Description
The Monolith is a rogue-like sandbox end game system designed to incorporate all Diablo 4 activities.
Core Concept
As players advance through the Monolith, they will encounter various D4 activities—including Infernal Hordes, Hell Tides, Nightmare Dungeons, Under City, Pits etc. In each round, players select one activity from three randomly presented options, with the difficulty level increasing in successive rounds. Throughout each run players will have a chance to face Torment bosses, and in the final round will face off against a pinnacle version.
Gameplay Loop and Design
Each Monolith run consists of a set maximum number of rounds. At the start, players enter a staging area where three randomly generated activity portals appear. Players have a limited time to select or vote for their preferred activity. In group play, the activity with the most votes is chosen; if there is a tie, the group leader’s vote decides. If the timer expires before all votes are cast, the current majority selection is chosen. Once chosen, all players are teleported to activity. After successfully completing an activity a new set of portals appears, allowing players to advance to the next round.
Softcore Mode
Players are granted three lives per run, with lives shared among group members. In group play, if all lives are lost but at least one player completes a round, all teammates are revived. A run ends if a solo player or the entire group is eliminated with no remaining lives.
Hardcore Mode
No lives or resurrections are available. However, players receive a special scroll of escape while in the Monolith.
Activities
Though most activities are designed for materials and gear farming, some will introduce unique mechanisms—like temporary power-ups—that help players push further into the Monolith. These progression tools are exclusive to the Monolith and do not persist in the open world. This approach allows for the revival of previous seasonal activities, including Blood Tides, Malignant Tunnels, and Vaults, providing players with a greater opportunity for a different experience each time they play.
Loot
Because each run is randomized, Monolith activities offer significantly greater rewards than those found in the open world. All unclaimed loot is collected in a treasure chest, accessible at the end of the run. Upon exiting the Monolith, any remaining items in the chest are automatically salvaged.
Run Score
Though not intended for leader boards; a score is given at the end of each Monolith run primarily based on difficulty, with speed and progression also considered. Activities can increase or decrease a Monolith run’s difficulty.
Strategy
The Monolith enables players and groups to tailor their strategies to specific objectives. Those focused on resource farming will select different routes than players aiming for deeper progression or higher scores.