Blizzard Entertainment’s upcoming game, Diablo IV, is not only attracting players with its promise of good loot, but also with a quest line that carries a strong mental health message. The quest, titled “A Question of Self,” follows the character Taissa as she navigates a mental health struggle within the world of Diablo.
According to senior quest designer Harrison Pink, Taissa’s story, including the flavor text on the equipment received throughout the quest, was intentionally designed to address mental health and grief. Pink took to Twitter to explain that the quest line is about “overcoming grief and trauma” and emphasizes that progress cannot be forced through brute force.
At the conclusion of the quest, players are rewarded with the Mark of the Conclave, an amulet that contains a letter originally intended for Taissa. The letter includes words of encouragement that have resonated with Diablo IV players, sparking discussions on Reddit about their own mental health struggles. The flavor text on the amulet reads, “Healing is a journey. A series of steps. Some days you may stumble, but so long as you continue to put one foot in front of the other, you will reach your destination.”
Beyond its meaningful message, the Mark of the Conclave is also a valuable accessory in the game. YouTuber Coooley explains that the amulet can boost the player’s Life stat, and because it is a Rare item, players can reroll its stat boosts with the Occultist, potentially providing a significant increase to their character’s Life. This combination of a compelling side story and a powerful accessory makes the quest line a worthwhile experience for players.
As Diablo IV continues to generate excitement among gamers, the inclusion of a quest line that tackles mental health issues adds depth and meaning to the game. Blizzard Entertainment’s commitment to addressing important topics within their games is commendable, and players are eagerly anticipating the release of Diablo IV and the opportunity to embark on this impactful quest.
