Diablo 4 Beta Players Are Experiencing Long Wait Times and Server Issues

Those hoping to get an early start on slaying the queen of Succubi have had to wait longer than anticipated, as many players logged on to the Diablo 4 beta servers today to discover long queue times and error codes preventing them from jumping into the ARPG.

Today marks the start of the early access beta available to those who preordered the full game or got a code by eating Kentucky Fried Chicken, while next weekend will host anyone looking to start their adventures early in the open beta.

But many players were greeted by long wait times to log into the server, error codes, and other issues.

Taking to Twitter while facing wait times of upwards of an hour, players took the opportunity to warn their fellow demon slayers and make light of the situation.

To everyone waiting for the Diablo 4 Beta servers/queue to stabilize:Queue will soon be cleared up once everyone that got beta by eating KFC goes to the toilet for hours pic.twitter.com/5CVbm4QL3Z

— Ted Bacinschi (@Slootbag) March 17, 2023

The overloaded servers and long wait times have persisted into the afternoon. The official Diablo Twitter account recently commented on the issues, saying, "We are aware of the issues impacting Open Beta Early Access, leading to long queue times and server disconnections. The team is managing the rate of players entering the game until we have a full fix for the connection issues."

Players can monitor the known issues and fixes on Blizzard's website.

We are aware of the issues impacting Open Beta Early Access, leading to long queue times and server disconnections.

The team is managing the rate of players entering the game until we have a full fix for the connection issues.

For more updates visit: https://t.co/FmJb8FaIjC

— Diablo (@Diablo) March 17, 2023

Previously, Blizzard had warned players to anticipate wait times and warned that players should not leave the queue even if they remain stuck on a waiting screen after the queue timer has elapsed:

"Users may experience a queue while logging into Diablo IV during Early Access Beta Weekend. Please note that the countdown may finish and go beyond the duration listed on the queue timer. Do NOT leave the queue as this will restart the queue. We will have more accurate timers in place for Open Beta Weekend."

Meanwhile, Blizzard forums have been overflowing with users posting their issues and frustrations, including a thread of console players who have been repeatedly booted after waiting the duration of the queue's wait time.

Wait times and server issues are not new for betas, which are particially intended as stress tests before a full launch, especially for games as hotly anticipated as the next entry in Blizzard's longrunning ARPG franchise.

Still, wait times never feel good. Here's hoping the issues clear up soon so I can begin recruiting my undead necromancer army. For more, check out the first 17 minutes of Diablo IV's beta.

Travis Northup is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @TieGuyTravis and read his games coverage here.