Diablo IV PTR Evaluates Major Core Changes to Itemization, Monster Combat, and Progression Before Season 11 Launch

Blizzard Entertainment Unveils Diablo IV PTR 2.5.0: Key Changes and Features

Blizzard Entertainment has launched a new Public Test Realm (PTR) for Diablo IV, introducing version 2.5.0. This major update is set to implement significant core enhancements ahead of the highly anticipated Season 11. One of the standout features is a comprehensive revamp of monster combat, which aims to increase the game’s difficulty and engagement. The new enemy AI has been designed to present a formidable challenge, incorporating unique combat roles and adaptive tactics, resulting in less group clustering, smarter targeting, and a synergy among stronger affixes. Additionally, players can expect over 20 innovative monster affixes to enhance their experiences.

Revamped Combat System

The introduction of themed Champion packs, along with Elite minions that inherit leader affixes, is designed to enrich the combat experience, encouraging players to strategically approach each encounter.

Item Crafting and Affix Changes

Blizzard has also made substantial adjustments to the Tempering and Masterworking systems to mitigate random number generation (RNG) frustrations. Under the new system, players can now select affixes directly from recipes during Tempering, thereby removing randomness. Each item can only have one tempered affix; however, players can restore Tempering charges infinitely. In the case of Masterworking, the system no longer boosts affix rolls but instead raises item Quality, enhancing base attributes like armor, damage, and resistances. Each Masterwork contributes between two to five Quality levels, up to a maximum of 20. Finally, a “Capstone bonus”upgrade allows players to convert a random affix to a Greater Affix, which can be rerolled without affecting Quality. Furthermore, non-unique items now come equipped with four base affixes instead of three.

Introduction of Sanctification

A notable addition in this update is the new Sanctification feature. Recognizing players’ endeavors against the forces of evil, the Heavens are bestowing a variety of powerful bonuses on adventurers:

Access to bonus Legendary powers
Options to enhance or substitute affixes
Add unique “Sanctification affixes” to items
Grant indestructibility to items

To earn these enhancements, players can utilize Heavenly Anvils or Heavenly Sigils, the latter being exclusive to Torment-tier items. Once an item is Sanctified, it cannot receive any further modifications, making it a decisive final upgrade.

New Gameplay Mechanics and Features

This update introduces the Toughness stat, which quantifies the player’s average defense against various damage types. Healing mechanics are undergoing a necessary transformation as well; players will now be limited to four potions, irrespective of their Renown level. Each potion will provide an instant healing effect of 35% of total HP and will regenerate every 30 seconds. Previously available potion upgrades have been eliminated, as healing now benefits from natural scaling based on character progression. Additionally, the return of the Life on Hit mechanic offers another option for sustaining health during combat.

The Return of the Lesser Evils

In Season 11, classic antagonists known as the Lesser Evils—Duriel, Belial, Andariel, and Azmodan—will re-emerge, each targeting specific endgame modes:

Duriel: Now inhabiting Helltide, he will summon parasitic maggot reinforcements alongside the mode’s iconic meteors.
Belial: His Eyes will randomly materialize in The Pit. Destroying these Eyes stuns nearby foes and summons a pack of Belial apparitions. If several Eyes are eliminated, Belial himself will appear, granting additional Glyph upgrades and rewards upon defeat.
Andariel: Players will encounter her in the Kurast Undercity, where new Undercity Tributes await. Each tribute enhances rewards and ensures that Andariel is the final boss, also incorporating Dungeon affixes on the Undercity run.
Azmodan: This menacing World Boss will roam the Sanctuary open world, able to be summoned using three unique Summoning Altars. Each altar invokes Azmodan with powers derived from the other three Lesser Evils.

Divine Gifts and Seasonal Progression

Players will also receive Divine Gifts from the angel Hadriel during Season 11. These gifts feature three components: a standard reward, a Corrupted Gift, and a Purified Gift. When equipped, the Divine Gift activates the associated reward bonus, enhancing rewards specific to that gift. Corrupted Gifts increase the challenge of related activities but still provide the reward bonus. Conversely, Purified Gifts eliminate negative effects, add positive benefits, and double the rewards received. Corrupted Gift slots unlock automatically, whereas players will need to advance through the Seasonal Reputation board to unlock the Purified Gift slots.

The Tower: A New Competitive Dungeon Challenge

Another exciting feature included in this update is The Tower, a brand-new competitive dungeon challenge. This multi-floor, timed dungeon located in Cerrigar is limited to a 10-minute completion window. Players will face random layouts, affixes, and Pylon buffs across four shrine types. To progress, players must eliminate enemies or collect Orbs to fill a designated progress bar, ultimately triggering boss encounters. Completion times will be recorded on global Leaderboards categorized by:

Solo Classes
Party tiers (2-4 players)
Normal / Hardcore modes
Platform filters
Clan/Friends views

Renown Changes and Future Expectations

Renown will now be a permanent feature solely in the Eternal Realm, while Seasonal progression will transition to a Rank-based system. Advancing in rank requires the completion of a Capstone Dungeon, with rewards including skill points, Paragon points, Smoldering Ashes, and cosmetic items.

Blizzard’s extensive updates aim to rejuvenate interest in Diablo IV, potentially drawing back lapsed players ahead of next year’s anticipated expansion. The success of these changes will soon be measured as players explore the PTR from October 21 to October 28.

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