Getting Started

Getting Started with Diablo IV

Welcome to Sanctuary, newcomer. Diablo IV is an action RPG that demands quick reflexes, smart resource management, and a willingness to die and learn. This guide will get you from character creation to your first few hours with confidence.

First Hour Walkthrough (Spoiler-Free)

1. Starting cinematic & class selection – After a brief, stunning cinematic, you'll create your character (see below).
2. Prologue: The Necromancer's Rise – Your character awakens near the town of Kyovashad. Follow the glowing quest marker to speak with Archivist Croft. She'll quickly teach you basic movement and combat.
3. First combat – You'll fight a few fallen (zombie-like enemies). Use your first skill (assigned to mouse/keyboard or controller button).
4. Enter Kyovashad – The main hub. You'll meet Innkeeper Ean, the Blacksmith, and the Healer. Accept the first main quest: "A Cold and Iron Faith."
5. First dungeon – The game guides you to a small dungeon, "The Defiled Catacomb." You'll fight a boss (The Skeletal Priest) and loot gear.
6. Return to town – Turn in quest, equip upgrades, and unlock your next skill point. You'll also meet the Sorcerer trainer (Neyrelle) who sets you on the main campaign.
7. Open world – After the first dungeon, you're free to explore the Fractured Peaks. The main questline is marked with a golden leaf icon. Side quests are blue circles. Stick to the main quest for now.

Character Creation: The 5 Classes

Diablo IV has five classes, each with unique playstyles. No wrong choices, but beginners often find these easiest:

Customization: Choose gender, face, hair, skin tone, markings, and body type. No stat differences. You can change appearance later via the Wardrobe in towns (costs in-game gold).

Class selection tips:

• If you want to face-tank enemies: Barbarian or Druid (with bear form).


• If you want to kill from a distance: Sorceress or Rogue (ranged build).


• If you want a pet army: Necromancer.

Controls on All Platforms

PC (Mouse & Keyboard)

PC (Controller) – Xbox or PlayStation controller supported. Steam input also works.

PlayStation 4 & 5 (DualShock/DualSense)

Same layout as above with PlayStation button names.

Xbox One / Series X|S

Same as controller layout above.

General Tips:

• Remap keys/buttons in Options > Controls.


• On controller, enable "Skill Toggle" if you want skills to stay active until you press again (useful for auras).


• Console players can use keyboard and mouse if desired (plug into USB).




UI Overview



Your screen is packed with information. Here's the layout:


• Top-left: Health orb (red), Resource orb (blue/purple/green depending on class). Below that: Potion count (up to 9 charges).


• Top-center: Experience bar (when leveling, shows progress to next level). After level 50, it turns into Paragon Points.


• Top-right: Map current zone name, world tier (difficulty), and compass.


• Bottom-center: Skill bar – 6 slots (basic, core, 4 others).


• Bottom-left: Chat (PC only).


• Bottom-right: Minimap (fourth quadrant). Shows nearby enemies (red dots), allies (blue), quest markers (yellow).


• Hovering over enemies: Health bar above enemy. Elite enemies have unique bar colors (blue = cold, yellow = lightning, etc.).


• HUD elements for multiplayer: Party frames (top-left), world boss timer (top-center when active).


Inventory Screen (I / Menu)

• Equipment: Head, Chest, Gloves, Legs, Boots, Amulet, 2 Rings, Weapon(s). Stats shown.


• Consumables & Materials: Elixirs, herbs, ore, gems.


• Aspects: Special affixes you can imprint on gear.


• Stash: Shared between all characters on same realm (account-wide).




Essential Early Objectives (First 10 Levels)



1. Complete the prologue quests – They teach mechanics and give first gear.
2. Unlock the Skill Tree (level 2) – Spend your first point. Pick a core skill (the second row) – it's your main damage dealer.
3. Equip better gear – Compare item power (number on item). Items with green upward arrow are improvements.
4. Learn to dodge – Evade (Space/left stick click) is vital. I-frames exist, but timing is tight. Use it to avoid boss attacks.
5. Collect Altars of Lilith – These are statues found in the open world. Each gives +2 to a stat (Strength, Intelligence, Willpower, Dexterity) and +1 Paragon Point per region. They are account-wide, so even a new character benefits. Prioritize them early.
6. First World Boss – Not mandatory at low level, but you can attempt at level 10+. Look for world boss icon on map (giant skull). Join public groups for better loot.



What to Do First vs What to Avoid



Do First:

• Follow the main story questline (golden leaf) until you hit level 15+. This unlocks the Mount at level 15 through a specific quest.


• Collect every Altar of Lilith you see. Use a map overlay (or third-party map) to find them.


• Salvage (break down) unwanted gear at the Blacksmith for materials – do NOT sell early, as materials are scarce.


• Visit the Healer in Kyovashad to craft Memory of the First (elixir) or buy healing potions.


• Unlock waypoints (fast travel points) – they look like blue circles on map. Activate them by clicking.


Avoid:

• Do not skip the main quest. Side quests are fine but won't advance the campaign.


• Do not craft gear at the Blacksmith early – it's expensive. Only upgrade potions.


• Do not purchase items from vendors – loot from enemies is better.


• Do not refund skill points repeatedly unless you have a specific plan – respec costs gold and gets expensive.


• Do not ignore your potion charges. Always pick up potions from dead enemies.


• Do not fight enemies 10+ levels above you – you'll deal reduced damage and take increased damage.




Early Resource Priorities



1. Gold: Spend on potion upgrades only. Save gold for later re-speccing and imprinting aspects.
2. Veiled Crystals: From salvaging rare (yellow) gear. Used for upgrading gear at the Blacksmith.
3. Herbs (e.g., Biteberry, Gallowvine): Used for crafting elixirs (bonus XP, stats). Gather every herb node.
4. Rawhide & Iron Chunks: From salvaging common (white) and magic (blue) gear. Used for early upgrades.
5. Angelbreath (rare) – Drops from elite enemies. Used for better potions and elixirs. Save for later.


• Have at least one elixir active at all times for bonus XP.


• Gems – you'll find them after level 20. Socket into armor/weapons for stats. Save uncut gems.

Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Day-One Checklist (Before Level 10)

• [ ] Create your character and start campaign.


• [ ] Complete "A Cold and Iron Faith" quest.


• [ ] Reach level 5.


• [ ] Unlock and spend first skill point.


• [ ] Equip at least one rare (yellow) item.


• [ ] Find and activate at least 3 Altars of Lilith.


• [ ] Upgrade your healing potion once (if you have enough herbs).


• [ ] Salvage all white and blue items.


• [ ] Learn to use Evade to dodge attacks.


• [ ] Bind a town portal key/button and use it to return to town quickly.


• [ ] Set difficulty to World Tier 1.


• [ ] Join a clan or play solo – both fine.




Final Advice



• The first 15 levels are a tutorial. Experiment with skills.


• Don't be afraid to die – you respawn at last checkpoint with no penalty (except lost time).


• The world scales with you (level 1-50), so you can explore anywhere.


• Always have fun. The real endgame starts after the campaign (level 50+).

Welcome to Diablo IV. May your loot be legendary.