And just like that, it’s almost time for the full, official launch of one of 2023’s most anticipated games and a personal favourite of mine already, Diablo 4. Ahead of this launch, which is happening tomorrow for those who may have missed it, Blizzard has released the patch notes for version 1.0.2d of the game.
Mainly this update focuses on class balance changes and bug fixes. Still, there are also other changes that Blizzard has begun rolling out courtesy of player feedback leading up to the official release.
For those of you who want to read the complete, comprehensive list of changes, you can find the official release by Blizzard by following the link here. However, if you’re looking for a highlight reel of the most significant changes, I have you covered.
Barbarian
- Challenging Shout – Damage Reduction gained from Skill Ranks reduced from 4% to 2%
- Aspect of the Dire Whirlwind – Increased Critical Strike Chance per second reduced from 5-10% to 3-8%.
Maximum Critical Strike Chance bonus reduced from 20-40% to 9-24%.
Druid
- Obsidian Slam – Kills required for bonus increased from 10 to 20.
- Electric Shock – Damage bonus increased from 5/10/15% to 6/12/18%.
- Crashstone Aspect – Critical Strike Damage reduced from 40-50% to 30-40%.
Necromancer
- Blood Lance – Damage increased from 67.5% to 80%.
- Army of the Dead – Damage increased from 30% to 45%.
Cooldown was reduced from 90 to 70 seconds. - Blood Golem Life – drain damage increased from 40% to 90%.
- Blood Golem Life – drain healing from enemies hit increased from 4% to 5%.
Rogue
- Advanced Twisting Blades – Cooldown reduction per enemy hit reduced from .25 to .1 seconds.
- Advanced Twisting Blades – Maximum Cooldown reduction reduced from 3 to 2 seconds.
- Rapid Fire – Damage increased from 24% to 30%.
- Repeating – Maximum Minion Life lost in a single damage instance reduced from 75/60/45% to 60/45/30%.
Sorcerer
- Arc Lash – Lucky Hit Chance reduced from 30% to 14%.
- Glinting Arc Lash – Cooldown reduction reduced from .25 to .15 seconds.
- Teleport – Shimmering Teleport’s Damage Reduction duration was reduced from 5 to 3 seconds.
Other Changes:
The spawn rate of Treasure Goblins within PvP zones has been significantly reduced.
Fixed an issue where if a Sorcerer uses Deep Freeze and is affected by another effect that would freeze them, it caused them to be permanently stunned.