We are now very close to the launch of Diablo 4 and these days there is a question that is racking my brains for many users: to play you need a subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold? And it also applies to i single player content? Let’s try to clarify a bit.
Usually the matter is very simple, since as you probably know PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold are required to play online multiplayer (with the exception of free-to-play on PlayStation consoles). However, when we talk about a game like Diablo 4, which requires a permanent connection and throws players into a world shared with other users, things get a little more complicated and it must be said that the official communications from of Blizzard have not been crystal clear in this sense, generating a lot of confusion on the net.
Let’s be clear: basic to play Diablo 4 PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold are not required.
However the two subscriptions of Sony and Microsoft are required for online multiplayer and “certain” online features.
The confirmation comes directly from a post on the official Diablo 4 blog, which reads:
“You do not need to have an active Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus membership to play Diablo IV during Open Beta and Early Access weekends. […] Upon the release of Diablo IV, you will need to have an active Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus membership to access some of the game’s multiplayer features.”
So what are the Diablo 4 multiplayer features that require a subscription to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold? In this case unfortunately Blizzard did not offer precise indications. But based on a tweet from global community development director Adam Fletcher, we learn that these will include the PvP, chat and the ability to form parties with friends and other online players.
Instead, we can exclude the local co-op “from the sofa”, since everything takes place with the same console.
However, other doubts to cliffs remain. For example, will we still be able to see other online users in the game world without PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold? Will it be possible to participate in battles against World Bosses like Ashava, since they don’t necessarily require you to form a party? Will it be possible to access the special areas called “Fields of Hate”, while not being able to participate in PvP? Unfortunately for the moment we have not found clear official answers in this regard, so we just have to wait for the Early Access launch of Diablo 4, scheduled for Friday 2 June, to dispel any doubts about it.
