Let’s not start Seasons off on the wrong foot
I consider myself a pretty big fan of action-RPG games. Therefore, like many others, I have been cautiously optimistic about the longevityDiablo 4can provide with its content releases. And right now, Season 1 ofDiablo 4has the potential to bring ARPG fans together, or drive them even further apart.
WhenD4finally got announced, it didn’t take long to start hearing two claims from ARPG fans. It was common to hear either “Diablo 4will killPath of Exile!”or “Diablo 4won’t have good enough content to compete withPath of Exile!”. With over 100 hours inD4so far, and almost 1,500 hours inPoEover the years, let me tell you: the two games can certainly co-exist in the ARPG genre. While both games are ARPGs, their end-game systems—and therefore seasonal content loops—are very different. This is amazing for ARPG fans.
Imagine a scenario in which two games you love are getting new content, features, and Seasons in a rotational basis.D4releases a new update, and by the time you’re feeling done with it, a newPoEexpansion is almost here. And when you’re just about done with the newPoEexpansion? Yup, you guessed it. A newD4Season!
Blizzard recently confirmed anupcoming livestream on July 6thin which we’ll get more details—and a release date—for Season 1. However, based onprevious information from the developers, ARPG fans are starting to get worried. Depending on whenD4‘s first Season starts, the two games could get caught in a competitive content cycle and force players to choose between the two games.
How important are these Seasons?
Seasonal content forPath of Exileis important for many reasons. First, each expansion introduces a new gameplay mechanic that freshens up the experience. Second, for developer Grinding Gear Games, each one adds new cosmetics which keep their free-to-play model working.
Diablo IIIcomparatively didn’t add much to its Seasons. Early iterations just offered a brand new leaderboard to climb for bragging rights. Later releases often came with a unique gimmick like being able to equip an extra legendary power, or receive super powerful buffs by interacting with shrines. But even still, compared toPath of Exile, seasonal content inD3is very lackluster.
Blizzard has already confirmedDiablo 4will have more content-rich updates, with each Season bringing new stories, features, and gameplay elements.
ExileCon 2023
Thesecond ever ExileConwill showcase all thingsPath of Exileon July 29-30. This is a big event that will featurePath of Exile 2andPath of Exile Mobile,as well as the beta start date for the two games. The conference will also have playable demos for both titles as well as some developer panels. Furthermore, the 3.22 expansion will be revealed, showcasing the future of the ARPG.
ExileCon was announced back on July 14, 2025. It’s important to keep in mind we didn’t even knowDiablo 4‘s release date at that time. Die-hard ARPG andPath of Exilefans interested in the event probably started planning their trip to New Zealand for the conference way back then.
So, what’s the problem?
Timing, really. With the Season 1 announcement forDiablo 4being on July 6, it’s quite possible timeframe-wise that it could conflict with ExileCon. With the event taking place in New Zealand, a lot of attendees will probably be traveling in the days leading up to the conference. ARPG fans have voiced their concern on both subreddits, as well as across various social media posts.
An even bigger issue here is the capability of creating a cycle.Path of Exilehas always aimed to release their expansions quarterly. Prior to its release,Blizzard confirmed they will be looking to release Seasons quarterly as well. Therefore, if Blizzard waits too long to release Season 1, it could launch around the same time as the 3.22 expansion forPath of Exile. We could end up in a cycle where the two games are constantly releasing new content at the same time.
Content creators have also voiced their concern with the overlap. Popular part-time ARPG streamer Quin69 has already taken to Twitter beggingDiablo 4Executive Producer Rod Fergusson to ensure Season 1 doesn’t conflict with ExileCon.
please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please pleasedon’t make season 1 conflict with exilecon 🥺🙏https://t.co/iFIvwDQUCP
— Quin (@quinrex)June 18, 2025
So Blizzard, this is my plea to you: Don’t start The Great ARPG War. We love both games, and they can both flourish and thrive alongside each other. It’s literally a win-win scenario for everyone. The ball is in your court!
