Cosmetic options and items are game elements designed for aesthetic value and customization of character appearance, not for combat or other gameplay purposes. They are usually collectible: by completing achievements and other tasks, with random item drops, through participation in special events, or via microtransactions or product purchases. Cosmetics range from non-combat pets, to modifications or special appearances for equipment, to banner customization options, to portraits in the user interface.
Most cosmetic options are shared across all the characters on a player's account, although some are restricted from use within other game modes, such as Seasonal characters.
Diablo IV has taken a cautious approach to the introduction of cosmetic items in an effort to maintain a darker, gritty atmosphere for the game.
Transmogrification items[]
Transmogrification, or "transmog", is the process of changing the appearance of one item to look like another item of the same or similar type. The Diablo III Mystic can perform this service for a fee in gold. Transmogrification requires that the item whose appearance is desired has actually dropped for a character in the current game mode, although it still works if the item has been subsequently salvaged or sold. If it is a Legendary or Set item, it must also have been be identified. When a new appearance is gathered this way, the icon representing the item briefly appears on screen with the message "new appearance unlocked". A character can transmogrify as many items as they wish.
Transmogrification does not require cosmetic-specific items, but several exist for this purpose in Diablo III. They are usually normal quality, although some awarded for special events or purchases are Legendary. They often drop from defeating specific bosses or completing specific events.
Almost all Diablo IV cosmetic customization is via transmogrification. Transmog items are designed to be closely connected to the character concept and setting to keep the style grounded. They can be purchased in the game's Cosmetics Shop.
Banner customizations[]
Each character in Diablo III has a banner which sits by the Waypoint in the town of their current act, and can also be summoned by pressing the 'G' key. The banner design can be customized with different shapes, patterns, sigils, accents, and colors. An account can unlock additional options for these by completing various achievements and events. Customization choices are set for the entire account, not individual for each character as with most cosmetics, and can be adjusted by clicking on the banner while in town or on the character select screen.
Wings[]
Wings are fantastic appendages that emerge from a character's back when equipped. Some look simply like biological wings, while others look like the wings of Angels or Demons or otherwise magical in nature.
Wings can be equipped in Diablo III via the Wardrobe or Collection screen. They can be collected from several sources:
- Diablo III purchases: Crimson Angelic Wings (PS3 edition), Wings of Justice (PC Collector's Edition), Wings of Valor (Reaper of Souls pre-order), Wings of the Crypt Guardian (Rise of the Necromancer)
- In-game drops: Cosmic Wings (Whimsydale), Falcon's Wings (Gardens of Hope)
- In-game achievements: Wings of the Dedicated (all 24 Set Dungeons completed), Wings of Mastery (all 24 Set Dungeons mastered), Trag'Oul's Wings (Necromancer achievements)
- Seasons and limited-time events: Anguish's Grasp (8,20) Fiacla-Géar (12,24), Wings of Lempo (16), Galactic (17,29), Wings of Terror (Altar of Rites), Prime Evil Wings (20th anniversary)
- Other games: Ghost Kerrigan Wings (Heroes of the Storm event), Inarius Wings (Diablo IV purchase), Mercy Wings (Overwatch special edition purchase), Wings of the Betrayer (World of Warcaft: Legion purchase), Wings of the Swarm (StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm purchase)
- Several additional wings were tested on the PTR for Patch 2.4.1, but never added to the main game.
Wings can be purchased and equipped in Diablo Immortal for large amounts of Resonance.
Cosmetic Pets[]
Non-combat or cosmetic pets are small creatures that follow the player character in the game world once "equipped", sometimes performing minor useful functions.
Pets can be collected in Diablo III, and used from the Wardrobe or Collection screen. Only one cosmetic pet can be active at a time, although they do not interfere with use of combat pets from Skills. Pets automatically pick up nearby gold for the player, and one Altar of Rites unlockable allows them to pick up and salvage non-Legendary items the same way.
Portrait Frames[]
Portrait Frames are visual elements in Diablo III that show in the user interface around a character's portrait, appearing to themselves and party members. Many portraits are granted for reaching various Paragon levels, and many Seasons each introduced a new series of portraits unlocked with each stage of Season Journey progression. Some portraits are also granted for special events, achievements, or purchases. Portraits are selected via the Wardrobe or Collection screen.
Pennants[]
Pennants are large banner-like devices mounted on a character's back. They can be collected in Diablo III and equipped via the Wardrobe or Collection screen. Only one pennant can be used at a time per character. Several types of pennants can be earned:
- Ascendant Pennants - earned for completing all of a class's Set Dungeons
- Mastery Pennants - earned for mastering all of a class's Set Dungeons
- Seasonal Pennants - earned for reaching Chapter IV in each Season Journey
- Harvest - drops from Graw the Herald, a rare Unique Monster
- Outside of game: BlizzCon 2015 Pennant (for attending BlizzCon 2015), Blood Master Pennant (for purchasing Diablo III: Rise of the Necromancer), Grimpola Warsong (for purchasing World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor special editions), and Heroes of the Storm Pennant (for playing Heroes of the Storm)
Cosmetic Sets[]
Cosmetic Sets are Diablo Immortal collectible appearances that provide a complete look for a character without being attached to specific items they are actually equipping for combat reasons. Each Battle Pass has associated Cosmetic Sets, while other Sets are available for purchase or can be earned in other ways.
Miscellaneous[]
Players who participated in the Diablo IV beta could unlock a Beta Wolf Pup Pack, a wolf pup carried in a sling on a character's back. It does not run around or perform any functions like typical cosmetic pets.