Having lots to do will always make a live service game that much better, and in Diablo 4, that is certainly the case both for combat and exploration. Beyond saving the day in the main story and the many different quests available, players can also make a big difference when it comes to the permanent nature of Sanctuary.
This is possible thanks to the new Strongholds feature in Diablo 4. Instead of having players clear a dungeon, these are areas on the overworld teeming with enemies and specific objectives that need to be completed. Aside from the accomplishment, there are other tangible benefits to derive from this activity. For players looking to understand Strongholds in Diablo 4, read on.
What are Strongholds in Diablo 4?
When exploring Sanctuary and its many regions, there will come times when a red skull appears on the minimap and the game displays a large notification across the screen, denoting that a Stronghold is nearby.
This is the sign that players are able to enter an area of fierce resistance and that there is a possibility of reclaiming the area for the people of Sanctuary by ridding the place of all foes and completing the objectives either alone or in a party. To check how many remaining Strongholds there are in a particular region, such as the Fractured Peaks, head into the Renown menu.
In total, Diablo 4 has 15 Strongholds strewn across the five main regions, with each having three.
Stronghold Rewards in Diablo 4
Clearing the area doesn't just come with a hefty Renown reward, but in most cases, it also creates a new safe zone for players where merchants and townsfolk will return and, more usefully, a waypoint. This will give players more places to fast travel to and explore more of the surrounding areas much more easily.
The added 100 Renown Points are also great for pushing players to the next tier of rewards, which could easily mean another level gained with bonus XP or more potion capacity. Cleared Strongholds will usually open up several more dungeons in the immediate vicinity, where players can continue their adventure to find more powerful loot.
As such, it is always beneficial to tackle a Stronghold as soon as one is discovered throughout Sanctuary to ensure that the fight against Lilith becomes much easier in the long run.
Diablo 4 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.