Season 11 leveling in Diablo IV is a different beast, and you'll feel it in the first ten minutes. No more "free power" at level 1, so your build doesn't magically click right away. Start on Normal and don't fight that instinct. You're trying to get moving, not prove a point. If you're the type who likes to prep outside the game too, it's the same idea as planning where you'll buy game currency or items in u4gm before chasing u4gm D4 items—set yourself up, then sprint.

Get set before you grind

First thing: pick a leveling setup and actually commit for a while. Constant respeccing feels "smart," but it's mostly you losing time in menus. Equip a pet so you're not backtracking for scraps, and grab a follower as soon as you can. Subo's a popular pick because the extra marking makes your pathing cleaner, especially when you're rushing objectives and don't want to stare at the minimap every two seconds. Do the boring stuff early and you'll play faster later.

Seasonal Journey is your real damage boost

A lot of people tunnel on XP and wonder why everything feels like it takes forever to kill. This season, power is tied up in the Seasonal Journey, so treat it like your checklist. Step 1: knock out the early Journey tiers until you've unlocked the points and perks that make your core skills feel alive. Step 2: once your kit can breathe, move into Helltides and stay there. The density is usually better than random zone wandering, and the events chain nicely if you keep rotating. If you roll a seasonal power that spits out extra XP orbs, lean into it. It's not glamorous, but it adds up fast.

Capstones aren't optional anymore

There's a rhythm that works. Step 1: push the first Capstone around level 30, even if you don't feel "ready-ready." If you wait too long, you're just doing slow content with a weaker character than you should have. 

Step 2: after you clear it, go right back to efficient farming—Helltides, Whispers, and any compact activity you can chain without downtime.

Step 3: sprinkle in Infernal Hordes when you've got compasses, or hit the Undercity when you want a change of scenery. 

Step 4: Strongholds can be solid once you're closer to 50, but only if you can clear them cleanly without deaths or long resets. And when you're thinking about Duriel mats and seasonal summons, it helps to keep an eye on supplies like cheap Diablo IV Items while you plan your next run route.