Beyond Diablo 4's gear and the heightened challenge of increasingly difficult foes, there is also another important progression metric to take note of. The Paragon Board will allow players to go beyond the traditional level-based progression and provide autonomy in crafting a character that adapts to one particular playstyle or be proficient across the board. Here's everything that needs to be understood about the Paragon Board System in Diablo 4.
Paragon Board System Explained
First things first, the normal level cap in Diablo 4 is set at 50, with players expected to reach this boundary or be near by the end of the entire story. However, that is not the end for a live service game like this, and this milestone marks the start of a player's journey on the Paragon Board.
Now, all XP earned will go towards gaining Paragon Points, which are rewarded for every 25% of the normal XP bar filled, which translates to four Paragon Points per level. Fulfilling all the Renown requirements in each of the game's five regions will also grant four Paragon Points each.
These points can then be used to unlock various nodes on the Paragon Board itself, which will bring a host of benefits to the players and the chosen class. In total, players are looking at 220 Paragon Points to distribute.
Starting Board and Nodes
Each class will have its own starting board, which has unique node types that typically cater to different play styles. Sorcerers may have more nodes improving Intelligence, while Barbarians may be more focused on Strength, with one point required for each node.
Depending on the path taken, players will unlock Normal Nodes, which provide stat bonuses, Magic Nodes, which are more specific in their benefits and more infrequent; and Legendary Nodes, which are meant for particular builds and provide powerful bonuses.
At the end will be a Board Attachment Gate, which gives a bonus of +5 to all stats, as well as allowing the choice of the next Paragon Board to be opened. This choice is important, as players must commit to one class theme for the rest of the adventure, locking their play styles and benefits.
Paragon Glyphs and Sockets
In addition to all the aforementioned nodes, there is another vital piece of the puzzle to take note of. Paragon Glyphs can be found in the world after players unlock the Paragon Board system and are more easily obtained on higher World Tiers.
These are also powerful augments that are used to amplify the effects of unlocked nodes and also provide useful bonuses that can make a build much more proficient when it comes to beating the forces of evil. Glyphs can also be leveled up after beating Nightmare Dungeons, improving their effectiveness.
With such power, they are only usable at specific Glyph Sockets on the Paragon Board in Diablo 4. Placing a Paragon Glyph will grant its bonus, including empowering relevant nodes and becoming even more beneficial if stat requirements are met.
By making sure players always have something to look forward to, even after hitting the soft cap of 50, Diablo 4 will likely be a game that is played for years to come. Hopefully, the support will go beyond just having players experience the Paragon Board system, with more meaningful story content coming along the way.
Diablo 4 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.