head to head

Diablo III cover artvsThe First Descendant cover art

Diablo IIIvsThe First Descendant

Diablo III leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The First Descendant leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).

EXECUTION4 /10READS1 /10VARIANCE5 /10OPTIMIZATION9 /10
Diablo IIIThe First Descendant

Axis by axis

Execution4 vs 6

The First Descendant leans harder on execution: Colossus boss fights and intercept missions require dodge timing and aim

Reads1 vs 1

Even - both lean on reads about the same.

Variance5 vs 6

The First Descendant leans harder on variance: Module drop RNG and Descendant unlock rates drive the grind

Optimization9 vs 8

Diablo III leans harder on optimization: Set bonuses and paragon levelling are almost entirely solvable

Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.

full breakdown

Diablo III

full breakdown

The First Descendant