In Diablo 3 there will soon be an update that finally adjusts the balance. Players have been waiting for this for a long time. However, it doesn’t come across as well as hoped.
The Diablo team has now announced the new patch 2.6.4 for the PTR. It includes many changes to items and sets for the various classes. This could bring fresh air into the meta and encourage players to try new sets.
However, for some players, these changes are not enough.
Diablo 3 – A Review
What is happening in Diablo 3 right now? For a long time, there has been relatively little happening for existing players. Every few months a new season starts, which brings a wave of players back to the game. There is some criticism that the seasons are becoming less special and simply repeating themselves.
For this purpose, Blizzard provides variety with season themes. For example, more goblins spawn or double the amount of Horadric cubes drop.
Balance patches are rare. In the last seasons, Blizzard completely forwent them, and players eagerly awaited changes.
With buffs and nerfs to individual items, such patches ensure that the meta changes. Players then have a new set for their favorite class that is now stronger. With the higher damage numbers, they are motivated to try different playstyles.
What is new now? Players had to wait a long time for a balance patch. Update 2.6.4 finally brings buffs.
The new patch 2.6.4 – What does it bring?
What simplifies things for players? Blizzard wants to implement changes in patch 2.6.4 that players have long wished for.
- All characters will receive 5 additional tabs for the stash – A total of 10
- Greater Rift Keystone items will now be stored in the materials tab
- Ancient items will be marked by a red beam when they drop
- On the minimap, you will now recognize ancient items by a red pentagram
- The symbols of ancient items now have a red frame and new background
Changes with portals: Paragon points can no longer be traded while a Greater Nephalem Portal is open.
However, it is now possible to join public games where a Greater Nephalem Portal is already open. If you join later, you will not be able to enter the portal. The difficulty level of the opened portal does not change as a result.
Class Buffs
The numbers for the buffs are all huge but not final yet. For example, the damage of the Barbarian set Raekor (6 pieces) was increased from 2800% to 7000%. The Witch Doctor’s 6-piece bonus from Arachyr was increased from 4500% to 9000%.
Such drastic buffs are seen across many sets.
Additionally, the damage of Litany of the Undaunted is increased from 100% to 500%
However, these numbers will still be adjusted before the patch goes live. You can find the PTR patch notes here on the Diablo 3 website.
Theme for Season 16
In Season 16, players will experience the Season of Grandeur. All Season characters automatically receive the legendary property of the Ring of Royal Grandeur. However, this cannot be stacked with other Grandeur Rings.
Additionally, after completing a Greater Nephalem Portal of level 70 for the first time, you will be guaranteed an ancient legendary item.
This is how the fans react
Players are reacting to the announcement of the new patch with mixed feelings. The frustration from the last BlizzCon is still palpable, where Diablo content was clearly in short supply. There were many comments in the Reddit thread.
- Player ImJayJunior writes: “Honestly. Buffing Litany of the Undaunted would have been a better announcement at BlizzCon.”
- Eshin242 writes: “Patch 2.6.4 – Still a better announcement for BlizzCon than Immortal.”
- Player smuttyjeff writes: “This is just odd”
- “Blizzard is practically showing that no one is working on Diablo 3 anymore. There haven’t been any mechanical changes to any sets. Someone just adjusted the strength of the sets,” writes frupic.
A few voices note that this patch is at least better than nothing. This could make more sets fun and bring more variety to the rankings of Season 16.
What do you think of the new patch and the outlook for Season 16?
