Diablo 4 is making a major comeback on Steam, smashing its own player records and climbing the ranks on Steam Deck. Despite a turbulent start after its release in June 2023, the game is experiencing a significant revival, with an all-time high of 55,561 active players as of October 13, according to data from SteamDB. This spike comes just days after the release of the Vessel of Hatred expansion, marking a new chapter in the game’s lifecycle.
The Diablo 4 community has had its ups and downs, particularly during its first season, which many players found disappointing. Issues with bugs, controversial monetization, and missing features left fans frustrated. However, since the launch of Season 4, Blizzard has been working hard to address those concerns, with significant updates like improved itemization and the introduction of new content that has breathed new life into the action RPG.
Following the release of Vessel of Hatred, Diablo 4 reached a player count of 55,561 on October 13, breaking its previous peak of 39,782 from earlier this year. The growth is remarkable, representing a 115.4% increase in active players compared to September’s numbers. This surge reflects the renewed interest in the game, largely fueled by the new expansion and seasonal content.
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
But Diablo 4 didn’t stop there. Between October 9 and October 15, it also became the second most-played game on Steam Deck, Valve’s popular handheld gaming device. The only game to top it during that period was Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new RPG from the creators of Persona. Other titles in the top five included Stardew Valley, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
While the game’s user reviews on Steam remain mixed, with 71% of all reviews being mostly positive, the sheer number of players flocking back to Diablo 4 signals that Blizzard’s efforts to revitalize the game are paying off.
The recent surge in players can be attributed to the launch of Vessel of Hatred, the game’s first major expansion. This update brings new storylines and introduces the Spiritborn class, a highly anticipated addition to the game. Alongside the expansion, the sixth season of Diablo 4 introduced new dungeons like the Kurast Undercity, Mercenary companions, and enhanced skills and passives for the game’s various classes.
Source: PCgamesn
These updates have gone a long way in addressing player concerns from earlier seasons. Many fans who were previously disappointed by the lack of engaging content or the game’s overall direction have praised the recent changes, viewing them as a much-needed course correction.
Other sources, such as PC Gamer and Eurogamer, have echoed the sentiment that Diablo 4’s comeback is impressive, considering its rocky start. Analysts from PC Gamer point out that Blizzard’s focus on player feedback, particularly around the game’s itemization and skill progression, has helped rebuild trust within the community. Meanwhile, Eurogamer notes that the timing of the expansion and season launch was well-executed, coinciding with a lull in other major game releases, giving Diablo 4 a chance to recapture attention.
Despite the mixed reviews, Blizzard’s ongoing support and updates suggest a promising future for the game. If the recent trends are any indication, Diablo 4 could continue to dominate both on Steam and other platforms, as the team behind it works to ensure the game meets the expectations of its dedicated fanbase.
With more expansions and seasonal content on the horizon, Diablo 4 is proving that it’s far from finished—it’s only just getting started.
