Summary
Diablo 4has introduced a new mount bundle in Patch 1.2.2, however, it exclusively comes saddled with a purchase of 7,800 Platinum for a total price tag of $65. Though the latest Blizzard title has been one of the best-selling video games in 2023, players already hadissues withDiablo 4’s microtransaction costseven before launch. The pricey cosmetics and the in-game shop were a significant source of controversy, and Blizzard has since expanded its catalog immensely over the course ofDiablo 4’s Season of the Malignant.
Compared to other live service games, many fans also tookissue withDiablo 4’s Battle Passformat, and it’s likely that all these factors contributed to the sharp drop-off in player count during its inaugural season. However, with the announcement ofDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatredat BlizzCon 2023, as well as the success that the Season of Blood had in addressing some of the biggest issues that have plagued the game since beta, there is some newfound excitement for the future ofDiablo 4.
However, when players logged into their Battle.net account in Patch 1.2.2, a new mount bundle awaited them – and its cost rivaled that of a triple-A title. As reported by Wowhead on Twitter, the new Father’s Judgment Collection offersDiablo 4players a stylish steed adorned in plate armor reminiscent of the Cathedral of Light. In order to obtain the new mount, they cannot purchase it without also buying 7,800 Platinum on top, which results in a price tag of $75. Platinum isDiablo 4’s premium currency, and the amount obtained from the bundle would be enough to purchase around four premium cosmetics on average.
Thankfully, microtransactions are restricted to being cosmetics only inDiablo 4, so players interested in gameplay won’t be hindered by an unwillingness to spend money. That being said, it is understandable why some voices from the community feel that they are being priced out of buying cosmetics for a title that already had a $70 price tag, on top of having a $10 to $25 Battle Pass for every Season. For Blizzard, it would seem that the current format is earning the company a substantial profit, as the developers have established a steady revenue stream to justify making multipleDiablo 4expansion packs – which ended up being the primary reason why thesecondDiablo 3expansion was canceledand re-purposed into Rise of the Necromancer.
While it remains to be seenwhatVessel of Hatredwill bring toDiablo 4, the team is better positioned to deliver content for many years to come. ForDiablo 4players who want to bedazzle or who plan to purchase a Platinum pack anyway, the Father’s Judgment Collection is available now through the in-game shop, though hopefully, a separate bundle with just the mount will crop up in the near future.
Diablo 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or explore an expansive end game and shared world where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle world bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play, cross-progression, and couch co-op on Xbox.This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.
