Blizzard is taking its first leap into external IP collaborations with Diablo IV, and they're going all in, teaming up with Berserk.
Kentaro Miura's iconic dark fantasy manga, in what looks like one of the most fitting and meaningful tributes in modern gaming. It's also arriving in Diablo Immortal, making this a franchise-wide tribute to Miura's legacy.
The teaser trailer on Blizzard's platforms reveals what's ahead. It depicts a Barbarian warrior in iconic armor, brandishing a giant sword—an obvious reference to Guts, the tormented lead of Berserk.
It didn't take long for fans to notice references to the Berserker Armor and the Brand of Sacrifice, both of which are pivotal to Guts' story and the manga's themes of torment and destiny. The brief yet powerful clip wraps up with a roar and a flash of the Diablo x Berserk logo.
The standout feature of this crossover is how well it integrates. Berserk is a key influence in dark fantasy, shaping games like Dark Souls with its somber tone and inspiring the use of massive weapons in titles like Final Fantasy and Monster Hunter.
In fact, Guts' design is often credited as the inspiration for many brooding antiheroes and sword-wielding avatars across RPGs and action games. The full details are still under wraps, but the teaser's fine print hints at what's to come.
The mention of "optional in-game purchases" and "random items" led to speculations about loot boxes, particularly considering Diablo Immortal's history with gacha systems. However, Diablo IV is likely to bypass randomized monetization in favor of direct cosmetic purchases.
Blizzard hasn't confirmed it yet, but their wording implies a split between the mobile and mainline versions. The event happens just as Diablo IV's Season 8 is launching on April 29. Expect a slew of changes this season, including a revamp to endgame bosses and the return of Belial from Diablo III.
This major crossover addition, in addition to the updates, highlights Blizzard's dedication to its 2025 content roadmap. It also helps that the collaboration was teased alongside news of more upcoming IP crossovers, meaning Berserk is likely the first in a series of bold moves for the franchise.
The emotional depth of this collab is also important to mention. Berserk was left unfinished after Kentaro Miura died in 2021. The manga has persisted with Miura's close friend Kouji Mori and his assistants, yet it undeniably retains its connection to Miura's vision.
This isn't Blizzard's first rodeo with crossovers, but this one clearly hits differently. The brutality, the moral grayness, the eternal struggle—Guts and Diablo feel like they were forged in the same fire. And now, players get to step into that fire themselves.