Diablo 4’s world is so dark it’s actually delightful

Diablo isn’t exactly known as a bright, cheerful franchise, except for the odd joke, such as Whimsyshire. It’s a place that everyone needs to have skulls for their rituals, and also so they can decorate their staves. This is quite a hassle. At least it’s a problem with an easy enough solution, because everyone keeps getting murdered, thus providing skulls. This kind of grim atmosphere might seem to ruin the mood of an otherwise chill gaming session. But the relentless grimness is what makes it so enjoyable. Diablo 4This is a strangely captivating film.

I wasn’t familiar with the first two Diablo games, and I only really dabbled in Diablo 3The early part of the campaign turned me off. When Leah’s grumpy grandfather started arguing about the existence of magical demons, I left. It’s not just you. You can find out more about it here. they’re real; I’m filling up my experience bar by mowing through dozens of ’em. At first, I wasn’t sure if Diablo 4Since my gaming buddies were also jumping into the game, I thought it was worth a try.

This time, I’ve found myself absolutely enchanted, and part of that is the atmosphere. Diablo 3 It was a bit like visiting a macabre amusement park. Diablo 4It really brings a feeling of misery, and even desperation to every part of the world. I don’t think literally anyone, at any time, is having a chill time in the world of Sanctuary. I’m sure there are a few nobles who are doing OK, but they’re inevitably skinned by demons or torn apart by cultists. The rest of the world is digging around in dirt looking for beets.

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

This works because it seems like everyone is just going with the flow. Villagers and soldiers never seem to strive for anything greater — not because the story isn’t interested in exploring what a better world might look like, but more because these people have lost the capacity to care or try. The caretaker at Sanctuary has the same role as a heeler; the majority of people I encounter in the world need to be collected and taken to a safe place.

Diablo 4 also threads the needle between “grimdark” and legitimately depressing. Grimdark is a phrase derived from the setting of Warhammer 40,000, a massive sci-fi space opera that is described in its scene-setting text intro as the “cruelest and most bloody regime known to man.” As any 40K fan knows, “in the grim dark of the far future, there is only war.” Grimdark is a handy catch-all phrase for a setting that’s just a constant kick in the pants.

The grimdark atmosphere of 40K is infused with British sarcasm and humor that reflects the decline of empires in history. The grimdark setting of 40K is cut through with a very British dry sense of humor and satire that applies to the historical declines once unstoppable empires. Diablo 4, Sanctuary is fun and intriguing to explore because nothing cuts through its dark tone — danger is embedded throughout the campaign. Find out about a young scholar searching for her mom. The nice mother may have been a victim of a pact. You’re rescued by friendly villager who feeds you, and gives you tons of mead. Oh, rats, they’re all cultists. Have you ever read a letter written by a teenager telling his father that he plans to be a loyal knight protecting him? I probably don’t even need to tell you that I found that kid two rooms down, corrupted into a demon.

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

This level of terror, treachery and torment is actually quite enjoyable and entertaining. I dodged The Last of Us Part 2., feeling like the game’s narrative would tug too much on my heartstrings — especially during a pandemic. Diablo 4, on the other hand, isn’t necessarily interested in surprising me or challenging me with an emotionally fraught story. The gore, ribcages, and death all around are just environmental storytelling reminding me that no, I can’t put down my bow and traps and try to negotiate my way out of this.

The world is terrible, everyone is eating boiled tree roots, my character can’t do anything to stop the violence. Despite this, I’ve found myself charmed by Diablo 4. Sometimes, I do get to help one person, or a small group of survivors, and that’s a nice hit of dopamine. It’s also a great way to make the world seem real. I’m invested in Sanctuary, even though it’s kind of a shithole, because Someone elseAll these mortals must be taken into consideration.

The angels and demons clearly aren’t going to step up, and so I’ve found myself becoming the de facto stepmom to every survivor I meet. It’s a fun reminder that just because something is dark and gritty doesn’t have to mean it’s dry or dour. There’s a way to thread the needle, and while it’s not easy, the result is far more memorable than a more traditionally heroic journey.