What is Control Impaired in Diablo 4?

It’s hard to decipher what certain features mean in Diablo 4 when the game doesn’t explain them for you. Certain things like Item Power Breakpoints and Thorns are confusing enough, especially when it comes to Control Impaired. You may spot this showing up in certain item affixes and buffs, but what does it mean in Diablo 4? Keep on reading to find out.

Diablo 4: Control Impaired explained

Some items in Diablo 4 will have attributes that can affect Control Impaired, but what does this mean? If you look at your character’s stats, you may find something called Control Impaired Duration Reduction. Control Impaired is the duration of Crowd Control effects, which is another mechanic in itself.

What does it mean to be Control Impaired? Well, if you are Chilled, Stunned, Slowed, Immobilized, or more, you are considered Control Impaired. Spells and attacks can create these various effects, and your character can be Control Impaired if an enemy has these abilities.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

If you have gear that reduces your Control Impaired Duration, this means that you aren’t affected by these status effects for too long. You don’t want to be stuck frozen in the middle of a hoard of enemies. It’s important to at least have one item that can reduce your Control Impaired Duration. Sometimes, there are even certain skills in your skill tree that affect this.

For example, if you’re a Barbarian, the Quick Impulses skill reduces the duration of Control effects by a certain percentage. Sadly, Sorcerers and Necromancers don’t have skills connected this, but you can still find gear with affixes pertaining to Control Impaired Duration. Also, there are a few Aspects that can help you out with this. Specifically Crowd Control Aspects, which directly related to the Control Impaired mechanic.

Now that you know everything about Control Impaired effects in Diablo 4, keep an eye out for these affixes or skills when playing.

Diablo 4 is available on Battle.net.