How Do Diablo IV World Tiers Work?

In Diablo IV, World Tiers acts as the game’s difficulty settings. From rare item drops to experience point rates, each Tier drastically alters the game in unique ways.

So, how do Diablo IV World Tiers work?

Upon creating a new character, you’ll be greeted with the option to choose which World Tier level you want to start with. If you already selected your Tier without looking into what it means, don’t worry! You can change it anytime by visiting the World Tier Statue in Kyovashad.

When you start Diablo IV for the first time, only World Tier I and II are available. To access the other Tiers, you must unlock them by progressing through the story campaign and completing Capstone Dungeons.

The World Tier system is much more complex than just being a difficulty setting, though, as higher-level Tiers give you access to special World Events such as Helltides. Enemies can also drop Sacred, Unique, and Ancestral items.

Screenshot by Siliconera

There are four World Tiers in Diablo IV to choose from. When I first started with my early-game Necromancer build, I found Adventurer to be a little too easy, so I changed over to Veteran. Choose whichever World Tier you feel most comfortable with!

Below is a list of every change each World Tier makes to the game and how to unlock each difficulty level:

• World Tier I: Adventurer – Enemies are easier to defeat.
• World Tier II: Veteran – Enemies are more challenging. Monsters give 20% increased experience points. Monsters drop 15% more Gold.
• World Tier III: Nightmare – Unlocked by completing the Campaign and Cathedral of Light Capstone Dungeon on World Tier II.
  • Sacred and Unique items can drop.
  • Nightmare Sigils can drop.
  • Helltides appear across Sanctuary.
  • Champion monsters with damage resistance auras can appear.
  • Enemies are more formidable.
  • Monsters give 100% increased experience.
  • Monsters drop 15% more Gold.
  • Monsters overcome 20% Resistance.
• World Tier IV: Torment – Unlocked by completing the Fallen Temple Capstone Dungeon in Dry Steppes while on World Tier III.
  • Ancestral and new Unique items can drop.
  • Enemies are more difficult.
  • Monsters give 200% increased experience.
  • Monsters drop 15% more Gold.
  • Monsters overcome 40% Resistance.

Diablo IV is available now on the PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. If you’ve yet to upgrade your Healing Potions, here’s how.