Everything we've learned about Diablo Immortal from BlizzCon 2021

Since being announced in 2018, it feels like we've had a never-ending wait for Blizzard's Diablo Immortal. We went without a word for so long people started to ask 'Is Diablo Immortal cancelled?' or 'What happened with the game?'. But finally, it seems to be inching its way closer to a full release date, following a technical alpha that took place in January.

During BlizzCon 2021, the team unveiled snippets of information through a panel which you can check out below. But with honestly so few details to be found in a thirty-minute chat, we've summarised everything into once place for your convenience. So here's everything we learned about Diablo Immortal from BlizzCon 2021.

When is the Diablo Immortal release date?

The biggest question for obvious reasons and unfortunately, we still don't know the Diablo Immortal release date. We do, however, know there is another round of testing coming up that will be available to a wider audience alongside new content, a new class and major endgame content.

• While you are waiting for the release date, take a look at our list of best Android RPGs you can play right now!

The first Technical Alpha took place predominately in Australia on Android devices. Focusing on a smaller region allowed the developers to test server stability and client performance data. The upcoming test will expand the region size a bit as Diablo Immortal steps closer towards launch, though it could still be a while before release.

The clue in the use of the word alpha. Usually, a game will go through alpha and beta testing before getting a solid release date. There can be several rounds of both before the developers are happy to move on to the next stage and Blizzard are a company that can afford to wait until everything is performing optimally.

It could be a while before Diablo Immortal release date is official but that doesn't mean you won't be able to play it before then by participating in an alpha or beta test. Naturally, we'll keep you update as and when we learn more.

What you saw in the Technical Alpha is not all there is. Another testing phase is coming to a wider audience with new content, a new class, and major endgame. Full Panel: https://t.co/KZ8Jw4HShx pic.twitter.com/X73D1mmRUW — Diablo Immortal (@DiabloImmortal) February 20, 2021

How many gameplay modes are there?

Diablo Immortal looks set to be packed with different game modes for players to delve into. There are dungeons to progress the main story and gather loot alongside Rifts – which come in Elder and Challenge variants – which present a tougher, endgame challenge along with more desirable loot to match.

In addition to that, the game is also set to have various PvP events too. During the 30-minute chat Lead Producer, Wyatt Cheng explained that each of the Zones that make up the game world will have its own event. This may take the form of a chest that players will be able to fight over every three hours, with the victor earning its contents.

How has the game been tailored to suit mobile?

It's not an easy task to bring a fast-paced action RPG over to mobile, particularly for a game like Diablo where fingers covering up a majority of the screen to access controls may cause a few issues with seeing the action properly. Naturally, this is something that will be continuously tweaked throughout development but one of the ways the team has approached this is quite simply to make the game brighter so everything is easier to see.

However, Lead Game Producer Caleb Arseneaux has acknowledged that there was still a large call among the technical alpha testers for controller support. As such, they are investigating the possibility of making this an option in a future update.

Is this an action RPG or an MMO?

Diablo Immortal promises to be a fast-paced action-RPG, with elements that stem from MMORPGs. There is a place called Westmarch that is effectively your hub during your time in the game. Here you'll have access to your ever-growing loot stash, be able to trade at markets, browse vendor's wares, change the difficulty settings, take on challenges from the Bounty Board and much more.

The game can either be tackled solo or with other players. The game is split up into Zones and each can host dozens of players who can then team up with one another if they'd like. There can be up to four players in a party and there will also be the option to create a guild too, which opens up more social activities.

Diablo Immortal will be heading to the App Store and Google Play at some stage. There is no confirmed release date just yet but we'll be sure to keep you informed. It will be a free-to-play game with in-app purchases.