While some may reel at the idea of Diablo 4 followers, like them or loathe them, the (un)helpful companions have become a staple part of the action RPG game‘s combat. I asked Blizzard what its plans are for aides in Diablo 4, and while they didn’t say too much, it looks like followers may join the roster at some point.
Speaking to lead class designer Adam Z. Jackson in the wake of the Diablo 4 gameplay preview, I asked whether or not the follower system would be more akin to that of Diablo 2 or Diablo 3 – if there was one at all.
In Diablo 2, you could hire followers to go with you to the gates of hell. However, if they died, you had to rehire them using cold hard cash. A new follower appeared in each zone, meaning some were absolutely better than others – the Lut Gholein polearm warrior remains at the bottom of the list, don’t worry.
This changed in Diablo 3 when instead of hiring mercenaries, three different companions were acquired during the story campaign. You had the Scoundrel, Sorceress, and Templar, who represented ranged DPS, tank, and magic user respectively.
My Diablo 4 adventure was short of helpful NPCs. I encountered them only for a few dungeons, then they rode off into the sunset. When I asked Jackson how the game’s follower function will work, they stated “for the launch version of the game we do have some places in the story in particular where you will have certain named NPCs following you and helping you out as you figure out what Lilith is doing in the world.
“We don’t have anything to announce about the Diablo 2-type follower that you hire – we’re sticking it to the campaign Now.” Emphasis on the for now.
With a wry smile they continue “stay tuned, we may have something in the future to announce but no promises.” This immediately prompted a response from dungeon producer Ash Sweetring, who channelled her inner Mr. Burns with an ‘interesting’ hand motion in the background. Now that’s what I call sus.
I would prefer the Diablo 2-style hired gun, rather than the omnipresent companions, to make it into Diablo 4. The wide range of abilities that followers brought to Diablo 2 was great. I would love to see more innovations. This allows for more builds and awesome demon-slaying abilities chains.
For now, though, you may want to read up on the Diablo 4 classes, as it’s them we’ll be playing as primarily. In a separate interview with game director Joe Shely, however, it was implied that this roster may expand – after all, nothing is eternal in Sanctuary.
