In Diablo 4, the first expansion Vessel of Hatred and Season 6 are coming soon. You could test the changes beforehand on the PTR and read about them in the patch notes. However, Blizzard did not list some of the new features, including significant improvements to game quality.
What changes with Vessel of Hatred?
- You can play a new story section in the Nahantu region in Vessel of Hatred and get a new class with the Spiritborn. Here you can find all information about Vessel of Hatred.
- At the same time, on October 8, Season 6 starts and brings numerous changes to gameplay, including: Rune Words, a revised level and Paragon system, and new difficulty levels.
- From September 4 to 11, Blizzard opened the public test realm (PTR) to test the changes. Players and experts found numerous contents there that were not announced.
These are the secret changes: Most of the major innovations are already listed in the official patch notes for Patch 2.0, which brings Season 6 and the features of Vessel of Hatred into the game.
However, there were additional changes in the PTR:
- There are new cosmetic adjustments for many characters and you can access the wardrobe from anywhere through your character sheet.
- The Glory levels 4 and 5 have been swapped, so you get Paragon points faster – ideal for new players in Vessel of Hatred.
- The costs for gambling have changed; weapons, jewelry, headpieces, and gloves cost more, while other armor and keys cost less.
- The chance of getting unique items from the gambler is apparently higher.
- You can now convert gem fragments into fragments of other colors with the Alchemist.
- Completion now only requires Obsidium. Ingolith and low iron have been removed.
- The duration of buffs is now displayed on mouseover.
- Whispers can now grant large gem and gold chests.
Major changes primarily occurred with the “over-bosses.” Their loot and strength are now determined by the new difficulty levels and there are only the Tormented versions left. Summonings are also easier: You need less material and Stygian stones are completely removed.
Additionally, bosses now count towards the bounties from the Whisper Tree, allowing you to get more loot with no extra effort. There are also small changes like new mounts and revised chests and crates.
The colleagues from Wowhead have compiled all changes in detail. However, there is a small error: Crafted Mythics cannot be equipped at level 1, as Community Manager Adam Fletcher has already clarified. Keep in mind that these are PTR changes and may be altered before release.
Great for leveling alt characters
With a few exceptions, the changes are well-received by players so far. In particular, the changes to Completion have been praised. It is “wonderful” that you no longer have to go through the annoying intermediate step with the Alchemist (via Reddit).
The changes to the bosses are also causing much joy. Easier summonings and, above all, less grind for Stygian stones as well as the ability to defeat bosses as Whispers are said to be “the best change ever.” Getting more loot is something that everyone appreciates.
What is not well received, however, is the removal of the campfire from the character screen. For many players, it is simply part of the charm and reminds them of the time of Diablo 2.
Overall, the changes from Season 6 are currently being viewed rather critically. In testing, it was generally much harder to get good loot, and the completion system punishes with randomness additionally here. Blizzard will likely be making further adjustments and considering feedback from the PTR: The test for the first expansion is over, but many players are dissatisfied with what they have seen so far
