Lessons from Titan Quest 2 for Enhancing Diablo 4's Gameplay

• Class Flexibility
• A World That Feels Open and Rewarding to Explore
• Crafting That Complements Loot, Not Replaces It
• Tactical Combat That Isn’t Just About Numbers
• Conclusion: Not Competition but Real Inspiration

While Diablo 4 remains at a standstill in anticipation of the next season or even an expansion, the recent early access launch of Titan Quest 2 offers some intriguing insights. Though the two games differ significantly in tone and aesthetics—Diablo 4 embracing a gothic, bloody style while Titan Quest delves into myth and legend—they both belong to the same competitive ARPG genre. Titan Quest 2 introduces fresh systems and design ideas, sparking curiosity about what Blizzard could learn from this new approach.

Class Flexibility

In Titan Quest 2, players can select and combine two masteries, offering an unprecedented level of build creativity. This combination not only allows for diverse character development but also grants players more choices in mastery customizations, including skills and modifiers that can be easily respected.

Contrastingly, in Diablo 4, once you choose a class, you are bound to it. Although some flexibility exists through skill trees and Paragon boards, the core mechanics remain unchanged. As a result, players witness the same builds topping the charts each season, leading to growing fatigue. Many skills within the classes are underutilized, leaving limited options for players who aspire to create a competitive build that thrives past T4.

There is a common sentiment among players that Diablo 4 would greatly benefit from expanded build customization options, particularly concerning class powers that often seem uninspiring. Classes tend to rely on similar class powers, resulting in a lack of diversity in builds. Transforming these abilities into impactful masteries or modifiers could significantly enhance build possibilities.

A World That Feels Open and Rewarding to Explore

Titan Quest 2’s game world is designed for exploration, making it feel less like a mere exercise in following quest markers. While Diablo 4 boasts stunning visuals, its open world can sometimes feel constricted and devoid of substance. Titan Quest invites players to confront optional bosses scattered throughout the map and to unearth various rewards.

Many believe that Diablo 4 could easily enhance exploration by making it more rewarding and unpredictable. Adding hidden events, secrets, optional bosses, or alternative travel paths would significantly enrich player experiences. The current reality is that numerous players bypass the beautiful open-world entirely, teleporting between dungeons, Helltides, and Town, leading to repetitive gameplay.

To encourage exploration, Diablo 4 could introduce:

• Hidden Events with large chests containing guaranteed Greater Affix items
• Optional Bosses that grant a Resplendent Spark as a reward after a single fight, or even a guaranteed Mythic Unique
• Secrets to uncover, such as hidden levels (like the infamous Cow Level) or paths that lead to challenging dungeons with lucrative rewards at the end

Crafting That Complements Loot, Not Replaces It

Loot is essential in ARPGs. While Titan Quest 2 hasn't fully developed its crafting system yet, it manages to balance item discoveries without overwhelming players with undesirable loot. The reinstitution of set items adds another layer for players to customize their builds.

In contrast, Diablo 4 often feels burdened by an excess of loot, with stat rolls that typically fail to excite after early gameplay stages. Numerous discussions on Reddit have criticized the crafting mechanics, such as Tempering and Masterworking, for being more detrimental than beneficial, often harming gear rather than improving it.

Many players are clamoring for the return of Set items, which were previously pivotal in the franchise but still absent in Diablo 4. Reintroducing Set Items could facilitate innovative build creation.

Tactical Combat That Isn’t Just About Numbers

Titan Quest II aims to ensure that boss fights and elite enemies provide genuine challenge, focusing on movement, positioning, and dodging telegraphed attacks. This approach encourages action, prioritizing player skill over sheer numerical strength.

In contrast, the endgame combat in Diablo 4 often devolves into spamming AoE attacks and obliterating foes with overwhelming damage. Players lament the repetitive nature of boss fights, which seemingly revolve around higher health pools, one-shot mechanics, and unavoidable phases. Instead of merely increasing difficulty through numbers, more variety and engaging mechanics for enemies should be introduced, challenging players to adapt their strategies.

Conclusion: Not Competition but Real Inspiration

The objective here isn’t to declare one game superior to the other but to highlight inspiring elements that could enhance Diablo 4. The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, with new titles consistently pushing the boundaries and challenging established franchises.

For Blizzard, this is a prime opportunity to reflect on what Titan Quest 2 brings to the table. Diablo 4 possesses the groundwork for greatness, yet, to retain long-term players and attract those disenchanted with the current gameplay, it may be worthwhile to borrow some creative ideas from its mythological counterpart.

Enhancing your gameplay can also include seeking cheap Diablo 4 items or Diablo 4 legacy items, ensuring you’re fully equipped as you explore these vast worlds.