All the Diablo 4 open beta details, including start time and preload

24 March 2023 , 10:00

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All five playable classes will be free to try this weekend unlike the last beta period (Image: Activision Blizzard)

If you missed the chance to jump into the Diablo 4 open beta last weekend, from today onwards you’ll be able to jump in as one of five different character classes.

This weekend is the last chance for players on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC to experience the hellish delights of Activision Blizzard’s upcoming hack-and-slasher, as the Diablo 4 open beta becomes playable this weekend. Better yet, this time there’s no need to pre-order the game ahead of time – literally everyone can jump in to try out what looks to be one of the biggest AAA games of the year.

Odds are some people will be unsure about how to begin, wondering about the Diablo 4 beta start time, how long it's running for, and what content is available to try. Fortunately, we’ve already put together a tips guide to help you maximise your time in the beta but read on to learn everything you need to know about how the Diablo 4 open beta will work this weekend.

Diablo 4 open beta: start time and end date

Early access to the next Diablo 4 open beta, which is available to all, begins today on Friday, March 24 at 4pm GMT / 12pm ET / 9am PT. From this time onwards players in the beta will have the entire weekend period to enjoy Diablo 4, as access is expected to end on Monday, March 27 at 7pm GMT / 3pm ET / 12pm PT.

Diablo 4 open beta: preload

Those looking to preload the Diablo 4 open beta ahead of time can rest easy knowing that it’s already possible to do so. Preloading on Xbox and PlayStation is already possible by searching for Diablo 4 Open Beta on either platform’s digital storefront, and you can download it from there for absolutely no cost. Just bear in mind you won't be able to jump in and play until much later today.

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PC players, meanwhile, will need to launch the Battle.net client where Diablo 4 should already be seen in your favourites bar ready to be added. Not the case? You can always search for the game on the All Games page where it will be available to install. If the option still isn't showing, expected it to do so later today as Blizzard prepares for the open beta's launch.

Diablo 4 open beta: how to get access

The Diablo 4 open beta is available to all players this time around, unlike the beta last weekend which was only available to players who pre-ordered. That means everyone, regardless of whether you play on PlayStation, Xbox or PC can get a taste of what to expect from the full game before it launches on June 6, 2023. There are no exclusive codes required or special circumstances to complete. Simply follow the preload steps above and you'll be able to jump in with everyone else.

Diablo 4 open beta: what is included?

The Diablo 4 open beta will showcase a rather big slice of the game, with Blizzard’s official site teasing multiple characters to try, a whole zone to explore and limited-time events to try out. Here are the highlights of what you can expect to play in the Diablo 4 open beta this weekend:

Prologue and all of the Act 1 story.
Fractured Peaks, the entire first zone, is available to explore.
All five character classes to try out: Barbarian, Rogue, Druid, Necromancer and Sorcerer.
Characters can reach a level cap of 25.
PC players can have a maximum of 10 characters per Battle.net account.
Dungeons to loot and plunder.
Couch co-op with one other player on consoles, even if they don’t have beta access.
4-player online co-op, providing everyone has beta access.
Ashava World Boss available to take on and fight.
Limited-time World and Legion events.

Diablo 4 open beta: character classes

This weekend’s Diablo 4 beta will offer players access to five character classes this time around, as the Druid and Necromancer join the Barbarian, Rogue and Sorcerer who were available to try out before. This means that all five of Diablo 4’s character classes are available to try out over the course of next weekend. Here’s how Blizzard describes all five characters on its official classes page:

Barbarian – The Barbarian has unparalleled strength and expertly wields an entire arsenal in battle, with a weapon for every occasion. He bellows intimidating war cries and unleashes ground-shaking slams to send approaching hordes reeling.
Rogue – The Rogue is an adaptable, agile warrior who can specialize in ranged or close-quarters combat. She can best any foe with her imbued weapons, perform powerful combo attacks, and can augment her arsenal with deadly poisons and shadow magic to slay demons with impunity.
Sorcerer – The Sorcerer shapes the elements into whatever form is necessary to ensure victory, from hurling bolts of lightning, impaling her foes upon jagged spikes of ice, and raining flaming meteors down from the sky.
Druid – The Druid is a savage shapeshifter, fluidly transforming between the forms of a towering bear or a vicious werewolf to fight alongside the creatures of the wild. He also commands the power of earth, wind, and storm, unleashing nature’s wrath to devastating effect.
Necromancer – Necromancers are cunning summoners that conjure vengeful hordes of the undead. Their Essence flows into three powerful bastions of Bone, Blood, or Shadow to bring low their enemies.

Diablo 4 open beta: exclusive rewards

Playing the Diablo 4 beta and completing the relevant challenges will net players exclusive rewards that will carry over into the final game. The challenges are fairly simple and shouldn’t take too long to complete. Here’s what you need to do and what you get in return for your efforts: