This page requires the browser to support (enable) javascript

The start of a new Diablo 4 season is always exciting. Fresh seasonal mechanics, updated balance patches, and new opportunities to climb leaderboards await every player. But how you prepare in the days before launch can make or break your early progress. With Season 10 right around the corner, here are five preseason tips to ensure you hit the ground running, maximize your efficiency, and dominate from day one.

1. Join a Clan or Discord Group

One of the biggest mistakes many Diablo 4 players make is tackling new seasons entirely solo. While Diablo is perfectly playable alone, group play offers massive advantages: faster farming, shared resources, coordinated dungeon runs, and of course, a built-in community for trading knowledge.

Many active clans run through Discord because the in-game clan system is limited in size. By joining one of these communities, you can:

·Get matched into launch day groups. Typically, you'll be partnered with a team of four to explore new seasonal content together.

·Farm efficiently. Activities like Chaos Armor farming or boss rushes become far easier with allies.

·Access scheduled events. For example, weekly Balile boss runs provide free maps and organized groups to farm high-end gear and Mythics.

If you've only ever played solo, give group play a try this season. Many players report that it completely changes how long and how often they enjoy the game. At worst, you can always leave the Discord and return to solo play-but you may find a whole new reason to stick with Diablo 4 longer.

2. Max Out Renown Before the Season Begins

Renown is one of the most important systems to prepare before Season 10 launches. Completing Renown across all zones grants permanent account-wide rewards that carry over into every new season:

·Additional Skill Points (up to +12 with the expansion, +10 without)

·Extra Potion Charges

·Paragon Points (24 once you hit level 60)

Starting a new character with these bonuses is a game-changer. Imagine having a full set of extra skill points and Paragon points from the moment you begin your seasonal grind-it makes leveling smoother and build progression faster.

Here's how to make sure you're ready:

·Complete all Strongholds, Side Quests, and Dungeons across the map.

·Discover all areas. Fogged areas on your map mean you're missing exploration progress.

·Collect every Altar of Lilith. These won't appear on your map-you'll need an external tracker.

For efficiency, use an interactive map tracker. These let you check off Altars, Dungeons, and Waypoints as you go, so you don't lose track of what's done.

3. Study Leveling Build Guides

Another way to get ahead in Season 10 is to plan your build before launch. Leveling builds differ from endgame builds-they focus on power spikes at levels 1-25, 26-40, and 41-60, with clear guidance on which skills and aspects to prioritize.

Preseason is the perfect time to:

·Browse interactive build planners. These show you where to allocate each skill point, which aspects to farm, and the order of progression.

·Learn dungeon locations for your Codex of Power. Don't waste time guessing which dungeon holds the aspect you need. Search it, pin it, and run straight there on launch day.

·Plan your Paragon progression. Even though you won't unlock Paragon boards until later, knowing the path ahead helps ensure you don't waste resources.

By following a pre-tested leveling guide, you avoid the trap of experimenting mid-season and falling behind.

4. Manage Your Stash and Eternal Characters

At the end of each season, your seasonal character transfers to the Eternal Realm. All their gear, mats, and stash items also transfer-but only temporarily. When the new season starts, any unclaimed items in the temporary stash will be deleted.

Here's what you need to know about the preseason:

·Log in to your Eternal characters. Empty the seasonal transfer stash into your inventory or permanent stash.

·Secure crafting materials and boss mats. If you plan to keep playing Eternal characters, save them before they vanish, or buy D4 materials again.

·Understand what does not carry over. Gold, gear, mats, and boss items don't move from one season to another. Only Renown bonuses, Paragon experience, and unlocked Altars of Lilith remain.

Doing this cleanup ensures you don't lose valuable Diablo IV Items or miss out on bonuses.

5. Pick Your Class Based on Fun, Not Just Meta

Every season, players ask: "What's the strongest class?" The truth is, early PTR patch notes rarely tell the full story. Season 10's balance changes may shuffle rankings, but all classes will have competitive builds.

Instead of chasing the Tier-0 meta, choose based on playstyle:

·Barbarian: Melee tankiness and consistent AoE clears.

·Druid: Shapeshifting versatility with strong endgame scaling.

·Necromancer: Corpse manipulation and summoning options.

·Rogue: High mobility and burst damage.

·Sorcerer: Elemental AoE dominance with flexible skill trees.

In Season 9, for example, Barbarians were ranked bottom-tier in preseason lists, yet they climbed to near parity with Druids and Sorcerers at high Pit clears. Meta shifts fast. Play what excites you-you'll last longer in the grind.

Final Thoughts

Season 10 of Diablo 4 is expected to launch on September 23rd, according to seasonal scheduling patterns. That gives players just enough time to prepare. By joining a clan, finishing Renown, studying leveling guides, cleaning your Eternal stash, and picking a class you actually enjoy, you'll be set to dominate from day one.

Whether you're farming Chaos Armor with a squad, rushing to unlock Codex aspects, or racing through early Paragon levels, preparation is the difference between struggling and thriving. Get ready, Sanctuary's next chapter is almost here.