Blizzard to take “a somewhat different approach” to level-scaling in Diablo 5, suggesting more influence from Diablo 2 than Diablo 4
Blizzard revealed at BlizzCon that Diablo 5 will employ a different approach to level-scaling than its predecessor Diablo 4. Game director Joe Shely explained that the studio aims to restore the “power fantasy” central to the Diablo experience—the satisfaction of feeling genuinely stronger as players level up.
Diablo 4, like Diablo 3 before it, uses automatic level-scaling where enemies keep pace with the player’s level progression, preventing players from ever outleveling an area. Shely acknowledged this system undermines the reward of progression: “You’ve filled the experience bar, you get stronger, you should feel awesome now,” he stated.
The new design philosophy appears to draw inspiration from Diablo 2, allowing players to experience tangible power progression and feel visibly stronger as they advance. This shift represents a deliberate departure from Diablo 4’s design approach, suggesting Blizzard is revisiting mechanics from earlier entries in the franchise.
The change is one of several design decisions Blizzard has previewed for the sequel since announcing Diablo 5 at BlizzCon. With an expected release in 2029, the studio is demonstrating willingness to reassess proven mechanics from the franchise’s history while developing its next major installment.