Diablo 5 Brings Back Set Items, But Aims to Fix Their Biggest Flaw

Ever spent hours grinding for that one set piece, only to feel like you're stuck wearing the same gear forever? Blizzard knows that pain, and for Diablo 5, they're bringing set items back – but with a plan to fix what made them a double-edged sword.

At BlizzCon, executive producer Matt Zitterman told GameSpot that set items are definitely returning. "We want to bring set items back," he said. "The set system in Diablo 4 worked really well for that game, but something about the way that set items worked in Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, they create kind of like a little quest, right?"

That quest-like chase is exactly what Blizzard wants to recapture. In Diablo 2 and 3, collecting a full set felt like a long-term journey that unlocked something huge for your build. Zitterman says they want to create moments where players feel motivated "not just by a quest log, but by the loot chase."

But there's a catch. Set items have historically narrowed itemization rather than broadened it – once you commit to a set, you're locked into specific slots, limiting your options. Zitterman acknowledged this: "We have ideas about how we can overcome some of the challenges of set items, narrowing the itemization game more than broadening it."

It's still early days for Diablo 5, which won't launch until 2029. But Blizzard is already looking at all past games for inspiration. "Something we talk about a lot on the team is we want Diablo 5 to feel like it has elements for you, regardless of which Diablo game was your favorite," Zitterman said. That means pulling from Diablo 2, Diablo 3, and Diablo 4's successes.

For now, fans can only speculate on how sets will work. Will they be tradable? Will they have smart drops? Blizzard isn't saying yet, but they're clearly aware of the pitfalls. The goal is to make set items feel like a rewarding journey, not a restrictive cage.

With Diablo 5 still years away, there's plenty of time for Blizzard to iterate. But one thing's for sure: the loot grind is coming back, and it's bringing sets with it. What do you think – are set items a welcome return, or should Blizzard leave them in the past?