I am having this idea to add build variety to the game in an unlimited way. The idea is borrowing PoE skill gem system and adapt it to Diablo 4. So let’s say we take one “power gem” which gives us a new “skill power gem” when you mix it with up to 4 “mod gems” which change the way the power behaves. Let’s say, chaining projectiles mod gem and such.
So instead of socketing runes or other things into gear like PoE does, we craft a new “skill power gem” and here is the other idea. This powers would belong to a skill tree category, core and such. And instead of adding the skill as a new option, a fire core skill would be able to replace another fire core skill in the tree. This way we don’t make the Wolcen mistake. Whatever condition on where these new crafted powers would replace in the skill tree it would be by replacing an existing one rather than adding clutter.
This way, we can design much more Ultimates and put it in any build being that it applies the requirement. Or any other section of the skill tree.
Now, I also thought in which way we could add this and what better way than Kanai’s cube? hmm?. You put the power gem with up to 4 or more mod gems and it transmutes a new skill gem that can replace a slot in the skill tree (You right click it and spend it on the slot where the skill you want to replace is).
Additionally I think this would be handled by some NPC maybe when reaching max level and unlocks new powers as you level up (or do some quests for him but that feels bad).
Now, the problem arises with this. As any feature naturally has it drawbacks and in this case is loot table complexity. This is why you shouldn’t do “skill specific buffs” when you plan build variety but be generic to damage type (elemental and physical) and critical and non-critical build buffs.
The only thing that comes to my mind if we continue with skill specific buffs is that these items will drop only for the characters using the new skill and the replaced one would still drop since we can respec to it but maybe only if it is used again. This to avoid loot table complexity.
In summary,
- Add new skill as items and replace the existing skill on the skill tree to avoid clutter and unused slots as a player might be only trying out a skill and not want it in the future.
- Use Kanai’s Cube to craft this new skill gem powers from other gems.
- This adds unlimited expansion to the current skill system and achieves build variety.
- Use an NPC introduced at max level that gives this gems as we level up or do quests for the NPC.
- If we continue with skill specific buffs on gear then only drop items for the skill tree allocated powers to avoid loot tablet complexity.