Blizzard has confirmed that Diablo 5 will feature the return of set items, a fan-favorite element from earlier entries in the series. These gear collections, which offer significant bonuses when multiple pieces are equipped, were notably absent at the launch of Diablo 4, though set bonuses were later incorporated through a separate system. The development team aims to leverage the appeal of set items to motivate players through a long-term loot chase, a core aspect of the Diablo experience.
Executive producer Matt Zitterman explained that Diablo 5 seeks to incorporate elements from across the franchise's history to appeal to a wide range of fans. "Something we talk about a lot on the team is we want Diablo 5 to be a game that feels like it has elements for you, regardless of which Diablo game was your favorite," Zitterman told GameSpot. He indicated that while Diablo 2 serves as a clear inspiration, ideas from Diablo 4 and Diablo 3 are also being integrated, with the goal of familiar elements receiving a fresh interpretation.
"We want to bring set items back," Zitterman stated. "The set system in Diablo 4 worked really well for that game, but something about the way that set items worked in Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, they create kind of like a little quest, right? You want to go like you're on a long-term journey to collect the pieces of this set to unlock something really important about the build you're chasing. We want to bring that forward into Diablo 5."
The development team is aware of past challenges associated with set items, specifically the potential for them to narrow the scope of itemization. Blizzard has ideas for how to overcome these issues in Diablo 5, aiming to enhance the loot chase without overly restricting player choices. The return of set items is intended to provide players with clear, long-term goals beyond the standard quest log, reinforcing the core loop of defeating enemies in pursuit of powerful gear. Diablo 5 is slated for release in 2029.