In the challenging world of Diablo 4, the highly competitive “Race to World First” event is nearing a thrilling conclusion. Despite early obstacles like system glitches and bugs that disrupted gameplay, dedicated players have surged ahead, striving to be amongst the first 1,000 to reach the coveted level 100 in the daunting hardcore mode.

The Race Intensifies

A name well-recognized among Diablo enthusiasts, Wudijo, seems to be inching closer to the finish line. At the time of writing this report, they’re holding the fort at level 82. Hot on his heels are Ben_, Carn_, and Alkaizerx, occupying the second, third, and fourth positions respectively. The trio is keeping the competition fierce, all tied at level 77.

Nugiyen, Zizaran, and Steelmage follow closely, all showcasing their gaming prowess at level 76. The race to level 100, however, is not just a competition of the top, but also an event of resilience. Shroud, Maximum, and Imexile, currently ranked at levels 73, complete the top 10 contenders.

Maximum and Imexile deserve particular commendation for their sheer determination and endurance. Despite initial setbacks owing to in-game bugs that derailed their early runs, they were able to bounce back and make a compelling case for their spot in the top 10.

Softcore Mode Contenders

While the hardcore mode attracts most of the attention, the race is also on in the softcore mode. Here, players Rob2628, Aristoblast, and Rengar lead the charge, battling for supremacy.

To stay updated on this adrenaline-fueled competition, head over to Diablobuilds on Twitch. They’re providing real-time monitoring and insights into the ongoing race through livestream.

Controversy and Debate

However, the race hasn’t been devoid of controversy. The Diablo 4 community voiced concerns on the subreddit when they learned about the event. The naysayers argue that even with a reset nullifying the progress of content creators and reviewers prior to the early access period, these players would still enjoy a significant advantage.

They reason that knowledge about bosses, gameplay mechanics, gear, and levelling would inherently privilege these players, as opposed to those who’ve never engaged with the game.

Responding to the criticism, Blizzard GM Rod Fergusson questioned the foundation of this argument, asking, “how does deleting all their progress and making them start at the same time as everyone else give them an unfair advantage?”

Not all players were satisfied, however, with some demanding that those who had “pre-release full access should be ineligible” to participate in the race.

Tags: Adventure game Blizzard Entertainment Diablo Diablo IV Fighting game Hack and slash Multiplayer video game