Level scaling in D4

How Diablo 4 handles level scaling

Diablo 4 has level scaling, which allows players of different character levels to play together, with each facing monsters at their own level and contributing their fair share (unlike a higher level character power-leveling a lower level one).

For example, two friends, a Level 16 and a Level 25, might party up and enter a Dungeon. The Level 16 would see and fight enemies that were Level 16, and the Level 25 would see and fight the same monsters, but theirs would be Level 25. Loot drops would also be appropriately scaled for each player's level.

Easier collaboration between players of varying levels was especially on Blizzard's mind with Diablo 4's Open World, where random players are routinely bumping into each other at Events and World Boss fights. Here's Blizzard's Diablo 4 level scaling [1] rationale:

Prologue requirement

During Open Beta, we tested the limits of the level scaling system: could a Level 1 player party and fight monsters with a Level 25 player? The answer was: no -- the lower level player had to complete the prologue before partying with the other player. This meant completing the storyline up to the point of saying goodbye to Lorath at Kyovashad.

Level floors for some areas

Some areas of Sanctuary don't follow the level scaling system. Instead, they have monster level floors, making them much harder if your character's level is beneath the floor:

Strongholds

Level floors apply to Strongholds, which are former villages overrun by enemies that need cleansing. A Level 10 player is allowed to enter a Level 30 Stronghold; however, that player will face all Level 30 (and possibly higher) monsters, and undoubtedly get crushed. Players might attempt this to get loot drops above their current character level.