Why Diablo 4's "Free" Berserk Update Doesn't Feel Free at Al

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Blizzard promoted Diablo 4’s newest Berserk-themed update as a major seasonal event, promising exciting additions and fan-favorite aesthetics. While technically a free update, the reality feels anything but — especially when accessing the full suite of new content could cost you $150.

The Berserk collaboration adds several cosmetic bundles, all of which are optional. But for many fans, cosmetics are a crucial part of player expression in a live-service RPG. The desire to participate in a thematic event like Berserk is understandable — yet it’s locked behind a significant paywall.

Many users on forums and Reddit called out Blizzard’s marketing tactics. The update might be "free" in the sense that you don’t have to pay to play the event itself, but the most desirable parts — the cosmetics — are gated by high Platinum costs. And since Blizzard sells Platinum in preset quantities, players are forced to overbuy, adding to the frustration.

The irony isn’t lost on long-time fans. Diablo 3 faced intense criticism for monetizing in-game power through its auction house. While Diablo 4 sticks to cosmetics, the approach feels no less aggressive. The cumulative cost of owning all Berserk cosmetics is more than double the price of a new game — for content that doesn’t impact gameplay.

As Blizzard plans for future expansions and crossovers, it’s clear that community trust is at stake. If this trend continues, Diablo 4 may alienate the loyal fan base that helped elevate it in the first place.
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