At 3 PM, while enjoying lunch with friends, my phone buzzes. Instinctively, I reach for it, flipping the case open to see if there’s an urgent work email awaiting me. (This has become a frequent habit, given the volume of emails I receive—it’s just part of my profession.) Instead of a work-related notification, I’m greeted with a slew of alerts from Discord. I can’t help but wonder if something serious has occurred, perhaps a server issue or changes to a planned event. As I open the notification menu, I spot an @ mention from a colleague and friend, GC. My heart sinks as I see the attached image: the latest Diablo IV skins include a new addition from World of Warcraft—Arthas. I already know I’ll be buying that skin as soon as I get home.
If you’re not a fan of skins and cosmetics in video games, this article probably won’t resonate with you. I’ve come to the frustrating conclusion that I’m part of the issue regarding microtransactions in games. They’re my guilty pleasure, and sometimes I just want my avatar to look fabulous. I have far too many Fortnite skins, despite not playing the game much these days, and I cringe to think about how many Necromancer skins I possess in Diablo IV. For me, it’s all about aesthetics—transforming a character or theme that reflects a certain style during gameplay. Just place my beloved World of Warcraft character in the cosmetic shop, and I’ll let out a resigned sigh, fully aware of my gaming choices.
In fact, I had already purchased the Invincible mount, fully conscious that it might be a long time before I obtained Arthas’ undead steed in Icecrown Citadel. (I’ve diligently completed weekly challenges for the Dreadwyrm set for my Death Knight, hoping to create a “canon” look. Yet, I lack the determination to grind for a mount that I wouldn’t frequently use. That’s why I just had to buy the Arthas skin. Although, as a side note, saying “I had to” is a bit of an exaggeration.) With the little in-game currency I had left, I bought the skin and created another Necromancer.
Fortunately, I genuinely enjoy playing as a Necromancer in Diablo IV, and the Arthas skin adds a delightful touch. I’m surprised that Necromancer, of all classes, got an Arthas skin, but I’m certainly not complaining. While I found some enjoyment with the Spiritborn class introduced in Diablo IV’s Vessel of Hatred, it tends to be quite active for my tastes. The same can be said for Rogue, which was my main character during both the base game review phase and the Season of the Malignant. I appreciate the Necromancer class for its ability to summon a skeleton army and watch them wreak havoc on adversaries. It’s a fitting homage to Arthas, given that he famously slaughtered many of his subjects only to revive them as undeath, leading them into brutal conquests across much of the Eastern Continent. But I digress.
To put it simply, I love the skin and I’m thrilled to have it. What I detest is how predictable I have become in this regard. Yes, I look really impressive in the Arthas skin with the Invincible mount to complement it. Yet, I’m a softie for these things, especially now that I’ve immersed myself in World of Warcraft, which I adore! I’m also not inclined to buy any other World of Warcraft themed skins for Diablo IV, as I already have the set for Kael’Thalas, and the Illidan skin doesn’t appeal to me much. To me, the Rogue’s proportions seem off, and the horns on the helmet just look silly. Maybe I would consider the Garrosh skin, but I don’t play Barbarian.
For now, I don’t foresee Blizzard Entertainment convincing me to buy another skin in Diablo IV—at least not in the immediate future. I feel content with what I have. So, should you encounter a Necromancer resembling the Lich King, Arthas Menethil, alongside a legion of skeletons, that might just be me.
Diablo IV is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X. World of Warcraft is accessible exclusively on PC.
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