Diablo Immortal’s Hidden Progression Limits Punish Free Players
Diablo Immortal includes several hidden progression caps that deliberately limit the amount of loot players can earn through the free portion of the game, seemingly encouraging them to spend real money.
The hidden plugs were discovered by YouTuber and Diablo Immortal aficionado Echohack, who described his findings in a 15 minute video (opens in a new tab) (Thank you, Forbes (opens in a new tab)). While the game doesn’t explicitly mention these loot caps, Echohack was able to identify seven caps in his extended time with the game, including reduced item and gem drops.
They said that side quests, purple bosses, and random map events stop giving players loot rewards after completing the first five per day. Similarly, Legendary item drop rate is significantly reduced after the sixth Legendary drop of the day, as is the gem drop rate bonus given to players who have joined a party of four. people.
On top of that, players can only unlock five Zoltan Kule treasure rooms per day. Hidden Lairs also only reward a maximum of six gems per day, regardless of how many random dungeons you complete.
Echohack was reportedly able to uncover these hidden limits after “a great deal of gaming and testing,” and their findings were based entirely on observations made by them and their friends. While some of the caps are difficult to verify, others, like the cap on side quest rewards, are more easily measurable.
Crucially, these limits do not carry over into the main game. Players can unknowingly hit reward ceilings, not realizing that the marginal benefit of their grinding has been drastically reduced. They throw intangible obstacles at players, who must keep track of the rewards they’ve earned in a day, or face completing a challenge with no reward at the end.
free game problems
On top of that, similar limits don’t seem to apply to Diablo Immortal’s paid items. The game does not operate a loot box system per se, instead offering Elder Rifts that serve a similar function. These short dungeons provide players with rewards, but must be unlocked by spending Crests (keys that can be found in-game or purchased with cash).
As Forbes highlights, there appear to be no limitations on the number of Crests a player can purchase or Rifts they can enter. You are free to purchase as many Legendary Emblems as you like and use them to enter as many Rifts as you can, earning valuable gear and loot as you do so. Consequently, while players who enjoy the free-to-play side of Diablo Immortal face deliberately low drop rates and penalties, those willing to spend real-world money can get around the limitations.
Echohack says the system sends a very clear message: Players who spend money on Diablo Immortal have a huge advantage, while those who want to enjoy the game for free are often unable to progress their character, despite hours of hard work. .
Some Diablo Immortal players have suggested that the limits are imposed to counter bots, but Echohack acknowledges that the limits are so strict that they undermine Diablo Immortal’s core game design. “In a game that’s supposed to be about grinding and killing monsters, what’s the point if everything you do is so aggressively limited?” they said.
Casual gamers who only play Diablo Immortal in short sessions every day are unlikely to hit these soft caps, but more enthusiastic gamers hoping to drop into the game for a couple of hours may find themselves hitting the caps. That will do nothing to improve the game’s standing among a Diablo community already wary of predatory monetization practices.
Reference-www.techradar.com
