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Diablo IV is worth checking out if its action-RPG loop appeals to you, but the headline “There’s never been a better time to play” comes from an October 2024 review—not a fresh verdict on the game as it stands in 2026. Aaron Zimmerman’s recommendation was to try the base game first, then decide whether its expansion was for you. Blizzard’s 2026 materials show that the game has continued to receive updates and now offers a collection bundling the base game with both expansions; whether that bundle makes sense depends on what you own, where you play, and its current local price.
What the headline means—and what it doesn’t
“There’s never been a better time to play Diablo IV” was the headline of Aaron Zimmerman’s Ars Technica review, published October 8, 2024, alongside the launch of Vessel of Hatred. It captured his assessment of the game at that point, after changes to the base game and with the first expansion arriving. It is not a review of the October 2026 build.
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Zimmerman’s recommendation was aimed at players who had left the game or waited for it to improve: “Here’s my recommendation: If you bought the game and dropped off at some point, or if you were waiting for Blizzard to iron out the kinks, there’s never been a better time to check out the base game.” That is his conclusion in the 2024 review, not a claim that every player will enjoy Diablo IV or that the current build has been independently reassessed here. Read the Ars Technica review.
Why the 2024 review was more positive
Zimmerman said the early leveling experience and endgame had felt weak. He credited subsequent changes with making progression and rewards more satisfying, especially the Season 4 loot rework. In his account, item properties became easier to scan and crafting gave players more ways to customize gear. He also highlighted the Pit as an endgame activity.
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At the time of the review, Vessel of Hatred added the Nahantu region, the Spiritborn class, mercenaries, Kurast Undercity, the Dark Citadel, and runewords. Those were the expansion’s launch features described in October 2024; they should not be mistaken for a complete list of everything in the game today or a current balance assessment.
What Blizzard’s 2026 updates establish
As of October 8, 2026, Blizzard’s materials identify Season of Hell’s Legacy and list patch 3.2.2, dated September 30, 2026. That establishes that the game has continued to receive updates, but the cited announcement and patch listing do not by themselves establish whether the current experience is better balanced or more enjoyable than the 2024 version.
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Blizzard’s Lord of Hatred announcement says that expansion includes Vessel of Hatred. Blizzard also describes the Age of Hatred Collection as including the base game, Vessel of Hatred, and Lord of Hatred. Its announcement says Lord of Hatred requires the base game unless purchased through that collection. Blizzard’s BlizzCon 2026 recap identifies Nintendo Switch 2 as an announced platform for the collection; that announcement is not confirmation of live availability in every region or store.
Which version should you buy?
There is no universal best-value edition without knowing your platform, what you already own, and the price currently shown in your regional store. Compare the contents against your library before paying for a bundle.
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- Diablo IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot.
- Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or explore an expansive end game and shared world where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle World Bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players - no lobbies necessary - with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.
| Your situation | What to consider |
|---|---|
| You are returning and already own the base game | Start with the base game you own. If you want the expansion content, compare the cost of buying what you lack with the collection price in your store. |
| You are new and want the base game plus both expansions | Check the Age of Hatred Collection listing and confirm it includes the base game, Vessel of Hatred, and Lord of Hatred for your platform and region. |
| You own the base game and one expansion | Compare the collection’s contents and local price with the cost of purchasing only the content you do not own. A bundle may include content you have already bought. |
| You are choosing a platform | Confirm that the game or collection is listed and currently available for that platform. Nintendo Switch 2 is identified as an announced platform in Blizzard’s BlizzCon recap, but the announcement alone does not establish regional store availability. |
Blizzard’s cited pages do not establish current regional prices, retail stock, or a physical-media edition. Check your platform’s live storefront for the exact listing, edition contents, and price before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.So, is Diablo IV worth it?
The 2024 review makes a clear case for lapsed players and newcomers who were waiting for improvements to try the base game. Its positive verdict drew on the changes and expansion content available at the time. For a 2026 purchase, treat that as useful historical context rather than a guarantee about the current build: try the base game if you are unsure about the core loop, and consider an expansion or collection only after checking its contents against what you own and the price in your store.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
