Diablo 4 fans were treated to a special livestream from the Xbox Studios on July 18th for the full reveal of the Spiritborn class. Following that was a day full of gameplay demos featuring some of our favorite Twitch streamers, a plethora of reaction videos on YouTube, and written reviews from all the major gaming news outlets. By the end of the day, virtually every Diablo gaming celebrity in the industry had an opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions about this new class.
That was all really wonderful, but, as you know, I’m always more interested in what the casual gaming community has to say about anything new in this game. So, I decided to sit down with my friend Jennifer Young (a.k.a. Jen of Hatred) from Windows Central to have a candid and sponsor-free conversation about the introduction of the Spiritborn class and what it could mean for Diablo 4.
Welcome to the Jungle
Gaz: Hello and welcome back to PureDiablo and thanks very much for agreeing to join me again for another casual Diablo chat. I would like to begin by offering my congratulations to you on being one of the few journalists who scored an interview with Brent Gibson and Eleni Rivera-Colon in conjunction with the reveal of the Spiritborn class. I thought your questions for them were very insightful and they really hit the mark on what the Diablo community wants to know about the new class.
At the same time, we don’t necessarily expect the Devs to be truly representative of casual Diablo players. So, I thought it would be very interesting to have you share a bit more of your own perspective on what’s coming up for Diablo 4. Given that the expansion will add just one more region to the five that already exist in the game, it stands to reason that the success of the Vessel of Hatred will rely heavily on player experience with the new Spiritborn class.
It has been a very long time since the Diablo game series has seen the introduction of a brand-new class. I believe the last time that happened was with the Monk and Witch Doctor classes that were included in the release of Diablo 3 in 2012. Considering the magnitude of this milestone, especially as part of the very first expansion for Diablo 4, it seems to me that the Devs would want to incorporate as much beta testing as possible prior to release on October 8th.
Nevertheless, they’ve already decided that they want the bulk of the Vessel of Hatred content to remain a secret, so the expansion will be released without its own PTR. Do you have faith in Devs’ decision, or are you concerned about the new class having a bumpy start once gamers like Rob2628 get their hands on it?
Jen: “Oh, I fully expect it to be a bumpy start; this is Diablo we are talking about. As much as they can test and test internally, it simply can’t match the investigative power of millions of people getting their hands on a new feature and playing it, let alone the power-builders. I don’t think it’s the end of the world, though, if something has to be fixed and tweaked post-launch.
I’ve actually just come out of playing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and there were many ‘broken’ powers or weapons that had to be fixed with patches. For example, the perfume bottles were absolutely nuking large enemies. I realize that Elden Ring fans are more likely to laugh off something like that comapared to Diablo fans with Diablo 4. I also know we are talking about two very different-sized development teams. Still, I brought up the Elden Ring DLC specifically here because if that had been play-tested by the public prior, it would have ruined a lot of the discovery aspects and boss fights. I think preserving that surprise is important. I’m staunchly in favor of the PTR for pretty much any Seasonal update, but I think keeping expansion content under wraps is fair and will be overall more enjoyable for us as players.”
Kaleidoscopic Classes
Gaz: The Spiritborn has been hailed as a brand-new class ever since it was first teased last year at BlizzCon 2023. As we saw in yesterday’s livestream, the Spiritborn can wield a polearm called a glaive as they attack enemies with great speed and ferocity, which sort of reminds me of an Amazon wielding a spear in Diablo 2. The Spiritborn can also connect to the spirit world as they wield a quarterstaff in battle, which reminds me of the Monk class from Diablo 3. Finally, the Spiritborn can summon Spirit Guardians that are based on their bond with beasts, which reminds me of the Druid class in Diablo 4.
You raised this same issue in your recent interview for Xbox and the Devs responded by saying that the Spiritborn class blends previous Diablo classes in order to come up with something new. That answer seemed a little too obvious to me, so I wanted to know if you think the Spiritborn meets the requirements of being a truly new class, or are they a clan of jungle warriors who just happen to suffer from Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Jen: “It’s really hard to know on the face of it how ‘new’ this class will feel without actually playing it myself. There’s obviously very glaring similarities with some older classes as you’ve already mentioned, but the developers have put this down to ‘knowing what works in a Diablo game.’ Many players are drawing similarities with the Amazon class for good reason, but to me, movement-wise it most resembles the Monk playstyle. I think the concept of choosing from among the different Spirit Guardians will be what really sets this class apart, and I’d want to get my hands on that some more before I could comment as to whether the Spiritborn is really different enough.”
The Need for Speed
Gaz: In the Xbox interview you mentioned that, as somebody who typically plays a Rogue main, you have a need for speed in the game. However, the Devs mentioned, both during the interview and the livestream, that the Spiritborn can perform either as speed demons or more like tanks, depending on the setup.
This, again, brings me back to the whole multiple personality thing where it seems like the Devs wanted to come up with a new class that suits several different playstyles simultaneously. Do you think that strategy will pay off by attracting a wider range of players, or might it backfire by spurning players who, in general, prefer the specificity of the different classes?
Jen: “This is my only genuine concern, which is that I don’t think you can really have a ‘one size fits all’ class and I’m not completely sold on “you can be a speed demon OR a tank” aspect of the reveal. Nor do I think any class should try to appease everyone. While they say you can choose Eagle or Jaguar for speed on the battlefield, or Gorilla for damage reduction, in reality, it will be interesting to see how the community takes to the class and what ‘builds’ come out on top. I can’t see anyone who wants to play a more defensive style picking the Spiritborn over a Barbarian but I could be wrong! It’s nice to have options but I think build-wise we may end up seeing certain Spirit Guardians less utilized overall.”
Home is Where the Heart Is
Gaz: Next, let’s look at the same issue from the opposite angle. The Devs talked about wanting to develop a class that was thoroughly associated with the new region, and I think they succeeded. The Spiritborn are certainly at one with the jungle, and the jungle is strong within the Spiritborn. That’s a neat idea and not entirely new to the game series; one example being the Druids and their affiliation with the Scosglen region. I’m wondering, however, whether the Devs went a little too far with that concept in the case of the Spiritborn. There’s no doubt that these fierce warriors will feel at home in Nahantu, but do you think they might seem somewhat out of place when liberating a stronghold in the Fractured Peaks, for example?
Jen: “Eleni (narrative designer) has already touched on this in both our Windows Central interview and on the livestream, saying that the Spiritborn may feel like an outsider of sorts in the open world of Sanctuary (not to mention probably absolutely freezing in the Fractured Peaks). Narratively speaking, a hero being thrust out of their home environment into the unknown to fight the Big Bad isn’t a farfetched or uncommon trope in fantasy adventure. Visually, I think it could look unusual as this class has a lot more colorful skills compared to the base classes, which look great against the backdrop of Nahantu but may be jarring out in the more depressing and dreary environs of Kyovashad. Something I did ask the Devs, which I ultimately did not include in the article, was if the skills will be just as visible to our party members or if they will be toned down (a bit like how if your Necromancer friend is using a Golem you only see a transparent version). The Devs said they will not be toned down, which I think may need to be revisited later. I personally like the color, but I think if someone doesn’t want to play the Spiritborn, they needn’t be exposed to it as much.”
The Full Monty
Gaz: You mentioned that you will definitely be playing this new class, and I must say that I’m also already intrigued enough to know I’ll just have to give it a try at some point. However, we’re getting this new class at the same time as an entire new region with its own questline along with a new Season, which seems like quite a lot right now. My instinct tells me that I’ll probably play through the new region and unlock everything with my favorite Sorcerer build and then go back and give the Spiritborn a shot. At the same time, though, I’m worried that doing it that way will result in missing out on a more immersive experience during the first play through. What’s your take on that and how do you plan to explore the new content coming in the expansion?
Jen: “I’m really conflicted, actually. In my own head canon, my original Rogue named Nim, short for Nimthiriel, is the one I played through the campaign with. She is also the ‘main’ character I’ve wanted to play with through each expansion as she continues her story. What’s thrown a spanner in the works is the Devs’ decision to launch Season 6 at the same time as the Vessel of Hatred. I initially hoped Season 6 wouldn’t start until a month later so I would have the DLC done. However, with the new Season starting at the same time, I’ll want to be playing through the new expansion content while also ticking off my Season journey objectives. Got to be efficient, you know! So, since I’m starting at Level 1 anyway I may as well play the brand new class. I’m also the worst sufferer of FOMO; I want to experience the Spiritborn class for the first time with everyone else.”
World Boss Blues
Gaz: We know that we’ll be getting a new city hub called Kurast along with a new questline, new strongholds, dungeons, cellars, etc. I’m assuming that will all come with more Renown rewards as well, but without the Altars of Lilith, thankfully. However, we won’t be getting a new World Boss, and I must admit I’m somewhat disappointed. I’ve been battling the same three World Bosses since the fall of 2022 and it’s getting old. Was the decision by the Devs to not include a new World Boss in the expansion unwise, or do you think the rumored Khazra Raids might make up for that?
Jen: “I think it’s disappointing. I know they are going to make World Bosses stronger and more worth our time, but right now, it makes sense to have at least one more for variety, especially with having a whole new area of the map. Of course, there’s lots of new stuff coming with Vessel of Hatred that we haven’t even seen yet, which is exciting, but it’s important to build in variety to the existing content as well. Give us another World Boss, please!”
Baby Steps
Gaz: Players will be able to jump right into the new campaign for the Vessel of Hatred expansion without having to complete the main campaign for the Diablo 4 game. I fully support the concept of as much flexibility as possible when it comes to gameplay in ARPGs. I’m also glad to know that the new region will be accessible by all characters at any level. However, my instinct is that it would still be best for new Diablo players to run through the main campaign first in order to better familiarize themselves with the game in general. What’s your advice for all those new players on Xbox Game Pass regarding how to approach the expansion?
Jen: “Letting people play how they want to play is extremely important, so I agree with the decision to do just that. Of course, if someone were to ask me the best path, I’d always suggest playing through the main campaign first. Playing the DLC first to me is like skipping to the last chapter of a book; why would you? Additionally, the base game is on Xbox Game Pass, but the DLC is not. So, wouldn’t it be wiser to research the expansion you want to purchase by first playing its base offerings that are already included in the subscription? I certainly think so. It’s nice that you can jump into the DLC, though, for those who have friends already playing and want to join them right away. Although, I do wonder if we will be able to jump straight into the rumored Khazra Raids without engaging in the story at all. That’s probably a question I need to ask them at Gamescom!”
See You Next Time
I wish to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Jen of Hatred for collaborating with me on this discussion about a subject that is very topical for many Diablo gamers right now. Jen also writes gaming articles for Windows Central, so please be sure to follow her online column as well.
Do you have a suggestion for another collaboration with one of your favorite gaming journalists or streamers? If so, please sound off in the comments section below, or contact me on Twitter. Do also let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for future topics here at PureDiablo. In the meantime, be sure to keep an eye on the news feed so you’ll have all the up-to-date info you need to get the most out of your game.
If you believe that any of the information shared above is inaccurate in any way, please let us know, along with a reference for the correct information, so we can update this document accordingly.
Gazerrick is a staff writer for PureDiablo who focuses primarily on casual gaming interests and lore for the Diablo community. When not hacking and slashing his way through a new Season, he can be found participating in, and presenting at, various pop culture conventions in southern Arizona. You can follow him on Twitter @Gazerrick9000 for even more of his gaming indulgences. A collection of his creative media is also available at Cactus Palm Perspectives.
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