Those who have pre-purchased Diablo 4 can start preloading the game today. This is exciting news for those players who have been anticipating the game's launch since it was announced in 2019. Unfortunately for those who have kept the client from the Diablo 4 beta test, these files will not be used by the game proper as a way to speed up the installation. It is probably a good idea to delete those beta files (around 80 gigabytes) to free up some space while preloading ahead of early access.
Blizzard confirmed exact release dates and times for Diablo 4 in different regions and time zones just recently. For now, it is still possible to pre-purchase the game and receive all the associated benefits which includes some exclusive cosmetic items. Diablo 4 is available in three editions; the Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Edition. There is also a limited edition Diablo 4 Collectors Box that curiously doesn't include the game itself.
Diablo 4 is now available for preload on Blizzard's Battle.net client. Those who wish to get early access should act fast since it starts on June 1 in the US and June 2 in other regions; essentially this means that from this point onwards pre-purchasing Diablo 4 will come with diminishing returns in terms of early access. Preloading is also available on both PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
While the latest mainline entry into the Diablo franchise is one of the most hotly anticipated games from Activision Blizzard this year, it's not all sunshine and roses. Some players are already unhappy with the microtransaction prices in Diablo 4. With a price tag for a singe equipment cosmetic set at almost half the price of the Standard Edition of the game, some players have taken to social media to air their grievances.
Diablo 4 is poised as one of the biggest games of 2023, and has already been well-received by critics. Curiously, the PC version of Diablo 4 has the exact same Metacritic score as both Diablo 3 and Diablo 2 as of writing; all three titles have earned a respectable 88, only bested by the original Diablo which earned a 94. It will be interesting to see how fans of the series react to the full game after getting a small taste with the beta tests earlier this year. One can only hope that the fans will enjoy the game as much as the critics have.
Diablo 4 releases June 6 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Series X/S.