Summary
For quite some time, RPG classes have remained the same. Players familiar with the genre have long known which class they might choose when playing a new RPG, simply due to each of thoseclasses adopting the RPG stereotypesthat have been established over decades. For example, those who prefer a casting class might choose a Mage, whereas those who would rather fight within melee range would choose a Warrior. Generally, though the names of these classes aren’t always the same, the concept of each one almost always is. However,Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion may be solidifying a grand future for RPG classes with its Spiritborn, especially following the accomplishments of recent RPGs likeDragon’s Dogma 2andDestiny 2.
In recent memory, games likeDragon’s Dogma 2andDestiny 2have taken steps toward providing players with quite a bit more freedom in their class choices. Specifically, both of these games have offered players classes that defy RPG stereotypes by giving them unprecedented levels of customization rather than locking them down to one playstyle. Now,Diablo 4’s new Spiritborn class introduced with Vessel of Hatred has accomplished nearly the same thing, suggesting a bold new direction for the RPG genre in general.
Vessel of Hatred’s Spiritborn Proves RPG Classes Are Evolving
Core RPG Classes Have Been Evolving as of Late
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Warfarer vocationis a first for the franchise and a massive leap for the RPG genre, as it allows players the opportunity to build their character using skills from every other vocation in the game. Some might consider this to be the obvious class choice when playing a game, as it seems like it would overpower every other class. However, it requires players to strategically choose which skills they are going to use and to establish a character build in which all of the chosen skills synergize with one another, making it a challenge to do well.
Destiny 2more recently introduced its Prismatic subclass, which essentially follows the same rules asDragon’s Dogma 2’s Warfarer vocation, but with more limitations. Rather than allowing players to choose from every single skill available to the game’s other subclasses,Destiny 2’s Prismatic subclasslimits their options to a rather generous handful of key skills from other subclasses in the game. Even so, these limitations are hardly felt, as there are more than enough options available for players to make the subclass of their dreams. Now,Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion has introduced the Spiritborn class, which shows the RPG genre inching even closer toward a full evolution of RPG classes.
The Versatility of Vessel of Hatred’s Spiritborn Solidifies the Evolution of RPG Classes
LikeDragon’s Dogma 2’s Warfarer vocation andDestiny 2’s Prismatic subclass, theSpiritborn class introduced withDiablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansionis arguably the series' most versatile class yet. Pulling from four different “Spirit Guardians,” players can choose from a wide range of skills for their Spiritborn that specialize in anything from survivability to direct damage to subterfuge. What makes the Spiritborn so special in theDiablofranchise is that players can mix and match those skills as they see fit, leading to dozens of possible combinations and a highly customizable class.
While the future is still unknown,Dragon’s Dogma 2,Destiny 2, and nowDiablo 4are showing signs that the RPG class model gamers have known for many years is beginning to evolve by granting players plenty of freedom to customize their character build. It seems likely that futureRPG developerswill continue gravitating in this direction with their class designs, and it could very well change the core aspects of the RPG genre as it has been known.
Diablo 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or explore an expansive end game and shared world where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle world bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play, cross-progression, and couch co-op on Xbox.This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.
