[GameSpot] - Diablo 4 Server Slam Beta: Start Date, Rewards, Class Changes, And Everything We Know

[343iBot]

Following two beta periods, Blizzard will be hosting a final Diablo IV playtest--dubbed the Server Slam--in May, just a few weeks before the game's full launch. This test is, as the name implies, intended to test the developer's online infrastructure and ensure that issues can be ironed out before the game goes live. Of course, it's also a great opportunity to try out Diablo IV's five different classes and explore the world of Sanctuary, especially if you haven't decided whether you want to buy the game yet. Here's everything we know about the Diablo IV Server Slam so far, including the start date, available content, classes, rewards, and more.

Diablo IV Server Slam start date

The Diablo IV Server Slam will run from May 12-14 and be available on all of the game's platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC. The test will only run for those three days, unlike the beta, which was split into two weekends and carried over progress between the two. Progress will not carry over from those weekends to the Server Slam, nor will Server Slam progress transfer to the full game. However, if you already have that game client installed, it will still work for the Server Slam once it's updated.

What's included in the Server Slam?

The Server Slam will feature the same basic slice of content seen in the previous beta tests: the game's prologue and Act 1. One major area called Fractured Peaks is available to explore, with all quests and side activities taking place there.

All five classes are playable during the Server Slam:

• Druid
• Barbarian
• Rogue
• Necromancer
• Sorcerer

Alongside the first several hours of main quests, you'll also be able to take on side quests, explore hidden areas, and battle a powerful world boss called Ashava. Defeating this boss will be a serious challenge, as unlike in the previous betas, your level is capped at 20. Only those who have reached level 20 will be eligible for the special Cry of Ashava mount trophy, detailed below.

The world boss will be available beginning May 13 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET, and will spawn every three hours until May 14 at the same time.

What has changed from the beta?

Perfectly balanced... or at least closer to it.

Your characters' progress in the beta will not transfer, meaning everyone who plays the Server Slam will be starting from the very beginning. However, tweaks have been made to balance classes that are reflective of how these classes will play at launch.

These changes include a 10% across-the-board incoming damage reduction for Barbarians, who were difficult to use as a solo player in the early parts of the story. Companion skills for Druids have also been heavily buffed, and a variety of other buffs and nerfs have affected all five classes. If you liked a class during the beta, it would be wise to try them again during the Server Slam and see if that's still the case.

Diablo IV Server Slam rewards

Alongside the aforementioned Cry of Ashava mount trophy, which you can only get by defeating the Ashava world boss after reaching level 20, you can also earn the Beta Wolf Pack cosmetic item. To get this, all you have to do is reach level 20, and if you already did so during the beta test, you're good to go. The reward will appear in the full game when it launches in June, as will the Initial Casualty title for reaching the Kyovashad city.

Otherwise, progress from the Server Slam will not carry over to the full game, but you will get a sense of how drop rates on legendary items have changed. After being intentionally increased during the beta, they will now be at their launch level for the Server Slam.

Diablo IV launches on June 6 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC.

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