# Blizzard Diablo 5 development updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/blizzard-diablo-5-development-updates
> Updated: 2026-09-30T07:45:29.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Blizzard Entertainment has shared updates regarding the design direction of Diablo 5. Initially, Game Director Joe Shely indicated that the developers intend to move away from automatic level-scaling to ensure players experience a tangible sense of power progression through gear and leveling.

Following this, Shely clarified that the combat focus will prioritize character builds and strategic planning over player reflexes. This approach, which draws comparisons to the design philosophy of Diablo 2, distinguishes between mechanics requiring timing and movement and those emphasizing character preparation. The goal is to ensure that strategic investment remains the primary driver of success in the game.

## Claims

- Diablo 5 will prioritize planning and investment over moment-to-moment execution mechanics. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The development team is designing the game so that any challenge can be overcome with the correct character build. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Diablo 5 will retain some mechanics requiring reflexes, timing, and movement, referred to as DEX mechanics. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Chris Wilson expressed concern that the series might shift focus toward dexterity-based combat rather than intelligence-based character builds. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Diablo 5 to prioritize character builds over player reflexes, says Blizzard director

Blizzard's Joe Shely says Diablo 5 will prioritize character builds and strategic planning over pure reflexes, aiming to return to the deep RPG roots seen in earlier titles like Diablo 2.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diablo-5-to-prioritize-character-builds-over-player-reflexes-says-blizzard-director

### 2026-09-23: Blizzard updates WoW Forever gameplay and Diablo 5 scaling

Blizzard updates for WoW Forever highlight new rare mob loot and RP community concerns, while Diablo 5 developers plan to overhaul level-scaling to improve the sense of character progression.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-of-warcraft-black-market-auction-house-arrives-in-wow-forever-beta

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Cite as: Blizzard Diablo 5 development updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/blizzard-diablo-5-development-updates