As we get closer to the Diablo 4 release date and Lilith’s Armageddon draws ever closer, Blizzard has introduced the new Diablo 4 Fortress feature, a new dungeon crawling experience that will impact on the broader universe of role-playing games.
As Lilith’s corruption seeps into the very land of the once-proud Sanctuary, many of the world’s holiest places have fallen into her hands. These are Diablo 4’s Fortresses, an all-new system that will change and shape the larger world of Sanctuary as you interact with them.
Strongholds are initially a private encounter that can be completed alone or with a group. However, once you send the minions back from where they came from, the space becomes public, in turn transforming into a bustling metropolis.
Liberating a stronghold will give you XP, new high-level gear, and all that good stuff; but they do more than that. The inhabitants of Sanctuary will begin to return to the area, giving you access to new merchants, potential shortcuts, and even helping you unlock previously inaccessible dungeons.
They are also essential for improving your fame, which is a new system in Diablo but very similar to what we see in World of Warcraft. As you go through Sanctuary, you’ll encounter several different factions, each worth training. Posting ancient holy places is a one-way ticket to making friends, so I really suggest sticking around.
As a longtime Diablo fan, amar nothing remotely new, but this system looks absolutely amazing. It’s unique, it’s a great way to explore the world of Diablo 4, and it introduces a whole new set of challenges that will enhance your endgame experience. Step aside, spawn of hell, these fortresses are mine.
If this feature brought you back to the dreary world of Sanctuary, be sure to check out our Diablo 4 gameplay preview for a taste of what to expect. We’ve also got all the details you need to join the upcoming Diablo 4 beta, including a photo of the cutest cosmetic in Diablo history.