In Diablo 4, Crafting has long been criticized because much is based on chance. Now Blizzard is reacting and removing RNG from one system, but adding it in another. This causes skepticism among fans.
What do players criticize about Crafting? The crafting system “Tempering” is associated with luck in Diablo 4 – and that has been causing frustration for months. If the desired enhancement fails, the item is considered “bricked” or “destroyed.” While there is the Scroll of Restoration, anyone who fails again quickly loses motivation.
Blizzard wants to address the issue, at least partially. The RNG element is disappearing from Tempering, but you will now only be able to imprint one affix on your items (instead of two). At the same time, a new crafting system based on chance is coming for Season 11.
With Season 10, changes were made to Diablo 4 that are well received by the community. How it will be in Season 11 remains to be seen.
“Sanctification” allows random enchantments
What is this new crafting system? The new crafting system is called “Sanctification.” With Sanctification, you can modify items in a whole new way. This is the final enhancement you make to an item, as it cannot be changed further afterward.
With Sanctification, an item can gain an additional legendary power or an extra affix from a pool of special sanctification affixes. However, it can also happen that an existing affix is replaced by a “holy” affix. In other cases, the item becomes indestructible and no longer loses durability.
Many players feel reminded of the Vaal Orbs from Path of Exile, which also change items in unpredictable ways.
“I don’t want to ruin my Mythics”
This is what players say about the new system: Under our article about the new crafting system in Season 11 of Diablo 4, some readers have shared their opinions. Visterface notes: “So you remove one RNG factor and introduce a new one. Why exactly is this supposed to be better?” Tommy is also not very enthusiastic and believes the system will become “even more frustrating than before” when it becomes essential for strong builds.
Other readers feel similarly, even if they understand that Sanctification is optional. Walez comments: “Sure, but we all know that the last little percent can be crucial for another Pit level.” And Tommy adds: “If I can’t even run Torment 4 without problems and a Pit beyond 110, then for me it is essential, and I think that’s where it will end up.”
That Sanctification apparently works with Uniques and Mythic Uniques is also met with dissatisfaction. Akuma writes: “So aside from the fact that I never see Mythics, I really don’t want to ruin my Uniques with an RNG mechanic.”
Fans feel: The RNG aspect is just shifted
The community is also discussing the Sanctification system on Reddit. For example, andysava writes in a Reddit post: “The randomness seems to be moving to Sanctification now.” And ixent replies: “The problem is: You only have one chance – no reroll. If you get the durability affix, the item is basically destroyed.”
SurturOne agrees and thinks Blizzard should completely remove durability as a mechanic: “I can’t believe they see this as an improvement.” To remind you: Your equipment loses durability when your player characters die. However, you can simply repair the items with gold at the blacksmith.
Finnien1 summarizes it this way:
With Sanctification, you invest all resources, finish your item completely, sanctify it, and hope for luck. If that goes wrong, it’s bricked and all gone. This feels like a massive step back to me. Imagine you have a 4-GA item, fully upgraded, and you simply get durability as a sanctification bonus. These changes do not solve a single problem.
Some players actually wish that the new system stays permanently in the game and not just during Season 11. For example, Classic-Cabinet5149 writes on Reddit: “I hoped for a bit more depth with crafting. Sanctification should, in my opinion, become permanent. I’m tired of seasonal gimmicks not really enhancing the base game.”
Blizzard is therefore not only removing the random element from Tempering but also changing it so that you can now imprint only one affix. However, the Temptation charges can be reset indefinitely. The completion system is also getting a revision. Whether the innovations in Season 11 ultimately bring fresh air or new frustration remains to be seen. What else will change with crafting, progress, and activities, you can find out here – including patch notes for the PTR: Crafting in Diablo 4 drives players to despair – now Blizzard listens to its fans
