo III with rainbows and unicorns and happy clouds, based on various hints and jokes the developers had been making stemming from the art controversy. The fans were right, as Whimsyshire, the Diablo 3 secret level, was found shortly after the game's release. See that article for full details.

• Rainbow Level forum thread from 2008

Art Changes[edit | edit source]

Diablo III uses more color, or at least uses color more obviously, than previous games in the series, and this spawned numerous fan debates shortly after the title was revealed in June 2008. The early screenshots and gameplay movies sparked the art controversy and angry online petitions, which Blizzard reacted to by defending their design choices.

• The Art controversy article goes into great detail on this topic.

Story Line[edit | edit source]

The story line of the game takes place twenty years after a few powerful heroes saved Sanctuary from the demonic onslaught in Diablo II. Those events took place out of the sight of the common populace, and have become myth or legend over the intervening years. Most of the principles are dead or insane, and no one has had any sight of the Archangel Tyrael since he destroyed the Worldstone, triggering an explosion that erased Mount Arreat and shattered the Barbarians' civilization.

Since the destruction of the Worldstone, those few humans (such as Deckard Cain) who did know of the danger to the world have been expecting an imminent demonic invasion, without the Worldstone to keep them in the Burning Hells. This has not happened because, and players will eventually learn, the two remaining lords of Hell, Belial and Azmodan, have been building armies for a full-on invasion, intended to utterly destroy humanity.

Additional information on the story line and specific details can be found here:http://www.diablowiki.net/Category:Lore

Character Personalities[edit | edit source]

Unlike the blank cyphers that all characters were in previous games in the series, the individual characters in Diablo III will have personalities. The Wizard is young, brash, and headstrong. The Monk is powerful and quietly confident. The Barbarian is strong and stoic. The Demon Hunter is angry and reckless in her (or his) need for vengeance. And the Witch Doctor is spiritual, mysterious, and misunderstood by the populace at large.

The characters behave accordingly, and inspire different replies and behavior from the NPCs. The Followers such as the Templar and Enchantress each have a distinct personality with a fleshed-out background and will not only banter to the player character, but also to other NPCs (and even to each other within the camp or town). The same holds true for other NPCs, such as Leah, who may on occasion follow the player into the fray during a quest.

Quests[edit | edit source]

There are a lot more quests in Diablo 3 than Diablo 2, at least 10 each act. They are all manditory to progress though the game, although that is subject to change in the expansion.

Quests can be repeated in Diablo III through the game creation menu.

Single Player and Multiplayer[edit | edit source]

The main focus of Diablo III is co-op PvE style play. Up to four players (yes, just four) can join up in a game and play together, and players in the same game are always friendly and in the same party. Players can, however, do some Brawling.

Game creation and group formation will be easier in Diablo III than in the past: it is mostly automated. Diablo III, being on "battle.net 2", is using a match-making system very similar to that which is seen in ladder play in StarCraft II or the dungeon finder in World of WarCraft. A player can choose a few options for their game, including whether or not they want it to be private, , which quest they would like to start on (if they don't wish to simply resume the quest they were last playing), and a tag (Monster Slaying, Key Warden or Brawling). Players can instantly join games in which people on their Friends List are playing.

Diablo III takes place over Battle.net. There is no offline mode: the game is online only. Diablo III is following in Starcraft's footsteps and does not include LAN support. Though Blizzard always claims that this is a benefit, enabling greater player connectedness, most players regard it as an annoyance implemented as a security feature, since all Diablo III play requires players to possess a Battle.net account and valid cd-key.

Battle Arena[edit | edit source]

Arenas were first delayed, then delayed again, then replaced by Brawling with the promise better would be coming out. So far, no improvements have been made to pvp in Diablo 3.

[1]

Battle.net 2.0[edit | edit source]

Battle.net 2.0 for Diablo III includes a Friends List, numerous matchmaking and automatic game joining options, and limited chat channel support.

Other Changes[edit | edit source]

Among the things that are not listed under their own headline, there are a few other things to highlight about Diablo III:

• Chests will not ever spawn in a locked version.
• Monster corpses are no longer something that players can interact with. There are no corpse skills like Diablo II's Corpse Explosion or Find Item, and bodies on the ground will vanish after certain criteria have been met. However, dead bodies can be affected by physics.
  • There are no player corpses either, in the sense of lootable objects as they were in Diablo II. Like monsters, dead players are subject to the game's physics and can be blasted aside or out of sight by spells, and will vanish after a few seconds.

System Requirements[edit | edit source]

See the System Requirements article for full details on minimum and recommended system specs for PC and Mac.

Windows Minimum Requirements: Windows® XP/Vista/7 (latest service packs) with DX 9.0c Intel Pentium® D 2.8 GHz or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 4400+ NVIDIA® GeForce® 7800 GT or ATI Radeon™ X1950 Pro or better 1 GB RAM (XP), 1.5 GB (Vista/7) 12 GB available HD space DVD-ROM (required for retail disc versions only) Broadband* Internet connection 1024x748 minimum resolution

Mac Minimum Requirements Mac® OS X 10.6.8, 10.7.x or newer Intel® Core 2 Duo NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT or ATI Radeon™ HD 2600 or better 2 GB RAM 12 GB available HD space DVD-ROM (required for retail disc versions only) Broadband* Internet connection1024x768 minimum resolution

PC Recommended System Requirements Windows® Vista/7 (latest service packs) Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 5600+ 2.8 GHz 2 GB RAM NVIDIA® GeForce® 260 or ATI Radeon™ HD 4870 or better

Mac Recommended System Requirements Mac® OS X 10.7.x or newer Intel® Core 2 Duo 2 GB RAM NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M or ATI Radeon™ HD 4670 or better

Diablo Beta Testing[edit | edit source]

The Diablo 3 beta test began in early September, 2011, and continued through the end of the year and into 2012. The frequency of patches and number of beta testers increased dramatically in early 2012, as the game neared completion and balancing changes grew more frequent.

Prior to the start of the test, the developers had repeatedly said it would be a quick beta test, devoted largely to technical issues and Battle.net stress testing. That turned out to be very untrue.

Game Age Rating[edit | edit source]

• America (ERSB) - "M" Mature Rating (player should be at least 17 years old). No law enforcement.
• Europe (PEGI) - 16+ (player should be at least 16 years old). No law enforcement (for most countries).
• Germany (USK) - USK 16+ (player should be at least 16 years old). Law enforcement of USK.
• Read more in the ratings article.

Who's in Charge?[edit | edit source]

Blizzard Entertainment , with the Diablo III Game Director being Josh Mosqueira. Jay Wilson was formerly the Lead Designer and Game Director, but quit.

Expansions, MMO or Diablo Movie[edit | edit source]

Mike Morhaime said they would like to make Diablo III expansions annually[2], and confirming plans for multiple expansions for the game. So far, Reaper of Souls has been announced.

References[edit | edit source]

(more references needed}

• Blizzard Press Release