Tech Desk 
Dec 18, 2025
For years, action role-playing games have struggled with one core issue: making loot feel rewarding. Diablo 4 was no different at launch, with many players criticising its item system for being predictable and uninspiring.
One of the major features of the season is the implementation of the Paladin, a highly demanded class that brings holy-based combat back to the franchise.
Unlike all other classes, the Paladin utilises a different resource called Faith instead of mana, which allows for a different kind of playstyle centred on sustained, ability-driven combat.
Although the class has generated excitement, it is the revamped loot system that's driving long-term engagement.
At the heart of this redesign is Sanctification, a new craft mechanic which lets players imbue equipment with truly powerful, high-impact bonuses.
Through a forging process that involves some degree of risk, items will be able to attain effects normally only present on top-tier equipment.
This even turns gear that is otherwise unremarkable into a cornerstone of a build, adding meaningful unpredictability to item progression.
The system doesn't come without its costs, though. Sanctified items cannot be altered any further, and there's a possibility that existing stats will be tweaked in the process.
However, these trade-offs have made loot drops feel consequential again, with players encouraged to carefully assess and store potential upgrade bases rather than discarding them.
