Diablo 4's release is right around the corner and it's bringing a ton of new and returning features to the game. One of the big fan favorite returning features is PvP. It was huge in Diablo 2, but fell off in popularity in Diablo 3. Thanks to Blizzard, we have a bunch of information about Diablo 4 PvP.
Diablo 4's PvP expands upon the systems in the past to bring a whole new way to experience PvP in Diablo. There is a lot riding on this iteration of PvP as Diablo 3 PvP was non-existent but it seems that what Blizzard has cooking up may do the trick.
While you're here, if you're looking for more Diablo 4 content, then be sure to check out our other Diablo 4 guides, such as our Diablo 4 classes guide, our Diablo 4 seasons roadmap guide, and our Diablo 4 multiplayer guide.
Diablo 4 PvP mechanics
The PvP system in Diablo 4 isn't going to be true open world PvP. There will be a dedicated "map" called the Plaines of Hatred that players will load into. While in the Plains, players will encounter other players, and PvE mobs as well to take down as well.
Players will earn a temporary PvP currency called Shards of Hatred while playing PvP. These shards can be looted from killed players and other means. If you take these Shards to one of the Shrines scattered around the map and channel on the Shrine, the Shards become permanent and can't be looted if you die.
Diablo 4 PvP Events
There are going to be events that spawn throughout the Fields of Hatred. There are various PvE events that will spawn that will need to be fought over. Additionally there is a PvP bounty system being included in the game.
If a player is doing very well in a match, then they may get marked with a timed bounty. If the bountied player stays alive throughout the time, they will receive a massive reward. If they are killed, the player who kills them will also get a massive reward. We don't know exactly what these rewards will entail, but most likely it will be a large sum of Shards of Hatred.
Diablo 4 PvP Shards of Hatred
Speaking of Shards of Hatred, what are they and what can we use them for? Shards of Hatred are a temporary currency item that is earned in PvP. Once you've converted them to permanent, account bound currency via the Shrines on the map, you'll be able to trade them into vendors.
While we don't know the exact wares of these vendors, we do know that you'll be able to get cosmetics and mounts that can only be gotten from these vendors. It also appears that you'll be able to get random gear from them as well, similar to Blood Shards in Diablo 3. While this isn't going to be a way to get exclusive gear, it's going to be another way to acquire gear for those who want to PvP rather than PvE.
We also have heard that there may be PvP specific items that can be obtained, similar to PvP gear in World of Warcraft. This would be a very interesting addition to the game, as PvP has never been a main focus of the game.
But that's all that we have for you on Diablo 4 PvP. Be sure to check back as we'll update this article as more information gets revealed ahead of launch.
If you're looking for more RPG content, then why not check out some of our guides for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, such as our guide to the first ranked season, our series one tier list, and our guide to tera raid events.