Is Diablo 4 an open world game?

A simple question with a (mostly) simple answer

Diablo 4 is the first new game the core series has seen in over a decade. In many ways, this newest entry feels incredibly familiar. Just like old times, players will still take on countless mobs as they find rare loot and level up. However, Diablo 4 brings with it some interesting modernization, including an open world design.

Yes, Diablo 4 does feature an open world. However, we do need to put this into context. The game is a top-down action-RPG with an emphasis on exploring dungeons and fighting MMORPG-style bosses. The level of freedom here isn’t quite on the level of stuff like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. In other words, this game isn’t your typical open world experience.

With that said, Diablo 4 gives you a ton of unique objectives to pursue. Players may deviate from the main story at any time to find collectibles, complete side quests, and take on totally optional battles. Seeing everything Diablo 4 has to offer could easily take you over 100 hours of game time. That said, if you just want to experience the story, you can choose what content interests you and ignore the rest.

The only caveat is that players will need to complete the story to unlock Diablo 4’s endgame. This is typical of many open world games, but players should keep this in mind as they explore the world. Otherwise, there’s a ton to see and do in the world of Sanctuary. In fact, players should plan on completing all the optional content if they want to absolutely max out their character’s stats. Enjoy exploring this huge world!