The new patch 2.6.1 for Diablo 3 is active on the PTR. Unlike the update before Season 11, Blizzard is implementing extensive adjustments to all classes. Read here for an overview of the biggest changes.
Season 11 is still ongoing, but Blizzard is already planning the next wave of balance changes. Those who thought that the new Necromancer would be nerfed will be surprised.
Because the popular Necromancer is actually being made even stronger, although not to the extent of other classes. Instead of nerfing the Necromancer as many expected, the other classes are being buffed to stand on equal footing with the Necro.
The current patch notes for 2.6.1 are not final and may change at any time. Insights gained during the test phase can thus affect the final balancing.
When the patch will actually be released in the live game is still unclear, but it is highly likely to become a topic only after Season 11 in October.
General Changes
The drop rate for various legendary and set items has been increased. Blizzard does not provide an exact percentage.
Many legendary equipment items have also been extensively revised. Thus, the damage output of many items increases massively.
Unfortunately, changes to damage values will only be adopted immediately for set items. Legendary items with new values must be found again. This is frustrating for LoN builds (Legacy of Nightmare) that specifically target well-rolled legendary items.
In addition, bonuses on certain skills that were previously found separately on equipment items are now integrated into the legendary property. This enables even more options for Kanai’s Cube. This change particularly benefits the Barbarian, who can now utilize many damage bonuses through the legendary properties of the equipment and the cube.
Class Changes in 2.6.1
Necromancer: The Necromancer’s Bone Armor can now also be activated while moving and no longer costs essence.
Furthermore, the Necromancer is now perfectly suited for speed farming. The increase in movement speed after activating Bloodpath is now 75-100% with Steuart’s Greaves, lasting a full 10 seconds (previously 2).
The overview and handling of skeletons and skeletal mages have also been significantly improved.
Barbarian: The Barbarian was long considered the weakest class in Diablo 3. With the new patch, this class is massively buffed across all sets. The Earth set has been raised from 1,200% to 3,000%. The Wrath of the Wastes set is also becoming significantly more powerful. The Whirlwind damage is increased by 800% to then 1,700%.
Divers legendary equipment items have also been strengthened in terms of damage values. Barbarian fans will welcome these changes. The Barbarian will probably not become the best class in the game, but he will not fall off so noticeably anymore.
Crusader: The Crusader does not experience significant changes with patch 2.6.1, but is reinforced particularly in the popular builds.
Other classes will also see improvements across the board. Many sets that previously did not belong to the meta will be adjusted. You can find details about all the changes in the current patch notes for 2.6.1.
What do you think about the changes? Will you give the Barbarian another chance after the patch? Let us know in the comments!
Interesting: Learn all about the currently strongest builds for Season 11 in Diablo 3.
