Diablo 2 Resurrected: Switch details confirmed but eight-man armies will be missing

Diablo 2 Resurrected’s development team have finally broken their silence on the remaster’s Nintendo Switch version, but it turns out there’s one key feature that won’t translate across.

Diablo 2 Resurrected is almost upon us, but it’s not been smooth sailing in the lead-up to launch.

Despite improved in-game graphics and stunning new visuals, players have been let down by Blizzard’s decision to omit the competitive ladder upon release, as well as disabling in-game voice chat and lobbies for console players. So D2R has proven divisive already – and it’s not even out yet.

And it may remain that way. While Blizzard have finally commented on the status of the title’s Nintendo Switch version, there’s one key feature that fans won’t be able to access.

Blizzard Entertainment

While the Open Beta gave players a chance to take to the plains of Sanctuary, Switch users have been left in the dark.

Diablo 2 Resurrected Switch call for an update

For players hoping to carry Diablo 2 Resurrected around in their backpack, it looked like there could be a delay to the game. It’s common knowledge that Switch games often release later than PC, Xbox and PlayStation, but Blizzard’s initial radio silence and lack of pre-order option was confusing players.

• Read More: How to play with friends in Diablo 2 Resurrected

“Two weeks until launch and no updates on the Switch version?” wrote one irritated player. “Left out of the beta, no preorders, no screenshots/video that I’m aware of. A bit concerning.”

Diablo 2 Resurrected dev responds to Switch concerns

Jumping in to calm fan panic on September 15, Diablo’s Global Community Lead, Adam Fletcher, has clarified just what’s happening with the Switch version.

“Switch preorders start this week,” he writes. “Different first parties have different rule sets on when these start depending on a variety of factors.”

• Read More: Diablo 2 Resurrected Pandemonium Event & Uber Diablo

Additionally, he has clarified that the advertised 8-man party system will not be available on the Switch, where players are limited to four party members instead. “Biggest key difference is four players on Switch but it is still everything else and cross-progression.”

So while this should set Nintendo users’ minds at ease, the news that only four players can play together may disappoint some. At least, though, the veil around Diablo 2 Resurrected’s Switch future has been lifted.