Season 20 begins with patch 2.6.8 in Diablo 3. It features 3 new sets for Wizard, Witch Doctor, and Barbarian – These were modified based on PTR feedback.
What are these sets? Diablo 3 is providing a round of new sets for all its classes. In the latest patch, version 2.6.8, three new sets are being introduced.
- Mundunugu’s Ornat for the Witch Doctor
- The Typhon’s Veil for the Wizard
- Horde of the Ninety Savages for the Barbarian
Shortly before the start of Season 20 in Diablo 3, Blizzard made some last-minute adjustments to the sets.
The sets have been changed based on feedback
Where was the feedback? Patch 2.6.8 was tested on the Diablo 3 PTR servers for about 2 weeks before it made its way to the live servers.
The PTR servers are intended for thorough testing of new updates with the help of players, to exclude significant bugs or balancing issues before the update is officially released for everyone.
What has changed? Blizzard had to make significant adjustments to the Wizard, Witch Doctor, and Barbarian classes. Some modifications to the new sets or other relevant items were made for the live servers.
Witch Doctor – Mundunugu’s Ornat
Spirit Barrage with Phantasm: The plan was for this attack to attack twice as slowly, but it would be twice as powerful. However, Blizzard had to revert the changes due to resulting bugs.
Mundunugu’s Ornat: For the new set, Blizzard is adjusting the 6-piece bonus. It became too powerful with game progression at some point. The compromise now is that it remains strong even with less gear, but its scaling loses some efficiency.
Now: Spirit Barrage deals 20,000% increased damage and additionally deals damage equal to five times your mana regeneration per second.
This is what the new set can do:
- Set bonus 2 pieces: Big Bad Voodoo follows you now and lasts twice as long.
- Set bonus 4 pieces: When you enter the Spirit Realm, your damage taken is reduced by 60% for 30 seconds.
- Set bonus 6 pieces: Spirit Barrage deals 20,000% increased damage plus additional damage equal to five times your mana regeneration per second.
Wizard – The Typhon’s Veil
The Typhon’s Veil: The damage bonus of the new set should now focus more on the 6-piece bonus than on accompanying gear.
Now: Hydras deal 1,300% increased damage per living Hydra head.
This is what the new set can do:
- Set bonus 2 pieces: Doubles the duration of Hydras and increases the number of heads on multi-headed Hydras by 2.
- Set bonus 4 pieces: Damage taken is reduced by 8% for each living Hydra head, as long as one is available. Each time you take damage, a Hydra head dies. Heads cannot die more than once every 2 seconds.
- Set bonus 6 pieces: Hydras deal 1,300% increased damage per living Hydra head.
Serpent’s Sparker deals less additional damage than planned. From 450% – 600% to now 250% to 300%.
The Magistrate also provides less additional damage than planned. From 450% to 600% now 250% to 300%.
Barbarian – Horde of the Ninety Savages
Horde of the Ninety Savages: In this set, players claimed that the fear mechanic did not fit well into the playstyle. Thus, Blizzard added stuns to the 2-piece bonus. However, the fear and freeze mechanics remain in the game to not hinder players’ experimenting.
Now: Set bonus (2 pieces): Doubles the effectiveness of all shouts. Enemies struck with fear, freeze, or stun take double damage.
This is what the new set can do:
- Set bonus 2 pieces: Doubles the effectiveness of all shouts. Enemies struck with fear, freeze, or stun take double damage.
- Set bonus 4 pieces: Each stack of Frenzy reduces the damage you take by 6%. Frenzy lasts twice as long.
- Set bonus 6 pieces: Frenzy deals 1,000% increased damage per stack.
Now the sets are being actively tested in the off-season to gauge their strength. In a few days, we will present a tier list with the strongest classes and builds of Season 20 here at MeinMMO.
Have you already tried the new sets from Season 20? Which one will you play?
