Diablo games typically have a transparent version of the map that is accessible as an overlay on the screen. But that does not seem to be the case with Diablo 4 and fans are left wondering if there is any way to open the transparent map in Diablo 4.
A transparent map in Diablo 4 would be very useful as you would be able to look at map markers without losing track of what’s going on around you. But Blizzard Entertainment has opted for a new type of map system instead which has led to mixed reactions from fans.
Can you open the transparent map in Diablo 4? (Season 1)
Blizzard Entertainment has confirmed that there is no transparent map in Diablo 4. In Diablo 1 and 2, the Automap appeared as a transparent overlay on the screen. Diablo 3 moved it to the corner of the screen as a minimap and players expected a similar implementation of the feature in Diablo 4.
It turns out that there is just a dedicated mini-map on the screen and you can bring up the full map and a journal with a button press. Diablo lead Rod Fergusson has confirmed that there are no plans to add an overlay map to the game in the near future. It is a missed opportunity as popular ARPGs typically have an overlay for convenience.
Game director Joe Shelly revealed why there is no transparent map in Diablo 4. He mentioned that when you're playing through an action RPG, and you're going through that core loop, you're basically switching between two modes of behaviour. You're killing monsters, or you're navigating, and you're switching back and forth those really quickly, and so it can be helpful to have that be as fast as possible. But he feels that having an overlay map accomplishes the goal “too well” and there is no incentive to switch out of it.
- Read more: How to see completed quests in Diablo 4
Having an overlay up all the time means that the combat and navigation systems become less clear according to Shelly, which is they the developers moved towards this new iteration of the map.
How to use Diablo 4’s map
We will need to get used to the new map as Blizzard has no plans of adding a transparent map in Diablo 4. Here is a quick guide to all of the new icons in the game:
- Strongholds: Red skull with a red roof and branches.
- Waypoints: Teal-colored triangles.
- Altars of Lilith: Grey icons of a demon with wings.
- Dungeons: White arched gates.
- World Tier Statues: White circles with a cross.
- Wardrobe: Two-doored cabinet.
- Shrines: White monument icons.
- Healing Well: White hearts with a bowl.
- Stash: Chest icon.
- Vendors: Various icons indicating their services. Visible in hubs.
- World Events: Orange triangles with dots.
That is all you need to know about the transparent map in Diablo 4. For more content, consider checking out our guide on how to reset dungeons in Diablo 4. We also have a shrines and effects guide which you can use to gain powerful boosts for your character.