Diablo 5 Is Bringing Back Set Items, But Wants To Avoid Their Biggest Problem

One of the most satisfying things about the Diablo games is their loot grind, and in Diablo 5, Blizzard has plans to keep you clicking enemies to death for a long time in pursuit of an elusive piece of armor or weapon. While it's still early days in terms of how itemization will be handled in the game, Blizzard has confirmed that gear-based sets will return. Set items were originally absent from Diablo 4 when the game launched in 2023, although set bonuses were later added through the Talisman system. Instead of armor collections, players could equip passive bonuses, set effects, and unique powers without needing to replace their current gear. "Something we talk about a lot on the team is we want Diablo 5 to be a game that feels like it has elements for you, regardless of which Diablo game was your favorite," executive producer Matt Zitterman said to GameSpot at BlizzCon. "Clearly, there's some inspiration being taken from Diablo 2 there, but we're also looking at Diablo 4 and the successes we've had there, and are pulling forward ideas from there as well as Diablo 3. "I think for us, Diablo 5 represents this really special moment in the franchise's history where we get to look at…