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November 22, 2024

Diablo 4: ‘No Plans’ for Map Overlay at Launch as Blizzard’s RPG Goes Gold – April 17, 2023 at 11:52PM

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Diablo 4 has gone gold, but there are currently no plans for a quality-of-life feature that’s been a series staple. On Twitter, the official Diablo account confirmed that the game has gone gold ahead of its June 6 release date.

#DiabloIV has Gone Gold. Can you feel her presence now?

See you in Sanctuary. 6.6.23 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OGX8oACUCr

— Diablo (@Diablo) April 17, 2023

However, it seems the launch of Diablo 4 won’t include a fan-favorite feature that makes exploring more convenient: An overlay map. When asked on Twitter if a TAB overlay map will eventually get added to Diablo 4, Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson simply replied, “No plans at the moment.”

Overlay maps allow players to look at the map while still maintaining control of their character. They’re perfect for a top-down multiplayer game like Diablo where you’ll likely want to examine your surroundings without pausing the game entirely.

No plans at the moment.

— Rod Fergusson (@RodFergusson) April 14, 2023

It seems that the developers at Blizzard want players to instead focus on the world they’ve created, rather than just constantly following icons on a map. With the absence of an overlay map, Diablo 4 players will have to adjust to using the minimap or pausing to view the entire map.

Fan reactions from Fergusson’s announcement have been mixed, with one Twitter user saying the overlay map, “used to be the default ideal way to play and brought a decent amount of clutter as a result. No harm in trying new things!”

But many fans are resistant to the change, with one reply saying, “This should definitely be an option. A minimap in the corner isn’t sufficient and opening your map constantly while moving is a hassle.”

It’s entirely possible Blizzard could eventually implement an overlay map If the demand for the feature is strong enough. Blizzard has already made a ton of changes to Diablo 4 based on fan feedback from the game’s betas. We also know Blizzard will be working on this game for quite some time, as the developer recently detailed its battle pass plans.

For more on Diablo 4, check out our Diablo 4 review in progress that includes our updated beta impressions. And, check out seven things we’d like to see return in Diablo 4.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN covering video game and entertainment news. He has over seven years of experience in the gaming industry with bylines at IGN, Nintendo Wire, Switch Player Magazine, and Lifewire. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

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