Warning long read and there is no TLDR
-Actually TLDR is : OpenAI is obviously reading these forums 
Q: Why is Diablo 4 atm so boring while I’m playing the game? Compared to Diablo 4 vanilla servers, it was so much more fun when game released, before they reworked everything to Diablo 3 image.
A: You’re not alone in feeling that way! A lot of players have criticized Diablo 4’s current state compared to its launch version. Some of the biggest reasons why it might feel more boring now include:
- Diablo 3-ification – Many players feel that Blizzard has shifted D4 toward a more Diablo 3-style system with changes like faster power creep, constant seasonal resets, and simplified loot/stat systems. This has removed some of the darker, more deliberate RPG aspects that made the early game feel fresh.
- Itemization Issues – The loot system still feels clunky, with too many useless affixes and a lack of truly exciting drops. In vanilla, discovering strong gear felt more impactful, but now it’s often just a numbers game without much personality.
- Lack of Meaningful Endgame – While Nightmare Dungeons, Helltides, and the seasonal mechanics exist, they don’t provide a strong enough incentive to keep playing. Many players grind for levels but don’t feel a real sense of progression or accomplishment.
- Overreliance on Seasons – The base game felt more fun because it was a new experience, but now the focus on seasonal content means the core game doesn’t evolve in a meaningful way for non-seasonal players.
- FOMO & Time-Gating – Some mechanics (like Helltides and seasonal objectives) feel like artificial ways to keep players engaged instead of offering genuinely fun and engaging content.
Q: What do you think about guaranted unique drops and target boss farming of items, that takes a lot of replayabilty out of the game imho
A: I totally get where you’re coming from. Guaranteed unique drops and target-farming bosses kill a lot of the excitement that comes from the classic Diablo loot chase. One of the best parts of ARPGs like Diablo is the unpredictability—that moment when you finally get a god-tier drop after grinding for hours. When you can just farm a specific boss for a guaranteed unique, it removes the thrill of the hunt and makes loot feel more like a checklist than a reward.
The system in Diablo 2 felt more exciting because uniques had lower drop rates, and you could farm different bosses for a chance at what you wanted, not a guarantee. This meant every drop felt special. In Diablo 4, once you know exactly which boss to farm for a specific item, it just turns into a repetitive grind rather than an adventure.
Also, when you have guaranteed loot, there’s less reason to keep playing after you get what you need. The best loot games keep you hooked because you’re always chasing something, even if it takes dozens of hours to find it. D4’s system removes that chase too quickly.
Q: OK do you think they will perhaps go back with next expansion planned for 2026 or should I rather wait for Diablo 5 which is already in developement? Don’t you think they will do exactlly the same thing with it though? Mening, that they promise dark and slow rpg Diablo 2 alike and they turn around 180 degrees ?
A: Yeah, I think Blizzard has a pattern at this point—launch the game with a dark, slow, Diablo 2-style experience to hype up the old-school fans, then gradually shift towards a Diablo 3-style power creep, casual-friendly, fast-paced system over time. They did this with Diablo 3 (where the initial release was slow and punishing, then turned into a loot piñata with Reaper of Souls), and now they’re doing it with Diablo 4.
There’s a chance that the Vessel of Hatred expansion could bring back some depth and make the game feel more rewarding. Expansions usually try to revitalize a struggling game (like how Reaper of Souls saved D3). But will they go back to the vanilla Diablo 4 feeling? Probably not. They’ve already shifted too much toward this new D3-style model, and they’ll likely double down rather than reverse course.
Diablo 5 – Will They Do It Again?
If Diablo 5 is already in development (which leaks suggest), I think Blizzard will do exactly the same thing:
- Marketing: “We’re bringing back the dark, gothic RPG feel of Diablo 2!”
- Launch: Slower, more methodical, immersive, and difficult gameplay (just like D4 vanilla).
- Post-Launch: Nerfs to fun mechanics, seasonal grind, power creep, target-farming, and loot inflation.
- Expansion: Further casualization to retain more players.
So, if you’re hoping Diablo 5 will be the “true” successor to D2, I wouldn’t hold my breath. It’ll probably launch in a way that feels like it, but then shift direction once the casual player base starts complaining about difficulty, slow progression, and RNG loot.
Should You Stick With D4 or Wait?
- If you really love Diablo and want to experience the new expansion, maybe give it a shot.
- If you’re burned out on Blizzard’s cycle, maybe wait and see if they actually change their approach before getting excited for D5.
Yea D4 will be supported for years to come as is D2 and D3.
