Looking for some Diablo 4 tips and tricks for beginners? The series is known to be challenging, especially for newcomers to the series. Below, as part of our ongoing Diablo 4 guide, we'll give you a list of our hottest tips and tricks you need to know before you start playing.

Diablo 4 Tips and Tricks: 9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Playing

Diablo 4: Tips and Tricks You Need to Know Before You Start Playing

Focus on the Main Quest

It's very easy to become distracted in Diablo 4, but at least until you get to the first major city in the game, Kyovashad, you should follow the Main Story Quest. That's because the game really opens up once you hit the city (which will act as your first primary hub), giving you access to new mechanics and services. From there, the world's your oyster, but having a familiar place to call home is a great first step.

All Hot Bar Slots Unlock at Level 8

For the first hour or two of Diablo 4, players will only have access to two Hot Bar slots, meaning they can only equip and use two skills at a time. We thought they would slowly unlock over time, but reaching level 8 is all that's required. Then you'll be able to mix up your playstyle by being able to equip a total of six skills at a time.

Remember to Activate Waypoints

The world of Diablo 4 is a vast one indeed, but you can cover a lot of ground quickly through the use of Waypoints. Waypoints function as the game's fast travel system and can be found spread liberally throughout the world. Just finding one isn't enough; you have to activate each manually. Simply interact with the Waypoint to do so.

Watch out for Weapon Degradation

Weapons and gear in Diablo 4 degrade with use, and should their durability ever reach zero, they'll no longer be usable. In addition, when you die, each item currently equipped loses 10% of its total durability. It's quite the momentum killer to have your best weapon break mid-dungeon, so remember to repair your gear at the local Blacksmith before you leave town to keep everything in tip-top shape.

Dismantle Gear Instead of Selling It

Gold is fairly easy to come by in Diablo 4; you will earn it by defeating enemies, finding it in various containers, and receiving it as a reward for completing quests. However, you should not sell the many weapons and gear you find on your adventure, as dismantling is the better option. When you dismantle gear, it is broken into component parts, which can be used to upgrade or craft new, more powerful equipment. Diablo 4's end game revolves around crafting, so getting into the habit early will save you a headache in the long run.

Don't Sleep on Side Quests

Diablo 4 is full of Side Quests, optional adventures that players can engage with that rewards them with experience and lovely loot. Outside of the obvious in-game benefits, some really great stories are hidden in the game's Side Quests. Obviously, not all are created equal, but we were surprised at how varied and well-presented they could be, and all had that trademark grimdark Diablo edge.

Don't Forget About Elixers

We're embarrassed to admit how much of this game we played before realising you could tab over in the inventory. Don't make the same mistake we did. Open your Inventory with the Options button, and then simply hit R2. Elixers grant a variety of powerful bonuses determined by their ingredients, but crucially, all of them will give you a flat 5% EXP buff for 30 minutes. Over an entire playthrough, consistently maintained that's an enormous amount of EXP to leave on the table. Fine, it rhymes with "dirty towers".

Run World Events

On your travels, you will come across many varied Events, which can range from devious ambushes to arcane rituals. Like most everything else in Diablo 4, copious amounts of killing will be required. You'll be amply rewarded with gold and EXP for your trouble, so Events are a fantastic way to supplement your gains on the go, provided you have the time.

Store Gems in Your Stash

Gems can be inserted into Socketed weapons and gear, granting all kinds of bonuses determined by the gem, its cut, and what it's being Socketed into. Highly valuable, there are zero reasons for bringing them out into the field, where space in your limited Inventory is at a premium. Leave the Gems at home in your Stash, and pull them out when it is inevitably time to rework your gear again.

Did you find this page on tips and tricks you need to know before you start playing Diablo 4 handy? Hit us with your own in the comments section below. Be sure to check out the rest of our Diablo 4 guide coverage for more useful pointers.