Diablo 4 had a robust debut in June 2023, garnering a lot of attention and excitement. However, as time went on and new updates were implemented, it became the subject of significant controversy. The game’s inaugural season, dubbed Season of the Malignant, faced backlash from dedicated Diablo fans due to significant alterations to class builds that didn’t sit well with many players. Classes like the Sorcerer and Barbarian were weakened, XP gains were reduced for taking down high-level foes, and some endgame content was made tougher. These changes transformed Diablo 4 into a more laborious experience than players were ready for, pushing Blizzard to promptly make adjustments and rework elements in response to player feedback in the following seasons.
Despite having some ongoing issues, the latest updates to Diablo 4 have been better received compared to the polarizing first season. Instead of depreciating existing features, recent patches have introduced more content, and it looks like this trend will continue. Though the details about the upcoming seventh season are still under wraps, whispers suggest it will bring exciting new features like Witchcraft powers, improvements aimed at enhancing gameplay, and additional unique items for each class. While there’s no precise release date for Season 7, it’s expected to roll out shortly after Season 6 concludes on January 21. Blizzard’s timing is strategic as it looks to avoid clashing directly with the launch of Path of Exile 2.
In the gaming world, Path of Exile 2 is making quite the buzz, comparable even to Marvel Rivals in its prominence this month. Created by Grinding Gear Games, a developer hailing from New Zealand, this sequel follows the legacy of the original Path of Exile, which debuted over a decade ago. Both games mirror the Diablo franchise—not just aesthetically but within the gameplay loop that demands players craft intricate builds to tackle hordes of dark, mystic beasts.
Come December 6, Path of Exile 2 opened its early access phase on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Even with a $30 price tag—quite a departure from its free-to-play predecessor—it’s been incredibly popular. Just on Steam, players had crossed 570,000 within the first week and those numbers remained firm. Despite the early access label, it’s packed with content, keeping its player base engaged.
Players keen on finishing Path of Exile 2’s main campaign can expect to invest at least 30 hours, and a fuller exploration inclusive of side quests might take between 40 to 70 hours. Interestingly, this preliminary version only covers half the campaign, with the remaining content scheduled for release as it departs from early access in 2025.
Given Path of Exile 2’s traction, Blizzard is wise to launch Diablo 4’s seventh season towards late January. This approach allows the bustling gamer community some breathing room to engage with Path of Exile 2’s hefty content first, potentially setting the stage for a rejuvenated interest in what Diablo 4 has to offer as players wrap up the new campaign.
