In Diablo 4, players embark on a sprawling journey through the dark and treacherous world of Sanctuary, divided into six main Acts along with a Prologue and an Epilogue. This structure not only expands the narrative depth compared to its predecessors but also allows for a more open-world exploration experience. Each Act presents unique challenges and environments, inviting players to uncover the secrets and lore of this richly crafted universe. As you traverse through chilling landscapes and face formidable foes, the question remains: how will you navigate the intertwining paths of fate in your quest to vanquish evil?
List of all Acts
Diablo 4’s storyline is structured into six Acts, complemented by a Prologue and an Epilogue. This design allows players to experience a more expansive narrative compared to earlier titles in the series, which typically featured fewer Acts. Each Act introduces distinct regions and quests, enabling a non-linear exploration of the game world. The Acts are as follows: Prologue: Wandering, Act 1: A Cold and Iron Faith, Act 2: The Knife Twists Again, Act 3: The Making of Monsters, Act 4: A Gathering Storm, Act 5: Secrets Bartered, Fates Sold, and Act 6: Dance of the Makers, concluding with the Epilogue: From the Wound Spilled. Players can tackle the first three Acts in any order, but must complete them to progress to Act 4, with subsequent Acts requiring completion in sequence.
In two previous installments of Diablo, the basic campaign (which means not counting story expansions) consisted of 4 Acts. Diablo 4 is in this respect the largest and longest entry in the series , as it offers 6 story Acts .
The structure of the campaign is as follows:
- Prologue – lasting at least an hour, and ending after reaching the city of Kyovashad in Fractured Peaks.
- Acts 1-6 – in each chapter of the campaign there is a series of main story quests to complete.
- Epilogue – playing the epilogue will allow you to complete the main storyline and unlock the endgame phase.
Completing an Act
Completing an Act in Diablo 4 involves navigating through a series of quests that drive the narrative forward while allowing players to explore the expansive world of Sanctuary. Each of the six Acts, preceded by a Prologue and followed by an Epilogue, is designed to immerse players in distinct regions and storylines, offering both main quests and optional side content. Unlike previous installments, Diablo 4’s non-linear structure permits players to tackle the first three Acts in any order, enhancing the freedom to engage with the game at their own pace. However, progression through the later Acts requires completion of earlier ones, ensuring a cohesive storytelling experience as players confront increasingly formidable challenges and uncover deeper layers of the plot.
Diablo 4 differs greatly from its predecessors in terms of the structure of Acts. Transition to the next chapters of the story is now seamless – there is no dividing cut-scene depicting the journey to another location, or loading screens when arriving in a completely new area.
In Diablo 4, theoretically, you can explore the whole of the world map from the very beginning, but there are many regions of the world that are level-locked. Level-locked means that when playing as a weaker character, some regions are inhabited by strong enemies of a much higher level than yours that can instantly kill your hero with their attacks which makes traversing these regions impossible or almost impossible. Nevertheless, the option to visit any region of the map is there.
The authors have maintained a run-of-the-mill scheme in which every Act ends with a battle against a boss character, but the given chapter of the campaign doesn’t have to end right there.
What are the main differences between the acts in Diablo 4
Diablo 4 features a total of six Acts, along with a Prologue and an Epilogue, each contributing uniquely to the game’s narrative and gameplay experience. Here are the main differences between the Acts:
Overview of Acts
| Act Number | Title | Length | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prologue | Wandering | Varied | Introduces mechanics and characters. |
| Act 1 | A Cold and Iron Faith | ~1.5 hours | Sets the stage in Fractured Peaks; focuses on Lilith’s influence. |
| Act 2 | The Knife Twists Again | ~2.5 hours | Explores northern regions; builds on character arcs. |
| Act 3 | The Making of Monsters | ~3 hours | Introduces new enemies and challenges; deeper lore exploration. |
| Act 4 | A Gathering Storm | ~20 minutes | Shortest act; players obtain mounts and face Andariel. |
| Act 5 | Secrets Bartered, Fates Sold | ~4.5 hours | Longest act; involves multiple quest branches across diverse environments. |
| Act 6 | Dance of the Makers | ~1.5 hours | Concludes the main story; features intense battles and a return to familiar locations. |
| Epilogue | From the Wound Spilled | Brief | Wraps up the story, leading into endgame content. |
Key Differences
- Length and Complexity: Acts 1 to 3 are significantly longer and more complex, providing extensive storytelling and character development, while Act 4 is notably shorter, serving as a transition point with essential gameplay mechanics like mount acquisition.
- Narrative Focus: Each act introduces different themes and challenges. For instance, Acts 1 through 3 focus heavily on building tension against Lilith, while later acts shift towards resolving conflicts and preparing for endgame scenarios.
- Non-linear Progression: Unlike previous titles, Diablo 4 allows players to complete certain acts in a non-linear fashion, offering flexibility in how they approach quests and explore the world of Sanctuary.
- Environmental Diversity: Each act takes place in distinct regions of Sanctuary, such as the snowy Fractured Peaks or the swampy Hawezar, each with unique enemies and environmental challenges.
These differences contribute to a dynamic gameplay experience that encourages exploration and engagement with Diablo’s rich lore while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the campaign.
What are the key story events in each act of Diablo 4
In Diablo 4, the story unfolds through a series of Acts, each filled with significant events that drive the narrative forward. Here’s a summary of the key story events in each Act:
Prologue: Wandering
- Introduction to Sanctuary: Players meet key characters and learn about the world’s dire state.
- Visions of Lilith: The protagonist, known as the Wanderer, drinks Lilith’s blood, triggering visions that foreshadow her influence.
Act 1: A Cold and Iron Faith
- Fractured Peaks: The player encounters characters like Lorath Nair and Neyrelle while investigating Lilith’s resurgence.
- Conflict with the Cathedral of Light: Players face off against the Cathedral’s forces, led by Mother Prava, who worships Inarius.
- Vigo’s Sacrifice: A pivotal moment occurs when the penitent knight Vigo sacrifices himself to aid the player.
Act 2: The Knife Twists Again
- Exploration of Dark Omens: Players explore deeper into the lore surrounding Lilith and her plans.
- Branching Quests: The act features multiple branches, allowing players to choose different paths, such as “Encroaching Shadows” and “Feral Nature.”
- Uncovering Secrets: Players delve into forgotten histories and confront dark forces that threaten Sanctuary.
Act 3: The Making of Monsters
- City of Blood and Dust: Players navigate through a city plagued by corruption and chaos.
- Confronting New Enemies: This act introduces various monstrous foes that embody Lilith’s influence.
- Character Development: Key character arcs progress as players assist allies in their struggles against evil.
Act 4: A Gathering Storm
- Mount Acquisition: Players gain access to mounts, enhancing exploration capabilities.
- Boss Encounter with Andariel: The act culminates in a battle against Andariel, the Maiden of Anguish, marking a significant turning point in the story.
Act 5: Secrets Bartered, Fates Sold
- Longest Act: This act features numerous quests set in diverse environments like jungles and swamps.
- Branching Storylines: Players assist characters
