While browsing the pewter skull mask and other bobbles in Diablo 4’s premium battle pass level, I noticed that the premium cosmetics looked like premium cosmetics. In other words, “premium cosmetics” are vibes with distinct characteristics. At least in fantasy games, these features tend to be intricate, shiny textures (often, but not always, precious metals) and many straps, belts, and other trinkets.
The skull above is a classic example of a fine cosmetic aesthetic. Intricately detailed metal with a distinctive but mild level of discoloration, leather straps around the corners, and an unaccounted-for cloth blindfold with a glowing third eye on the forehead. At first glance, you’ll know this is a Premium Battle Pass tier item. Incredibly, this observation holds true all the way back to The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion’s infamous horse armor, the first luxury cosmetics I can remember.
Shiny precious metal, check it out. Intricate detail, check it out. I count faceplates and saddle straps as accessories.Straps are more visible steel version of armor.
Things have escalated since then, and now there are levels of premiumness, usually defined by the intensity of the item’s lighting and particle effects. As you progress up the hierarchy of Diablo 4’s battle pass, you’ll find more eyes on top of glowing eyes and purple energy radiating from your skull.
Premium cosmetics tend to look goofy when paired with non-premium ones and often come in predictable themed sets. All of a sudden, here are some of his premium cosmetic themes that are especially popular in shooters with lots of gun skins.
- White marble, leather, or other goldwork symbolizing wealth
- crushed ice (always highly desirable)
- carbon fiber
- 80’s neon sunset
- Rainbow-colored
- Sky
- Kind of steampunk: wood, brass, cloth
- Doodle (I love Ubisoft)
- A collage of NASCAR-style bright decals (Ubisoft also likes this one)
- “Japanese-themed things” such as cherry blossoms
- Minimalist (similar to the distinctly sparse elements of Valorant, which are so understated that they’re decidedly premium) minimalist setbut still forced to include a small line in everything)
Christmas sets called “Winter Wonderland”, cartoon shaders, Marvel characters and much more. Importantly, the premium quality of video game items has become a recognizable quality. in short, united nations-Premium is also obvious quality.
Diablo 4 non-premium items contain glowing bits here and there – Legendary demon blade For example, it’s lined with fiery runes, but its metal tends to tarnish more than premium metal, and its glow isn’t as generous as premium items.
A good example is Doombringer. I myself have never seen this unique sword in action, but some players have found this very hard-to-find Diablo 4 weapon. wow head) has the feel of a Halo energy sword, but with dull metal and a subdued glow.
Here’s a similar premium Diablo sword called the Equilibrium.
The Equilibrium looks brighter, and its pattern features thin but shiny gold details rather than the Doombringer antique copperware from Grandpa and Grandma’s house. I don’t think that would make it look any better. I like how Doombringer looks like the sword we saw in action. My point is that premium things look premium.
The Doombringer sword has actually appeared in every Diablo. In Diablo 3 it looked like this:
Oh, this is a Battle Pass Tier 100 level particle effect.
Well, okay, Diablo 3 is overall goofier than other Diablos, and the electric flame Doombringer is flashier than anything you can find in a high-end cosmetics store in Diablo 4, so this isn’t a perfect comparison. However, Diablo 4’s item shop does have some cool special effects. For example, a subtle, twinkling star popping out of a sorcerer’s fine wax crescent armor. Also, it stands to reason that non-premium his items, no matter how rare and special, do not get such effects.
There is no way around this. Today’s live service game developer must leave room for premium his cosmetics to look more premium than regular items. Because, who would buy premium cosmetics that don’t look premium? When paid items actually have better stats than items earned the old-fashioned way, players understandably look cooler than other items is all they can do.
It goes beyond shiny metals, leather straps and subtle grain effects. It’s been known that the basic indicators of luxury are exhausted and characters start cosplaying as other characters or wearing costumes like those sold in Halloween superstores. Soldier 76 grill master Overwatch outfit. I’m not against the Grillmaster. This is a fun skin. But I’m curious to see how Diablo 4’s cosmetics will grow in luxury as the season progresses. You probably won’t see a fun summer barbecue, but how far will the skull’s eyes shine?
