Direct Damage is the immediate damage dealt the moment an attack or skill hits its target. If a skill lands and applies its full effect instantly, that portion of the hit is considered Direct Damage. This is different from Damage Over Time effects, which apply their damage gradually. Many passives, Aspects, and item bonuses in Diablo 4 specifically reference Direct Damage, so understanding which skills qualify is important when planning your build.
What is Direct Damage and What is Not
Pure Direct Damage
- A skill like Fireball or Flay hits once and deals its full damage immediately. There is no lingering effect.
Direct Damage + Damage over Time
- Some skills apply both. Meteor is a common example: the initial impact is Direct Damage; the burning ground left behind deals Damage over Time.
Pure Damage over Time (Not Direct Damage)
- Channelled or persistent effects such as Incinerate or Poison stacks deal damage gradually. These ticks do not count as Direct Damage, even if the skill itself is actively used.