How Do You Switch Weapons in Diablo 4?
As Diablo 4 is a newly released action RPG, players might be wondering how to switch weapons in the game. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation on how to do it.
Basic Approach
Before we dive deeper, it’s essential to know that Diablo 4 features a unique combat mechanics where you can have primary and offhand weapons. By default, your primary weapon will be the one in the main hand, while your offhand weapon is what you can use by setting the primary weapon in a secondary position.
Assigning Weapons
To start using a new weapon in Diablo 4, follow these steps:
- Open the Inventory: Press the ‘I’ button on your keyboard (default key) or select it from the main menu. This will open up the inventory screen.
- Select the weapon slot: Click on the slot number (1-8) where you want to store the new weapon.
- Drag and Drop: Drag the new weapon icon from the inventory pile onto the selected slot number. You can also double-click on the weapon to immediately equip it.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Primary weapon slot: Slot 1-3 are reserved for your primary weapons, and can be used in hand by default.
- Offhand weapon slot: Slots 4-8 can be used for secondary offhand weapons.
- Weapon switching: Once equipped, you can bind a weapon keybind to switch between weapons more quickly.
Specialty Weapons
Diablo 4 features a unique mechanism for specialty weapons, known as Passive-Enabled Weapons. These weapons have specific abilities and modifiers tied to them. You can switch between passive-enabled weapons by:
- Pausing the game: Hit the Pause key (default key) to pause the game.
- Accessing the wheel menu: Click on the weapon wheel icon () from the pause menu to enter the wheel menu.
- Selecting a different passive-enabled weapon: Cycle through the available weapons and click on the one you want to switch to. Press Escape (default key) to leave the wheel menu and unpause the game.
Some points to keep in mind about passive-enabled weapons:
- Passive effect will be applied: Whenever you switch to a different passive-enabled weapon, its abilities and modifiers will become active.
- Make sure to switch carefully: Before switching, consider which skills and abilities will interact with the new weapon. Plan accordingly to avoid unforeseen consequences.
Pommel and Stagger Techniques
Diablo 4 introduces two new ways to switch weapons, specifically Pommel Swap and Stagger Recovery.
- Pommel Swap: If you have a skill in your primary weapon slot with a Pommel Swap modifier, pressing the Primary Ability Button will instantly swap between your primary and secondary weapon.
- Stagger Recovery: When staggering in combat, you will regain a portion of your overall health. During staggered state, you can recover your primary weapon. Keep in mind that recover times vary depending on character difficulty and other factors.
Additional tips for Pommel Swap and Stagger Recovery:
- Mind the recovery time: In either case, the recovered primary weapon will take time to return. Be strategic to avoid leaving yourself in the open.
- Exploit enemy timing: With Pommel Swap or Stagger Recovery, look for opportunities to momentarily reposition yourself and unleash combos or skills from a distance.
Table Comparison of Weapon Switching Mechanisms
Method | Swap Time | Description | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Inventory Swap | N/A | Swap weapon slot manually | Best option when switching between passive-enabled weapons |
Pommel Swap | Instant | Swaps primary and offhand weapons | Limited usage depending on skill availability and char difficulty |
Stagger Recovery | Variable (per char difficulty) | Recovery from staggered state to primary weapon | Tactical switch for specific situations only |
Wheel Menu Switching | N/A | Quickly switch between passive-enabled weapons | Ideal for those used to Diablo 3’s wheel menu |
Conclusion
In Diablo 4, there are various ways to switch weapons, each having unique benefits and drawbacks. Be mindful of the switch speed, recovery times, and offhand weapon usage while adopting the best strategies. Take the time to get accustomed to the game mechanics to maximize your gameplay and minimize frustration.