Quick Links
Diablo 4 has five confirmed playable classes: Barbarian, Rogue, Necromancer, Sorceress, and Druid. New classes may be added at a later date in future seasons, but for the time being, these are all the playable classes in-game.
For the purposes of this guide, however, we will just be covering these five. We will go over playstyles and gameplay overviews to give you an idea of what class you might want to pick up and play for the launch of the game.
Barbarian Overview
The Barbarian is a Diablo classic and an archetype that any ARPG fan will be familiar with: heavy weapons, crowd-control immunity, and big axes. Barbarians generate Fury which is their main class resource - this is generated by dealing damage.
In Diablo 4, the Barbarian's unique selling point is the Arsenal system. This allows the Barbarian to swap between a variety of different weapons depending on what skill has just been cast, with each skill corresponding with one specific weapon. This allows both Close and Ranged gameplay. Some of the early builds we've seen include a Whirlwind Barbarian and the Hammer Of The Ancients Barbarian.
The Barbarian can have four weapons in their Arsenal at once. This means you can make the most of the entire roster of the Barbarian's weapons at once.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
You should play Barbarian if you don't mind a bit of a slower start to your character, but are ultimately looking for huge AoE and satisfying wave clearance.
Rogue Overview
The Rogue is another classic class archetype. In Diablo 4, the Rogue will be able to rotate through a skillset that makes use of both ranged and melee weapons at once - not dissimilar to the Barbarian's Arsenal ability.
Rogue's generate energy while out of battle or via their Basic Skill and other generators. Energy is required to use any Active ability.
This class is also a master of mobility, with abilities that allow the character to reposition during a fight. You will be able to customize your Rogue experience by choosing from one of three paths: Exploit Weakness, Combo Points, and Shadow Realm.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You should play Rogue if you like a technical character that has the potential to solo powerful bosses very quickly.
Necromancer Overview
The Necromancer looks awesome (no bias here), and is currently one of the most popular classes ahead of release. That's thanks to its unique design and the fact it comes with its own special weapon, the Scythe.
Like Necromancers in other games, this class can raise fallen enemies from the dead to fight for their cause. According to early previews, the Necromancer's playstyle is broken up into four distinct choices: Darkness, Bone, Blood, and Army.
These paths impact the playstyle of the class, from specifically raising enemies to fight, to making use of the Necromancer's mana-like resource Essence, or taking the combat directly to the enemy with damage-dealing abilities.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Necromancer is still one of the most interesting classes with a lot of versatility and fun damage output, you should play the Necromancer if you want to summon ghouls and make things explode.
Sorceress Overview
The Sorceress is your classic mage class in Diablo 4. Fitting in with that archetype, the Sorceress can be described as glass cannon - which basically means you'll deal a lot of damage, but also be squishy and susceptible to getting blown up in a few hits.
The Sorceress relies on a combination of Elemental magic damage to deal with enemies. The class can wield Fire, Lightning, and Cold abilities, each with their own playstyles.
Alongside the spells and abilities, the Sorceress also has a unique Enchantment system that allows further customization - some skills can be made passive while others can be buffed, depending on what you choose for your build.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Sorcerer/Sorceress build is fast-paced, fun, and great for a largely solo player who wants to clear dungeons fast. Lots of versatile damage for whatever the game throws at you, too, which also leads to fun build variety.
Druid Overview
The Druid is another brawler that can transform into different animals: the Werebear and Werewolf.
Different abilities apply while transformed, and these can be shifted on the battlefield according to the player.
The Druid also has access to its own form of magic, being able to wield powerful Earth forces to crush enemies. This looks like one of the most fun classes to play in Diablo 4.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
You should play Druid if you're looking for a versatile class with literal physical transformations.
Are Classes Gender Locked?
No, you can play as a female/male Barbarian if you choose. The same applies for every other class in the game.