Item sets inDiabloare unique equipment that becomes more powerful, with more items from the same set being equipped. Recognizable by their green text name and first introduced inDiablo 2, there are two kinds of partial bonuses in item sets: a general and specific bonus. The former activates when two or more different set pieces are equipped, and the latter when two or more specific set items are equipped. Eventually, the goal would be to gain get a full set bonus from otherunique items fromDiablo 2’s endgameto add to the partial set bonuses' already beefy properties.
The most common type of item sets are found in the form of armor like boots or helmets, but there are also weapons or even accessories included. Items sets also have a relatively unique set name to other pieces of equipment inDiablo, like Cow King’s Leathers or The Typhon’s Veil. Moreover, the pieces of equipment have a relatively unique cosmetic look, with thebest item sets inDiablosometimes tied to the game’s lore and canon. While item sets are a big part ofDiablo, the difference between each item varies fromDiablo 2toDiablo 3and evenDiablo Immortal.
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The Different Kinds of Item Sets in Diablo
Item sets may have been first introduced inDiablo 2, but they were on the low end regarding gear priority, with runes and runewords being the main grind focus. In addition to needing toidentify items inDiablo 2, runes placed in specific combinations become runewords granting enhanced properties from magic resistance to increased health. That doesn’t mean that item sets were entirely useless; most could act as an alternative. However, the more powerful runewords were discovered, the more they outshined most item sets. Alternatively, item sets were highly sought after inDiablo 3, sporting incredibly powerful stats and taking character classes well beyond their destructive potential.
One of the main differences between regular legendaries and item sets is that the former is relatively easy to come by, whereas the latter is sometimes locked behind a difficult wall or takes time to obtain. This is partly due to the greater rifts in the endgame inDiablo 3, which required higher-tier equipment to combat the high-level enemies to level up paragon levels or gain a better score.Diablo Immortalfollowed the same principle changes in item sets, with the tradeoff being the piece of equipment was far more challenging to obtain. Rather than drop from different random mobs,Diablo Immortal’s item setshad other locations and dungeons to farm; however, the drop rate was scarce with dungeons requiring multiple runs.
How Item Sets Could Work In Diablo 4
Unfortunately,Diablo 4will not have item setsat launch, as they will be released in a post-launch update. One of the main reasons for the delay is so the items can be appropriately integrated withinDiablo 4. Considering the vast difference between item sets fromDiablo 2and3and how much of an impact they can make, it’s no surprise that it’s a feature the developers want to get right. While this is disconcerting, especially for item set fans, it opens possibilities to expand on the concept. SinceDiablo 4borrows some features fromDiablo 2and3, the late addition of item sets could be to make them a combination of both games.
Diablo 4’s codex of power systemadds renewed flexibility in item sets, allowing for builds to be unique and integrated organically within the endgame. Rather than grinding a level, dungeon, or boss, the codex of power harnessesDiablo 2and3’s item set customization and adds a well of depth to the classic ARPG.Diablois one of the few franchises that continue to evolve quickly and change some of its core features for the betterment of the fan base, and item sets are no exception.
