Summary of Diablo 4 PTR Details, Season 4 Sneak Peek, & Revamped Itemization - Recap from Campfire Chat

March 20, 2024 9 minutes

Hey there, adventurers! Welcome to another exciting blog post by WowCarry, where we bring you the latest updates and news from the gaming world. Today, we'll be diving into the Diablo 4 PTR Overview Campfire Chat. This event was jam-packed with information about all the exciting content, features, and quality-of-life improvements coming to the Diablo 4 PTR. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the Diablo franchise, there's something here for everyone. So grab a seat by the virtual campfire and let's get started!

What to Expect From the Diablo 4 PTR

The PTR, or Public Test Realm, for Diablo 4 is scheduled to begin on April 2nd and will run through April 9th. During this testing phase, players will have the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the upcoming Season 4 Preview and Itemization rework. It's a chance to provide valuable feedback and help shape the game before its official release.

The Season of the Construct will come to an end when the PTR begins, making way for Season 4, which is set to kick off on May 14th. Keep in mind that this particular PTR is only available to Battlenet users on PC, but future PTRs may become available on other platforms. And don't worry, even if you're starting fresh on the PTR, your characters can be instantly boosted to the maximum level, so you can jump right into the action.

While we don't have the full PTR Patch Notes just yet, they are expected to be released sometime next week, so keep an eye out for those.

Itemization Rework

One of the major changes coming to Diablo 4 with the PTR is a rework of the itemization system. The goal is to provide players with fewer drops overall, but of higher quality. The idea is to allow players to craft and customize their gear to create their ideal set. This shift aims to make the loot system more meaningful and rewarding.

In addition to this, there will also be updates to the base item system. Many unused Affixes will be removed from the game, streamlining the available options. Sacred items will only appear in World Tier 3, while Ancestral items will be exclusive to World Tier 4. This change aims to create a clearer progression path and keep the gear drops relevant to the player's progress.

Moreover, the total number of Affixes on gear will be reduced to make itemization choices more impactful. Legendary and Unique items that are dropped will now be tradeable, adding more flexibility to the player economy.

  • Additional Updates

Now, let's talk about some additional updates that will be coming with the Diablo 4 PTR:

  • Level 95+ enemies will only drop item level 925 gear, making it easier for players to gauge the power of the drops.
  • The Gem system has been simplified, and Gems can now be sold for more gold.
  • Gold costs for Item Enchanting will be capped, allowing players to more effectively manage their resources.
  • Many materials have been consolidated, and Forgotten Souls will have additional sources to obtain them.
  • World Tiers 1 and 2 will see more Unique items dropping, enhancing the loot variety in the early game.
  • Uber Uniques will now have a chance to drop in World Tier 3 from level 55+ enemies, providing players with more challenging encounters and unique rewards.

Next up, we have the Codex of Power, which is receiving some exciting upgrades:

  • All Legendary Aspects can now be found in the Codex of Power, making it a valuable resource for players seeking to enhance their abilities.
  • Salvaging a Legendary item will upgrade the corresponding Aspect in the Codex of Power, increasing its power and potential.
  • Codex of Power's Legendary powers can be upgraded up to 16 times, allowing players to push their characters to new heights of strength.
  • Max-rolled Legendary Aspects will exclusively drop in World Tier 4, providing a rewarding challenge for those seeking the best possible gear.

  • Introducing Tempering

Another new feature making its way to Diablo 4 with the PTR is a crafting system called Tempering:

  • Tempering allows players to add new Affixes to their gear, expanding their customization options and further tailoring their equipment to their playstyle.
  • Tempering Manuals, which contain the knowledge needed to perform this crafting process, will drop from various content in the game and cannot be specifically targeted.
  • Each Manual will offer four possible Affixes, with one randomly applied to a piece of gear, adding a layer of unpredictability to the process.
  • It's important to note that items will have limited Temper Durability, limiting the number of times a Temper can be rerolled.

  • Greater Affixes and Masterworking

The Diablo 4 PTR will also introduce Greater Affixes and a new item upgrading system called Masterworking:

  • Greater Affixes are the most powerful Affix rolls in the game, surpassing previously possible rolls with their 1.5x multiplier.
  • These Greater Affixes can only roll on dropped Legendary or Unique items, adding a layer of rarity and exclusivity to these powerful modifiers.
  • While Greater Affixes can be removed through Enchanting, they cannot be directly crafted onto an item.
  • Masterworking offers players a path to further improve their gear. This system includes 12 ranks, and with every four upgrades, one random Affix will be dramatically boosted.

Class Updates

Each class in Diablo 4 will receive some exciting updates and additions in Season 4:

  • Necromancer and Druid

  • The Necromancer and Druid classes' minions will now inherit 100% of the character's stats, making them much more powerful and formidable.
  • The Book of the Dead, which benefits Minion builds, will receive multiple improvements, providing even more synergy for players focused on summoning and controlling undead hordes.

  • Barbarian

  • Barbarians who wield the Windlasher Aspect will now see more Dust Devils spawn, adding an additional layer of chaos and destruction to their arsenal.

  • Sorcerer

  • Sorcerers will receive a new Unique item that allows their Frozen Orb spell to Conjure a minion, enhancing the versatility and strategic options available to this class.

  • Rogue

  • The Rogue class's Inner Sight Specialization will now have a chance to proc off any enemy, not just elites, and will also provide a 25% Critical Strike Chance, making it a potent tool in the Rogue's arsenal.

Hardcore Updates

For those brave souls venturing into Hardcore mode, there are a few important updates to be aware of:

  • The Elixir of Death Evasion will be permanently removed from the game, removing an aspect that could feel like a cheat death mechanic.
  • Flame Shield, another ability that provided a similar effect, will be reworked to be less of a cheat death mechanic, bringing a more balanced experience to Hardcore players.

Endgame Content

Finally, let's take a look at the exciting updates coming to endgame content:

  • Helltide

  • Helltide events, previously only available in World Tiers 3 and 4, will now be expanded to include World Tiers 1 and 2. These events will bring increased enemy density and offer a threat meter that, when filled, will summon additional enemies for increased challenges and rewards.

  • Boss Ladder

  • A new boss fight against Uber Andariel will be introduced in the Boss Ladder game mode. This challenging encounter will offer the same loot table as Uber Duriel and provide formidable rewards for those brave enough to take it on.
  • In addition to the new boss fight, the Pit will also be introduced as a new endgame content area. This dangerous location is where players can find the Masterworking materials needed for the new crafting system. Beware, as Stygian Stones can drop here, which can be used to summon level 200 Uber bosses, providing the ultimate challenge for high-level players.

Q&A Highlights

During the Diablo 4 PTR Overview Campfire Chat, the developers also answered some burning questions from the community:

  • All items currently found in the Eternal Realm will be flagged as "Legacy Items," meaning they cannot be modified through Tempering and Masterworking.
  • Everything announced during the event, from itemization changes to new systems, will be available in both the Seasonal and Eternal Realms, offering a consistent experience across all game modes.
  • Masterworking will always increase the current value of an Affix's roll, providing a tangible and meaningful improvement to gear.
  • In Season 4, the camera can be zoomed out further, offering a wider field of view for players.

Now, let's address a few additional topics and features:

  • The Armory and loadouts feature are on the development roadmap but were not ready to be announced at this time.
  • Additional Skill Points and Paragon Points are being considered for future expansions, offering players more depth and choice in character progression.
  • Due to the decrease in item drop rates, the addition of a Loot Filter is not currently planned.
  • Gear with Greater Affixes will have a unique icon, making it easier to identify these powerful items.
  • As players delve deeper into The Pit, the item level will remain at 925, but the frequency of drops will increase, providing a strong incentive for high-level players.
  • Players will be able to explore The Pit as a party, allowing for cooperative gameplay and strategic coordination.
  • There are plans for social updates, including a rework of the clan system and player matchmaking. However, these changes will not be implemented during Season 4.
  • Cosmetic portals will no longer be class-locked, giving players more freedom and creativity in customizing their characters' appearance.
  • Currently, there are no plans for new content or balance changes specifically tailored to PvP gameplay.
  • Uniques and Uber Uniques can roll Greater Affixes, providing an additional layer of power and customization to these rare and sought-after items.
  • The Codex of Power will be shared between all characters on the same account and realm type, ensuring that your progress can be utilized across different characters.

Conclusion

That wraps up our overview of the Diablo 4 PTR Campfire Chat. We hope you're as excited as we are about all the upcoming changes and improvements coming to the game. The Diablo franchise has always been known for its thrilling gameplay and deep customization options, and it looks like Diablo 4 will take that to the next level.

If you haven't already, mark your calendars for April 2nd and get ready to embark on a new adventure in the world of Diablo. With the new itemization rework, class updates, and endgame content, there's no shortage of exciting challenges and rewards waiting for you. Stay tuned for more updates and news from WowCarry, your go-to source for all things gaming. Until next time, happy gaming!

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