Diablo has consistently remained within the dungeon-crawler genre, presenting players with various interpretations of dungeons, loot, and action combat. Diablo 4 aimed to continue this tradition upon its release. However, with its significant focus on an open world, the dungeon-crawling elements in Diablo 4 seemed to take a back seat. The dungeons, primarily structured around objectives and divided into sections, often required players to address specific mechanics before progressing to the boss room. This design can slow down gameplay, forcing players to backtrack and explore every dead end for the necessary items to solve these mechanics.
While Vessel of Hatred addresses some of these issues, it does not completely resolve the “dungeon crawler equation.” One could argue that Diablo 4 takes two steps forward and one step back, as it improves many aspects of the series and introduces new features, but some core elements are left behind. The dungeon experience in Diablo 4 falls into this latter category, as crucial components like Nightmare Dungeons can be underwhelming over time. The persistent problem has been the absence of a true dungeon-crawling experience, and although Vessel of Hatred makes strides in the right direction, there is still significant work to be done.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred’s Nahantu Dungeons Are the Expansion’s Hidden Gem
Diablo 4’s Nahantu dungeons are the expansion’s unsung heroes, bringing the series back to its dungeon-crawling roots with an experience focused on exploration and boss battles. This change is welcome, as it eliminates the need to complete side tasks before accessing the boss room. In doing so, it accomplishes two goals at once:
- Exploration now rewards players with the same side tasks that were once mandatory, but they only provide additional loot if completed and impose no penalties if skipped.
- The action of the ARPG is no longer interrupted by switches, keys, or similar items; instead, players can proceed to confront the boss whenever they’re ready.
As a result, Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion reestablishes the focus on this crucial aspect of the series, especially within the Nahantu dungeons. Nahantu features numerous narrow pathways and small labyrinths that encourage players to hug the dungeon walls to navigate to their endpoints. However, this enhancement alone does not encompass the entire experience.
Diablo 4’s Dungeons Still Lack the Spark
Diablo 4’s endgame content has evolved with the Vessel of Hatred expansion, and while shifting the focus away from Nightmare Dungeons is a positive change, it represents yet another step back from the series’ dungeon-crawling roots. Additionally, the more “classic” design and philosophy of Nahantu’s dungeons cause them to blend together, especially in the absence of unique and mechanically engaging boss fights. This remains a significant pain point for the game, and hopefully, the next Diablo 4 expansion will address it.
Moreover, Diablo 4’s progression system lacks interconnectivity between dungeons, with the Sigil at the end of Nightmare Dungeons merely serving to guide players to their next activity. As a result, the dungeon-crawling experience feels somewhat bare-bones, despite the game’s move away from side gimmicks. Dungeons in Diablo 4 are simply not that meaningful in the grand scheme of things. While one could argue that the Dark Citadel raid showcases online dungeon-crawling at its finest, it’s an activity that most players are unlikely to experience. While this is a start, a true return to form may take longer than a single DLC.
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