Diablo 4 Difficulties: World Levels, Details and How to Change Them

Diablo 4 provides gamers with a variety of difficulty settings, commonly known as world levels within the series. When players initiate a new game, they can select from two main difficulty options, with additional levels becoming accessible as they advance, each offering distinct challenges and rewards to enrich the gameplay experience.

This guide aims to detail how to adjust the difficulty in Diablo 4 at any point in your journey and to explain the various world levels available, ensuring you are well-equipped for your quests.

Changing the Difficulty in Diablo 4

Upon starting a new game in Diablo 4, right after character creation, you can choose between two world levels: Level 1 “Normal,” which is ideal for new players, and Level 2 “Difficult,” tailored for those with more experience. If you decide to alter the difficulty later in your adventure, you can do so easily.

There are two ways to modify your world level in Diablo 4:

Using a World Level Statue

One method of changing your difficulty is by interacting with a world level statue in the game:

• These statues can be located in the main cities across the Sanctuary regions, such as Kyovashad.
• On the map, you can identify these statues by their gear wheel icon.
• Approach one of these statues to interact and adjust your current world level.

Adjusting the World Level in the Menu

The fastest way to change your difficulty is through the game menu before loading your character:

• From the character selection screen, hover over the character whose world level you want to change.
• Select the “Change World Level” option on the right side of the screen.

World Levels in Diablo 4

At launch, Diablo 4 features a total of 8 world levels, or difficulty settings. The first two levels are accessible immediately, while the remaining levels unlock as players fulfill specific criteria.

Here’s a breakdown of the features and bonuses associated with each world level:

World Level 1 – Normal

The Normal level is recommended for players who are new to the Diablo franchise or those seeking a more laid-back experience. It does not provide any bonuses, representing the standard gameplay.

World Level 2 – Difficult

The Difficult level caters to players seeking a more intense experience. It offers the following advantages:

• Defeated monsters grant a 75% boost in gold and experience.
• Monsters drop 75% more gold.

World Level 3 – Expert

To unlock the Expert level, players must acquire several legendary items. This level is designed for skilled players and includes:

• Monsters provide a 125% boost in gold and experience.
• Monsters drop 125% more gold.

World Level 4 – Penitent

The Penitent level becomes available after obtaining various enhanced legendary items. It is recommended for players who have mastered Diablo 4 and features:

• Monsters yield a 175% boost in gold and experience.
• Monsters drop 175% more gold.

World Level 5 – Torment I

The Torment I level unlocks after finishing the base campaign and defeating the level 20 of the Artisan’s Pit. This level is intended for players with advanced skills and gear, offering:

• Access to endgame content with new activities and items.
• Monsters provide a 300% boost in gold and experience.
• Access to ancestral quality items.
• Increased availability of legendary, unique, and mythical items per Torment level.
• Armor reduction of 250 and a 25% decrease in resistances.

World Level 6 – Torment II

To access the Torment II level, players must complete the base campaign and conquer the level 35 of the Artisan’s Pit. This level features:

• A 400% boost in gold and experience from monsters.
• Increased availability of legendary, unique, and mythical items per Torment level.
• Armor reduction of 500 and a 50% decrease in resistances.

World Level 7 – Torment III

Unlocking the Torment III level requires finishing the base campaign and defeating the level 50 of the Artisan’s Pit. This level provides:

• A 500% boost in gold and experience from monsters.
• Increased availability of legendary, unique, and mythical items per Torment level.
• Armor reduction of 750 and a 75% decrease in resistances.

World Level 8 – Torment IV

The final level, Torment IV, becomes accessible after completing the base campaign and conquering the level 65 of the Artisan’s Pit. This level is intended for only the most adept players and includes:

• A 600% boost in gold and experience from monsters.
• Increased availability of legendary, unique, and mythical items per Torment level.
• Armor reduction of 1000 and a 100% decrease in resistances.