Diablo IV's early access beta and open beta feature higher than normal drop rates, Blizzard has confirmed.

　　The news comes via Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson on Twitter, who responded to a fan question about the drop rate. Fergusson confirmed that the drop rates are increased in the beta for testing purposes.

　　They are tuned higher, yes to give a fuller experience and better test during Beta.

　　— Rod Fergusson (@RodFergusson) March 23, 2023

　　"They are turned higher, yes to give a fuller experience and better test during beta," Fergusson said.

　　Fergusson's answer still leaves some room for confusion, however. Most players seem to assume Fergusson was specifically talking about Legendary item drop rates, but his tweet could simply refer to all item drop rates in general. Numerous players responded to Fergusson's tweet with relief in regards to the news, but others are now concerned that drop rates for non-Legendary items in the full version of the game might be too low. Some fans have taken issue with the fact that the drop rate is different in the beta than it will be in the full game, and are now worried what the experience will be like at launch on June 6.

　　Players had been curious about the drop rate since the start of the game's early access beta period, when numerous Diablo content creators and others on places like the Diablo subreddit remarked on how drop rates seemed incredibly high. Many players were easily able to deck out their characters in full Legendary gear before reaching the beta's level cap of 25 despite only playing on the game's second world tier difficulty. Beating the beta's only world boss, Ashava the Pestilent, awarded a high number of Legendaries in particular, with players reportedly earning up to eight or nine Legendary items for slaying the beast for the first time.

　　Feedback regarding item drop rates hasn't been the only concern fans have had while playing the Diablo IV beta. Many perceive the game's Barbarian class to be far weaker than alternatives like the Rogue and Sorcerer, and Blizzard agrees. Buffs will be coming to the Barbarian in the full version of the game as a result.

　　Diablo IV's open beta kicks off today and features all five the game's playable classes. Blizzard has said to expect queue times, despite having released a patch aimed at addressing queue time issues and other bugs. Players will be able to earn a number of rewards in the full version of Blizzard's upcoming ARPG for reaching certain milestones in the beta. Check out everything we know about the Diablo IV beta for up-to-date information on beta timing, rewards, and more. For those looking to get the most out of the beta, be sure to consult GameSpot's Diablo IV guides for things like builds, collectable locations, and various tips and tricks.

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