The gates to Diablo 4 have finally opened as the second beta test weekend has arrived and is open to everyone. Previously, only those who either pre-ordered the title or received a code from a Diablo 4 KFC promotion could get access. The first weekend certainly saw a number of issues with many players reporting long queue times as well as a number of errors and other problems. Thankfully, Blizzard issued six hot fixes throughout the first weekend, and should go a long way to improving the game leading to its launch in June.
As expected, the beta offers a limited look at the game, letting players experience Act 1 and leveling up to a cap of 25, with many other elements locked until the full launch in June. Fans can even explore the open world and take part in a world event against a monstrosity known as Ashava, The Pestilent. For the open beta, fans will even get to go hands on with two additional classes: the Necromancer and Druid. This brings the total to five, as the Rogue, Barbarian, and Sorcerer remain available to use.
While Diablo 4 brings back numerous features and elements fans have come to expect, it also seems to lean heavier into darker themes and styles last seen in Diablo 2. Inventory management is still a huge component to Diablo 4, so fans will definitely need to get familiar with salvaging gear. Here is everything players need to know.
What is Gear Salvaging?
As with any loot based title like Destiny 2 or Borderlands 3, players will be coming across plenty of gear and weapons that gets stored inside of a backpack or other container with limited room. When out exploring or completing quests in Diablo 4, inventory space can get used up quickly so learning how to Salvage gear can be a lifesaver for freeing up space and getting important resources used in crafting.
Gear salvaging is also an important component for changing gear appearances when using Diablo 4's transmog. Salvaged gear unlocks new appearances for weapons and armor, giving players more ways to customize their appearance, especially if a good weapon or armor doesn't have the look a person wants. Players should also keep an eye on the item descriptions which indicates whether or not the appearance can be unlocked through salvaging.
How to Salvage Gear and Items
While gear salvaging is mentioned often while playing Diablo 4, it's something that won't be available until players arrive in the city of Kyovashad and track down the Blacksmith. The Blacksmith is represented by an anvil icon on the map, and they'll give players two options with gear, either sell it for gold or salvage it in exchange for materials and a transmog.
The first Blacksmith tab is the Salvage screen which allows players the following options:
- Salvage all junk - Players can manually mark gear as junk from their inventory, so selecting this option will automatically salvage them.
- Common - Salvage all common (white) quality items.
- Magic - Salvage all magic (blue) quality items.
- Rare - Salvage all rare (yellow) quality items.
- All Items - This option salvages everything in the player's backpack except legendary tier items.
There's also a pickaxe icon at the top that allows players to individually salvage items from their inventory instead of in bulk with the other options.
Diablo 4 launches on June 6, 2023, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.