Diablo 4 aims for a better couch co-op experience, improved UI

In its first quarterly update of 2020, Blizzard revealed new details about Diablo 4 — as well as feedback from the BlizzCon demo, like the ability to rebind left click.

The post focuses on how Blizzard has evolved the user interface since Diablo 3. (Diablo 4 itself has changed since our first look in 2019.) One of the standout features of the upcoming game is a UI built for both controllers and couch co-op with a friend.

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

Diablo 4 supports controller use on a PC, which means Blizzard needed a UI that could change quickly depending on the user’s input device. The shift from mouse and keyboard to controller is now instant, as seen in the gif above.

The studio also revealed a new focus on couch co-op. In Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls on console, local co-op partners couldn’t access their menus at the same time — a problem for a game all about equipping new loot and abilities. In Diablo 4, Blizzard rebuilt the UI for local co-op.

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

In the image above, both players are customizing their characters simultaneously, with player 1 adjusting their skills and player 2 previewing their talents.

Everything about Diablo 4 is still a work in progress, including these new interfaces. But it’s nice to see Blizzard adjust for players who don’t want to use a mouse and keyboard or those who want to slay demons with a pal in the same room.

Blizzard has yet to announce a release window for Diablo 4.