When Diablo 4 hit the scene in June 2023, it really made waves. However, things got a bit rocky after a few updates rolled out. The game’s inaugural season, dubbed “Season of the Malignant,” stirred up quite the storm among fans. A lot of this backlash stemmed from drastic changes to the game’s class builds. Players saw their beloved Sorcerer and Barbarian classes get nerfed, while XP from defeating higher-level monsters was slashed, and some endgame content was made even more challenging. The updates turned Diablo 4 into a bit of a grind, leading to so much disapproval that Blizzard had to make quick adjustments based on player feedback in the following seasons.
Fast forward, and it seems Diablo 4 has been getting its groove back, thanks to a series of well-received patches that have shifted focus back to adding content rather than stripping it away. The buzz around the next patch suggests this positive trend is set to continue. Though details are scarce regarding the launch of Season 7, it’s expected early in the year, soon after Season 6 wraps up on January 21. This new season promises exciting features like fresh Witchcraft powers, valuable quality-of-life improvements, and new unique items for all classes. Strategically, Blizzard is timing this release perfectly to avoid clashing directly with the much-anticipated Path of Exile 2.
In the current gaming landscape, Path of Exile 2 is a hot topic, having captivated players similarly to Marvel Rivals this month. Crafted by New Zealand’s own Grinding Gear Games, this sequel is a long-awaited entry since the original free-to-play ARPG hit the market over a decade ago, taking cues from the Diablo series in style and gameplay. Now available in early access on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC as of December 6, Path of Exile 2 has been making a substantial mark, with more than 570,000 players flocking to it on just Steam during its debut week. Even at a $30 price tag, the game’s extensive content is keeping players engaged, a feat that’s particularly impressive given its early access status.
According to HowLongToBeat, players might spend around 30 hours completing the main campaign alone, with side quests stretching the experience to 40-70 hours—rivaling Diablo 4’s storyline in depth. Interestingly, only half the campaign is available now, with more story content promised as the game progresses towards a full launch in 2025.
Given Path of Exile 2’s current popularity, it’s in Blizzard’s best interest to hold off on major updates right away for Diablo 4. With many players now engrossed in the expansive world of PoE 2, it makes sense for Blizzard to schedule Diablo 4 Season 7 for late January. This timing allows dedicated gamers the opportunity to dive into new adventures in Diablo 4 after likely wrapping up Path of Exile 2’s main campaign.
