This guide covers an early look at Warhammer Chaosbane during the beta phase, focusing on gameplay mechanics, character classes, and the overall feel of the game. With the official release date set for June 4th, this article highlights the pros and cons experienced during the beta, drawing comparisons to similar ARPGs like Diablo.

---

1. Beta Overview: Key Details

• Beta Period: Early March (around 3-4 days).
• Platform: Tested on PC (also available on PS4).
• Available Content: Entire Act 1 playable (~2-2.5 hours per playthrough).
• Playable Classes:
  • Empire Soldier: Melee-focused, high survivability.
  • High Mage: Ranged, magic-based DPS (covered in separate gameplay).

---

PC vs Console: Key Differences

• User Interface:
  • PC uses radial menus designed for consoles, which feels awkward with mouse and keyboard.
  • Stash and Inventory: On PC, the inventory grid is fully visible, unlike the console version.
• Controls:
  • PC: Supports both mouse & keyboard and controller inputs.
  • Console: More streamlined UI for controller usage.

---

Wishlist for Full Release:

• Replace radial menus with a more traditional grid UI for PC.
• Improved skill and inventory management for mouse users.

---

2. Gameplay and Combat: Core Mechanics

Combat Style:

• Heavily inspired by Diablo series (specifically Diablo III).
• Fast-paced, AOE-heavy combat with swarms of enemies.
• Character builds and skill customization play a major role.

---

Unique Combat Mechanic: Bloodlust

• What is Bloodlust?
  • Special resource above health and energy globes.
  • Builds up through combat and, when activated, grants access to powerful skills.
• Strategic Usage:
  • Best used against large groups of enemies for maximum fragment gain.
  • Activating Bloodlust: Unleashes powerful AOE attacks, rapidly accumulating fragments.

---

Fragments: In-Game Currency

• Purpose: Used to unlock and upgrade talents in the God Skill Tree.
• How to Farm:
  • Best obtained during Bloodlust for higher gains.
  • Also drops regularly from standard combat.

---

3. Character Classes and Builds

Empire Soldier: Tanky Melee Class

• Weapon: Sword and Shield.
• Playstyle:
  • Heavy focus on block chance and counter-attack damage.
  • Effective at controlling large mobs with AOE and defensive skills.
• Key Skills:
  • Incisive Breakthrough: Physical attack with counter-attack damage boost.
  • Whirling Slash: Hits multiple enemies, increases block chance.
  • Taunt: Boosts damage against enemies and increases energy gain.

---

High Mage: Ranged Spellcaster

• Focus: High burst DPS with elemental spells.
• Skills:
  • A mix of fire, lightning, and frost spells for crowd control.
  • Builds require managing energy and cooldowns effectively.

---

Skill Customization:

• Skill Points:
  • Earned by leveling up.
  • Used to unlock and enhance skills in a modular skill tree.
• Re-spec Anytime: Skills can be freely swapped with no penalty, similar to Diablo III.

---

4. Inventory and Itemization

Loot and Gear:

• Equipment Rarity:
  • Common → Legendary → Heroic.
• Item Stats:
  • Focuses on flat damage, crit chance, crit damage, and cooldown reduction.
  • Defensive stats include armor and block chance.

---

Blessing System: Enhancing Gear

• Gem Types:
  • Red: Flat damage.
  • Green: Crit chance.
  • Yellow: Defensive bonuses.
• Blessing Strategy:
  • Use linked gems for crit chance and unlinked for flat damage.
  • Best suited for fine-tuning stats for different builds.

---

5. God Skill Tree: Advanced Talents

Key Features:

• Branches:
  • Damage: Crit damage and flat damage boosts.
  • Defense: Block chance, armor, and health nodes.
  • Cooldown Reduction: For faster skill rotations.
• Recommended Path:
  • Damage Path: Prioritize crit damage and flat damage for DPS builds.
  • Defense Path: Focus on block damage for survivability.

---

6. Comparison to Diablo Series

Similarities:

• Combat:
  • Fast-paced, AOE-focused, with a mix of defensive and offensive skills.
• Skill System:
  • Modular, free re-specs like Diablo III.
• Loot:
  • Item rarity and customization via gems and blessings (similar to Diablo’s socket system).

---

Differences:

• Bloodlust Mechanic:
  • Adds a unique layer for burst damage and fragment farming.
• Counter-Attack System:
  • Empire Soldier’s build revolves around retaliatory damage.
• Fragment Usage:
  • Invested in the God Skill Tree rather than gear enhancements.

---

7. Early Access Impressions: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Fluid Combat: Engaging and responsive, especially with AOE builds.
• Deep Customization: Modular skill tree with free re-specs.
• Bloodlust Mechanic: Unique twist for farming and burst phases.
• Cross-Platform Availability: PC and console with shared progress.

---

❌ Cons:

• UI Design on PC: Radial menus feel clunky for mouse & keyboard.
• Lack of Class Variety in Beta: Only two classes available.
• Visuals: Solid but not groundbreaking compared to modern ARPGs.

---

8. Suggestions for Full Release:

• UI Overhaul for PC: Replace radial menus with a traditional inventory grid.
• More Class Options: Expand beyond melee and mage for launch.
• Enhanced Visual Effects: Improve spell and attack animations for a more satisfying feel.

---

9. Summary: Is It Worth It?

Warhammer Chaosbane is shaping up to be a solid contender in the ARPG genre with its fast-paced combat, deep customization, and a fresh take on familiar mechanics like Diablo’s. While there are UI and balance issues to iron out, the core gameplay loop is addictive and promising.

Recommended for:

• Fans of Diablo-style ARPGs.
• Those seeking fast-paced, AOE-heavy gameplay.
• Players who enjoy deep customization without permanent skill commitments.

Not recommended for:

• Players seeking complex storytelling or open-world exploration.
• Those who dislike grindy ARPG mechanics.