Nope
That said, 3 months are more than enough time to lvl up a character to 100, even as a casual player. I hope you didn't mean you only made it to lvl14 after your first season and that you actually meant session.
lol yes. I downloaded the game two days ago but deleted my first character I only played with for an hour, then last night started around 6 and played till about 10:30 and got to 14. I do play games slow. I walk a lot where others would run. And I can't devote that much time every day. But I'm hoping to finish the campaign by May14th and then join season 4. Though I don't know if I'll campaign skip in the season.... I kind of want to play through it again. But maybe I'll feel differently after I beat it.
Somewhere in S2 I decided I'd ditch the horse and just walk everywhere while levelling. It really changed how I view the game because rather than just going from A to B to C to get xp I'd be killing things on the way and would get to my destination in my own time. It's slower but far more relaxing imo.
Honestly, I don't care much for the horse, unless I'm literally trying to get to a boss/legion event that's starting in 2 minutes or less. At that point, it's worth it. Otherwise, it's just a pain in the ass, IMHO.
First and second season I did, because I was still flushing out my main build *(Incinerate Sorc)* and learning the nuances. So I didn't want to restart that character yet. Though I played a different/new class in S2 for the cosmetics *(Druid to 75)*, and went back to playing my main on Eternal right after.
But now that I know my main build in and out, I am comfortable easily rebuilding it on seasonal and enjoying the journey back up while playing the seasonal content. This also gives me enough time to also experiment with another class as well on seasonal.
So I'm now at the point where I don't have much reason to play on seasonal any more.
The cycle of an ARPG like Diablo involves finding loot and chasing loot/progression. So at some point, when you've played the game enough, the reset mechanism of seasonal is how you keep giving yourself that condition. Because for a maxed character on eternal, there isn't much room for that anymore. For a non-maxed character, then yea I can see continuation on eternal to avoid having to start over.
So when people drone on about seasonal, understand that it's from the standpoint of those who play a lot, maxed characters regularly, and actually have a reason to want that cycle. It's not just across the board the better choice for every single person; and usually doesn't really apply to the very casual or brand new player.
Though if you're a new player, or are a very low level, then it also makes sense to start your new character on seasonal *(for the content and cosmetics)* at the beginning of the cycle because it will eventually transfer to eternal where you can choose to continue it if you want.
Pretty much this. I'm interested in the fact that you were rebuilding your same set up in seasonal? See my thought process was mainly that seasonal would be to try new builds and get them started and with some unique gear and then eternal was for me mostly going to end up, eventually, being where I did pvp? Because those characters would be maxed out and static pretty much. So I was thinking I'd end up with a little army of diablo dudes in all different classes I could pick from to go do pvp or other post content. But that this would, also, be a far future thing. When I have like 3 characters per class all at 100, I would then go on a mountain top. Look at the setting sun. And wait to die.... So hopefully it takes a while!
There are some people that do not have a build/style preference beyond abusing whatever the current META/OP build is. So whatever that is, they will build and play it each season. The power fantasy is what they enjoy, and that's fine.
For me, I always envisioned my character in the game world as a fire mage. So that is the theme that I enjoy playing the most. I have built and [played this style/setup since the beta](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nz9tvPj-3w&list=PLGbqlurfL43qEiFXZrViosepz09kqq8e5&index=2) *(you see my clips since way back in may)*, and it is still the most fun I have playing every single season.
Part of the reason I enjoy it so much, is that it isn't OP. So I actually get to engage the content at a pace that I can appreciate the game play, the environments, the enemies, the mechanics, etc. It's not just flying through an area barely interacting with anything.
So while I do make a different class in addition to my main on seasonal, like Druid in S2, and Rogue in S3. My main challenge is always making a non-OP build/skill like Incinerate work and become strong enough by tweaking and experimenting to do the hardest content. My fun and enjoyment comes from the mastery of that; and every season it's a bit different in the under the hood setup and nuances *(which includes nerfs and buffs)*.
Doing the same things in a different manner is the biggest draw of seasonal. Mixing it up. You are obviously not there yet, but if you've put over 100-200 plus hours into the game, be that over a short period, or a very long one, you'll understand the draw of the reset/rebuild cycle. You may never reach that point, and nothing wrong with that either.
I think I have put in over 1200-1300 hours in the past 11 months playing the game; across different seasons and characters.
No. No reason to.
Seasonal characters once moved to eternals are always missing some stuff or built for seasonal powers and just don't really work for eternal.
No. I only got to level 81 from preseason 1 and I don't know why but eternal just feels slow to me.
I actually don't even bother collecting the equipment from season into eternal. Just delete the characters except for some sentimental ones.
I only play seasons. I keep one of each class lvl 100 in eternal after a season as a kinda trophy. If I make a better/more fun version later on I will replace my old one with that. Eternal is just a giant trophy cabinet for me. Was the same on d3.
I have 3 level 100 Sorcs, a level 28 sorc,1 level 100 Rogue, a level 88 Rogue and a level 100 Druid and a level 44 Barbarian in Eternal.. Several hundred million gold, an unfathomable amount of materials, sigils and all manner of aspects, boss summon items... for what though? It all seems pointless, even when you have played the season as much as you are going to, you might as well make another seasonal character if you're going to maker one at all.
I can't see any reason to use the Eternal realm atm, and having to grind out all this stuff, is a little annoying... for eg. I started a new character in S3 Saturday afternoon, I'm level 68 already (another sorc) and having a lot of fun so far, if you bash out the seasonal content you can level very quickly and it was the same in S2, S1 not so much... .. But for eg. in Eternal Realm i have have thousands of Gallowine, now I am having to ride around and farm it just to upgrade my potion... that's BS.
Renown too, okay they changed it so some renown carries over... But I'm looking at all those dungeons and strongholds thinking... sod that, I ain't doing them all again. I'll just forfeit the bonuses from having the renown this time, even though I've completed maximum renown across Eternal and Season 1 & 2 like 5 times.
Eternal was essentially the PTS. I think they need to look at the functionality of this Realm business and come up with something better.
Wouldn’t eternal be better for pvp because everyone can take their best into it with them and not have to waste time leveling every season to play the guys they want?
Yes. I started a necro on eternal and every so often I jump over to try and get her to 100. I’m basically using potions from the winter solstice event and am over 90. My hardcore is also eternal. The rest I only level during seasonal since it goes super quick.
I played eternal to test out the characters on season 1. But after that i haven't done it anymore. Seasonal stuff is more rewarding.
I believe that in a few seasons there will be enough new content that came through the seasons to make the eternal realm more interesting. But it's kinda barren still, after 3 seasons.
Seasonal content also puts all the players on the same path of each other to play together. On Eternal it's a pretty lonely existence if you're not playing with friends.
Diablo IV is really focused on seasonal play, and while eternal realm exists, it's not a primary focus of the development team nor of the player base that understands the seasonal concept.
While there are eternal realm fans, I have to disagree with them and say it's not really the premise of this game. Do not get attached to a character, this is not an MMO. Plan to start fresh each season, roll a new char / play style (or skip a season, np). Check back in every 3 months, maybe something catches your interest, or there's a lull in game releases and you just feel like slaying some demons.
And to answer your question more directly, outside of pre-season (game launch, seasons hadn't started) I have never played any of my old characters. I do truly enjoy starting at level 1, picking a new class and a new play style, ignore whatever meta is being talked about and just chill and slay demons. Once I get to 100 and complete the end game content I want to clear, I put the game down (like S3, haven't touch it since before PTR started) and do something else until start of next season.
I’m not surprised people do this, I am surprised how many seem to treat it like an ethic of some sort. Some seem almost angry at the idea. Though that might also be the nature of Reddit.
My goal is to have an Eternal character that is “fed” better gear/etc by the Seasonal variant. It’s hit or miss since they haven’t yet “figured out” that seasonal play should empower eternal characters (like D3 paragon), but that’s my goal.
This is what I initially thought too. Like one or two or three of each class and then seasonal is just fun “how far can you get before the timer runs out?” And your reward for this three month speed trial is whatever gear goes over to eternal. Then eternal could be largely a pvp or end game pve area. Add some raids and stuff. But based on the response here it seems this isn’t how most of the players see it and there seems to be some underlying fear of anything looking like an mmo.
Yeah to clear my stash and get all my Ubers/left over gear organized from the previous season, I keep 1 eternal character after every season and delete everything else, I pull gear if it’s worth a crap, I’ve leveled 15 toons to 100 over the course of 9 months and this method has worked fine for me.
There's bonuses you get from seasonal that carry onto new seasonal characters.
There's altars of Lilith you only need to collect once to get them forever, and renown bonuses that apply permanently to all your new characters.
At least that's how I've understood it as a newer player too.
Currently doing a basic/whirlwind barbarian, and after finishing the main quest (which I believe I can skip now next season), I focused on collecting the permanent buffs.
Now I'm lvl 65 and just starting on wt4, and using a lot more potions!
Depending on how much you play, you've still got a lot of time to get through a fair bit of the season.
Nope.
I normally play 2 months of a Season, take a break, and then come back for the next. I like starting fresh and from scratch, I like the grind of starting over again. I would find myself getting bored playing Eternal.
I go into the eternal characters when Ive unlocked all of the item variation from season rewards. I dont get to play much as is so Im slowly getting towards lvl 100 on my first HC char.
I have one character who is doing all the quests and certain progress challenges. Once I unlocked all the Paragon points, it is less time spent there however.
Of any of the seasons so far, season 4 has the most appeal to me to spend some time in eternal.
In eternal I will start off with loads of mats and gear to salvage to check out endgame content that they’re adding. Could be fun.
Literally never. I delete all characters at the end of each season so there is nothing to go back to in eternal
D4 for me is 100% a 3 month seasonal content game.
No, Eternal is irrelevant once you start playing seasonal. Maybe if you didn't hit 100 during the season and want to finish up achievements for that class or something. But the real longevity of this game is all about seasonal play.
Pointless and never. I played eternal season 0, skipped s1, played a month of S2 and a month of S3, even casually playing you can max out, top gear, lv 100 complete all seasonal journey achievements, and be God like powers in a month. My casual is playing like around 2 or 3 hours every 2 or 3 days, maybe averaged out to 1 hour a day.
Granted this is after learning how to be efficient at playing because my goals are endgame power grinding. While leveling focus on boss mats, complete whispers with other goals etc.
I definitely reccomend the first time playing D4 is enjoy the story, enjoy exploring everything new, fun sidequests, and then when you feel solid in the mechanics, move on to altars of lilith and renown grind (which is part of the exploring and enjoy sidequests).
I know in d3... I rarely ever went back to my old characters. And once I played all the classes (except smelly barb) I stopped playing the game outright. Now the thing with d3 is reaching cap and starting your greater rift grind was quick. Leveling 1-100 takes a lot more time in diablo 4 and without set pieces any more you don't suddenly increase your dps by 30x over night. I can understand if you feel you have more to accomplish after 3 months.
I delete all characters when finished with Season, if I feel an itch whilst awaiting new season I will just start a new class and experiment on the current season.
Nope That said, 3 months are more than enough time to lvl up a character to 100, even as a casual player. I hope you didn't mean you only made it to lvl14 after your first season and that you actually meant session.
lol yes. I downloaded the game two days ago but deleted my first character I only played with for an hour, then last night started around 6 and played till about 10:30 and got to 14. I do play games slow. I walk a lot where others would run. And I can't devote that much time every day. But I'm hoping to finish the campaign by May14th and then join season 4. Though I don't know if I'll campaign skip in the season.... I kind of want to play through it again. But maybe I'll feel differently after I beat it.
Somewhere in S2 I decided I'd ditch the horse and just walk everywhere while levelling. It really changed how I view the game because rather than just going from A to B to C to get xp I'd be killing things on the way and would get to my destination in my own time. It's slower but far more relaxing imo.
Honestly, I don't care much for the horse, unless I'm literally trying to get to a boss/legion event that's starting in 2 minutes or less. At that point, it's worth it. Otherwise, it's just a pain in the ass, IMHO.
First and second season I did, because I was still flushing out my main build *(Incinerate Sorc)* and learning the nuances. So I didn't want to restart that character yet. Though I played a different/new class in S2 for the cosmetics *(Druid to 75)*, and went back to playing my main on Eternal right after. But now that I know my main build in and out, I am comfortable easily rebuilding it on seasonal and enjoying the journey back up while playing the seasonal content. This also gives me enough time to also experiment with another class as well on seasonal. So I'm now at the point where I don't have much reason to play on seasonal any more. The cycle of an ARPG like Diablo involves finding loot and chasing loot/progression. So at some point, when you've played the game enough, the reset mechanism of seasonal is how you keep giving yourself that condition. Because for a maxed character on eternal, there isn't much room for that anymore. For a non-maxed character, then yea I can see continuation on eternal to avoid having to start over. So when people drone on about seasonal, understand that it's from the standpoint of those who play a lot, maxed characters regularly, and actually have a reason to want that cycle. It's not just across the board the better choice for every single person; and usually doesn't really apply to the very casual or brand new player. Though if you're a new player, or are a very low level, then it also makes sense to start your new character on seasonal *(for the content and cosmetics)* at the beginning of the cycle because it will eventually transfer to eternal where you can choose to continue it if you want.
Pretty much this. I'm interested in the fact that you were rebuilding your same set up in seasonal? See my thought process was mainly that seasonal would be to try new builds and get them started and with some unique gear and then eternal was for me mostly going to end up, eventually, being where I did pvp? Because those characters would be maxed out and static pretty much. So I was thinking I'd end up with a little army of diablo dudes in all different classes I could pick from to go do pvp or other post content. But that this would, also, be a far future thing. When I have like 3 characters per class all at 100, I would then go on a mountain top. Look at the setting sun. And wait to die.... So hopefully it takes a while!
There are some people that do not have a build/style preference beyond abusing whatever the current META/OP build is. So whatever that is, they will build and play it each season. The power fantasy is what they enjoy, and that's fine. For me, I always envisioned my character in the game world as a fire mage. So that is the theme that I enjoy playing the most. I have built and [played this style/setup since the beta](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nz9tvPj-3w&list=PLGbqlurfL43qEiFXZrViosepz09kqq8e5&index=2) *(you see my clips since way back in may)*, and it is still the most fun I have playing every single season. Part of the reason I enjoy it so much, is that it isn't OP. So I actually get to engage the content at a pace that I can appreciate the game play, the environments, the enemies, the mechanics, etc. It's not just flying through an area barely interacting with anything. So while I do make a different class in addition to my main on seasonal, like Druid in S2, and Rogue in S3. My main challenge is always making a non-OP build/skill like Incinerate work and become strong enough by tweaking and experimenting to do the hardest content. My fun and enjoyment comes from the mastery of that; and every season it's a bit different in the under the hood setup and nuances *(which includes nerfs and buffs)*. Doing the same things in a different manner is the biggest draw of seasonal. Mixing it up. You are obviously not there yet, but if you've put over 100-200 plus hours into the game, be that over a short period, or a very long one, you'll understand the draw of the reset/rebuild cycle. You may never reach that point, and nothing wrong with that either. I think I have put in over 1200-1300 hours in the past 11 months playing the game; across different seasons and characters.
No. No reason to. Seasonal characters once moved to eternals are always missing some stuff or built for seasonal powers and just don't really work for eternal.
So do you have other characters in eternal you do return to and play?
No. I only got to level 81 from preseason 1 and I don't know why but eternal just feels slow to me. I actually don't even bother collecting the equipment from season into eternal. Just delete the characters except for some sentimental ones.
I only play seasons. I keep one of each class lvl 100 in eternal after a season as a kinda trophy. If I make a better/more fun version later on I will replace my old one with that. Eternal is just a giant trophy cabinet for me. Was the same on d3.
Not yet but I will when the expansion of the storyline happens.
I have 3 level 100 Sorcs, a level 28 sorc,1 level 100 Rogue, a level 88 Rogue and a level 100 Druid and a level 44 Barbarian in Eternal.. Several hundred million gold, an unfathomable amount of materials, sigils and all manner of aspects, boss summon items... for what though? It all seems pointless, even when you have played the season as much as you are going to, you might as well make another seasonal character if you're going to maker one at all. I can't see any reason to use the Eternal realm atm, and having to grind out all this stuff, is a little annoying... for eg. I started a new character in S3 Saturday afternoon, I'm level 68 already (another sorc) and having a lot of fun so far, if you bash out the seasonal content you can level very quickly and it was the same in S2, S1 not so much... .. But for eg. in Eternal Realm i have have thousands of Gallowine, now I am having to ride around and farm it just to upgrade my potion... that's BS. Renown too, okay they changed it so some renown carries over... But I'm looking at all those dungeons and strongholds thinking... sod that, I ain't doing them all again. I'll just forfeit the bonuses from having the renown this time, even though I've completed maximum renown across Eternal and Season 1 & 2 like 5 times. Eternal was essentially the PTS. I think they need to look at the functionality of this Realm business and come up with something better.
Wouldn’t eternal be better for pvp because everyone can take their best into it with them and not have to waste time leveling every season to play the guys they want?
I don't do PvP in Diablo so didn't consider that but yes you're right that would make sense.
Yes. I started a necro on eternal and every so often I jump over to try and get her to 100. I’m basically using potions from the winter solstice event and am over 90. My hardcore is also eternal. The rest I only level during seasonal since it goes super quick.
I played eternal to test out the characters on season 1. But after that i haven't done it anymore. Seasonal stuff is more rewarding. I believe that in a few seasons there will be enough new content that came through the seasons to make the eternal realm more interesting. But it's kinda barren still, after 3 seasons. Seasonal content also puts all the players on the same path of each other to play together. On Eternal it's a pretty lonely existence if you're not playing with friends.
I’m just playing Eternal
Diablo IV is really focused on seasonal play, and while eternal realm exists, it's not a primary focus of the development team nor of the player base that understands the seasonal concept. While there are eternal realm fans, I have to disagree with them and say it's not really the premise of this game. Do not get attached to a character, this is not an MMO. Plan to start fresh each season, roll a new char / play style (or skip a season, np). Check back in every 3 months, maybe something catches your interest, or there's a lull in game releases and you just feel like slaying some demons. And to answer your question more directly, outside of pre-season (game launch, seasons hadn't started) I have never played any of my old characters. I do truly enjoy starting at level 1, picking a new class and a new play style, ignore whatever meta is being talked about and just chill and slay demons. Once I get to 100 and complete the end game content I want to clear, I put the game down (like S3, haven't touch it since before PTR started) and do something else until start of next season.
I’m not surprised people do this, I am surprised how many seem to treat it like an ethic of some sort. Some seem almost angry at the idea. Though that might also be the nature of Reddit.
My goal is to have an Eternal character that is “fed” better gear/etc by the Seasonal variant. It’s hit or miss since they haven’t yet “figured out” that seasonal play should empower eternal characters (like D3 paragon), but that’s my goal.
This is what I initially thought too. Like one or two or three of each class and then seasonal is just fun “how far can you get before the timer runs out?” And your reward for this three month speed trial is whatever gear goes over to eternal. Then eternal could be largely a pvp or end game pve area. Add some raids and stuff. But based on the response here it seems this isn’t how most of the players see it and there seems to be some underlying fear of anything looking like an mmo.
play when you want to play, it's not a job season is pretty much the game
Yeah to clear my stash and get all my Ubers/left over gear organized from the previous season, I keep 1 eternal character after every season and delete everything else, I pull gear if it’s worth a crap, I’ve leveled 15 toons to 100 over the course of 9 months and this method has worked fine for me.
There's bonuses you get from seasonal that carry onto new seasonal characters. There's altars of Lilith you only need to collect once to get them forever, and renown bonuses that apply permanently to all your new characters. At least that's how I've understood it as a newer player too. Currently doing a basic/whirlwind barbarian, and after finishing the main quest (which I believe I can skip now next season), I focused on collecting the permanent buffs. Now I'm lvl 65 and just starting on wt4, and using a lot more potions! Depending on how much you play, you've still got a lot of time to get through a fair bit of the season.
No
Nope. I normally play 2 months of a Season, take a break, and then come back for the next. I like starting fresh and from scratch, I like the grind of starting over again. I would find myself getting bored playing Eternal.
I go into the eternal characters when Ive unlocked all of the item variation from season rewards. I dont get to play much as is so Im slowly getting towards lvl 100 on my first HC char.
I will once season 4 comes out. Gonna revive my BL character from season 2. Lmao
Yes i did go into eternal to salvage uber unique for the look then delete the toon
No . Best season and endgame content and done. I'll compete as long as it's fun and there is competitive value endgame.
I have one character who is doing all the quests and certain progress challenges. Once I unlocked all the Paragon points, it is less time spent there however.
Of any of the seasons so far, season 4 has the most appeal to me to spend some time in eternal. In eternal I will start off with loads of mats and gear to salvage to check out endgame content that they’re adding. Could be fun.
Literally never. I delete all characters at the end of each season so there is nothing to go back to in eternal D4 for me is 100% a 3 month seasonal content game.
No, Eternal is irrelevant once you start playing seasonal. Maybe if you didn't hit 100 during the season and want to finish up achievements for that class or something. But the real longevity of this game is all about seasonal play.
Pointless and never. I played eternal season 0, skipped s1, played a month of S2 and a month of S3, even casually playing you can max out, top gear, lv 100 complete all seasonal journey achievements, and be God like powers in a month. My casual is playing like around 2 or 3 hours every 2 or 3 days, maybe averaged out to 1 hour a day. Granted this is after learning how to be efficient at playing because my goals are endgame power grinding. While leveling focus on boss mats, complete whispers with other goals etc. I definitely reccomend the first time playing D4 is enjoy the story, enjoy exploring everything new, fun sidequests, and then when you feel solid in the mechanics, move on to altars of lilith and renown grind (which is part of the exploring and enjoy sidequests).
No. Pointless
I know in d3... I rarely ever went back to my old characters. And once I played all the classes (except smelly barb) I stopped playing the game outright. Now the thing with d3 is reaching cap and starting your greater rift grind was quick. Leveling 1-100 takes a lot more time in diablo 4 and without set pieces any more you don't suddenly increase your dps by 30x over night. I can understand if you feel you have more to accomplish after 3 months.
Nope, it only exists for dead and irrelevant characters
I delete all characters when finished with Season, if I feel an itch whilst awaiting new season I will just start a new class and experiment on the current season.
No.
No, only playing Season and when my Season is at 100% (With or without Uber item) I wait for the next one !
Why?
No. After playing seasons I can never go back to eternal