A skill tree in a video game is a set of linked skills that you open up as the game progresses. Though for Blizzard’s upcoming action-RPG Diablo IV, the skill tree is presented as an actual tree.
In the latest instalment of quarterly developer updates on Diablo IV, Blizzard shared not only the look of one skill tree, but also the thoughts behind the gameplay changes for the upcoming sequel.
The skills and passives are neatly separated. Linked skills are on the branch of the tree, while the passives are on down in the roots. Unlocking skills on the tree will also unlock passive points to spend.
Another interesting tidbit is that the skill tree isn’t supposed to be maxed out. The developers are aiming for around 30 to 40% of the skills to be unlocked when you reach the endgame. This is so that character builds can be more distinct, rather than just eventually getting most of the skills.
The developer update should be worth a look if you are a fan of the series. And the skill tree art, in its pre-alpha form, looks rad.
Source: Blizzard