Early Game Guide: What to Do First

Diablo 4 (D4) has plenty of content in the early game that could prove overwhelming to some players. Check out what to do first and the best things to do in the early game to improve your gameplay experience!

Early Game Guide

What to Do First in the Early Game
Start on World Tier 1 Change Your Settings Find a Suitable Playstyle and Build Follow Main Quests Explore and Unlock Waypoints Unlock the First Renown Milestones Salvage Equipment Instead of Selling Prioritize Gear with Higher Rarity and Item Power Clear Dungeons for Class Aspects

Start on World Tier 1

It is recommended to start on World Tier 1 to get acquainted with its systems, especially if you are new to the Diablo series. While World Tier 2 has increased EXP and Gold gain, it is not significant enough to matter early on.

Diablo 4 World Tiers Guide

Change Your Settings

Change the game's settings according to your preferences for a better experience. You can also change your key bindings, as well as customize some Accessibility Features.

Toggle Advanced Tooltip Compare

This setting helps you compare two pieces of equipment in more detail. You will be able to see what stats or Skills are lost and gained when changing equipment, useful for deciding between two items.

Find a Suitable Playstyle and Build

When starting off, play around with the Skill Tree and find which Skills suit your play style. In addition, note that you can respec Skills at no cost from levels 1 to 8.

While you're free to make your own build as you play, you can also choose to use a build guide if you want a tried and tested set of skills and gear to follow as you progress to the endgame.

Best Diablo 4 Builds Guide

Follow Main Quests

The campaign and its Main Quests is the game's the primary way of slowly unfolding the story to players. This is also the best way of earning EXP early on in the game.

While you are free to choose the sequence of quests to tackle, there is an optimal quest order for progressing through the game that matches your current level.

Campaign Walkthrough and Main Quests

Explore and Unlock Waypoints

The world of Sanctuary is vast and getting to places can be tiresome. To help with traversing the map, Waypoints are available in major towns, small settlements, and other convenient locations. Seek them out to quickly travel from one location to another!

Waypoint Map and All Locations

Unlock the First Renown Milestones

Throughout your exploration, you will be able to gain Renown in different zones. Discovering new areas, Altars of Lilith, and completing Side Quests are some activities that grant renown.

The first Renown milestone is particularly important because it gives a Skill Point. Other milestones grant Potion upgrades, Obol capacity, and Paragon points on top of EXP.

How to Get Renown Fast

Salvage Equipment Instead of Selling

Early in the game, unwanted equipment should be salvaged at the instead of being sold. Gold is not needed early on, and it is recommended to stock up on crafting materials as soon as possible. You can salvage equipment by visiting the Blacksmith in certain towns.

Should You Sell or Salvage?

Prioritize Gear with Higher Rarity and Item Power

We also recommend comparing Item Power and Item Rarity when choosing between two pieces of equipment. Gear with higher rarity and Item Power often provide a direct increase to your damage output and survivability, allowing you to take on tougher enemies.

Best Equipment for Early Game

Clear Dungeons for Class Aspects

Dungeons reward Legendary Aspects that allow your chosen class and build to shine. Aspects can be imprinted into your equipment by visiting the Occultist. Look to complete them to grow stronger and tackle more difficult content!

All Dungeon Locations and Map

Diablo 4 Related Guides

Beginner Guides and Best Tips for Getting Started

Tips and Tricks