Diablo Immortal’s hidden progression caps punish free-to-play players

techradar.com:

Diablo Immortal includes several hidden progression caps that deliberately limit the amount of loot players can obtain through the free-to-play portion of the game, seemingly encouraging them to spend real cash.

The hidden caps were discovered by YouTuber and Diablo Immortal aficionado Echohack, who outlined their findings in a 15-minute video(opens in new tab) (thanks, Forbes(opens in new tab)). While the game makes no explicit mention of these loot ceilings, Echohack was able to identify seven caps in their extended time with the game, including reduced items and gem drops.

They said side quests, purple bosses, and random map events all stop giving loot rewards to players after they complete the first five a day. Similarly, the drop rate of Legendary items significantly reduces after your sixth Legendary drop of the day, as does the gem drop rate bonus given to players who have partied into a four-person group. 

On top of that, players can unlock only five Zoltan Kule's treasure rooms a day. Hidden Lairs, too, only reward a maximum of six gems per day, regardless of how many of the random dungeons you complete.

Echohack was reportedly able to discover these hidden caps after “sheer massive amounts of gameplay and testing”, with their findings based wholly on the observations made by them and their buddies. While a few of the caps are difficult to verify, others – such as the cap on side quest rewards – can be more easily measured.

Crucially, these caps aren’t broadcast in the main game. Players can hit the reward ceilings without knowing it, not realizing the marginal benefit of their grinding has dramatically reduced. They throw up intangible obstacles against players, who must keep track of what rewards they’ve earned in