News

D2R Patch 2.4 – Final Patch Notes

Last Updated:May 23, 2023

Blizzard has announced the final patch notes for the upcoming patch 2.4 in Diablo 2 Resurrected. Their news post includes additional details on the Ladder Season Start, including the "Infernal Race".

Ladder Season 1 Details

Ladder Start Times

As announced previously, Ladder Season 1 will start on April 28th (29th for Europe and Asia). As Diablo 2 Resurrected allows for cross play between the regions Americas, Europe, and Asia, the Ladder starts at the same time for everyone. Taking into account the different time zones of course...

Americas	Europe	Asia
April 28 at 5PM PDT	April 29 at 2AM CEST	April 29 at 9AM KST

Ladder Setup

The ladder is split up into 4 sections that we know from Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction.

Version		Description
Classic Ladder		The normal version of Ladder play that encompasses playing with four acts.
Hardcore Classic Ladder		The hardcore (only 1 life) version of Ladder play that encompasses playing with four acts.
Expansion Ladder		The normal version of Ladder play that encompasses playing five acts, as it includes the “Lord of Destruction” expansion content.
Hardcore Expansion Ladder		The hardcore (only 1 life) version of Ladder play that encompasses playing five acts, as it includes the “Lord of Destruction” expansion content.

At the end of the Ladder, all Characters will be transferred to Non-Ladder.

The Infernal Race - Ladder Showcase

Ladder Season 1 starts with a race to celebrate the first ever Ladder in Diablo 2 Resurrected. MacroBioBoi and BTNeandertha1 from the Maxroll team will be covering this event on the official English Diablo stream. Apart from this, no further details were included. We probably get more information as the Ladder start comes closer.

Final Patch 2.4 Notes

Patch 2.4 brings the biggest changes to Diablo 2 since Patch 1.13c which was released on 23rd March 2010. We list every change in the following sections, highlighting important changes since the latest version of the PTR (Public Test Realm).

Class Balance Changes

Patch 2.4 sees massive balance changes to every single class in Diablo 2. Since the PTR, some changes have been implemented with more or less impact. All of them are marked in red color for everyone that is familiar with the latest PTR patch. The biggest of them happened on the Barbarian and Paladin!

Assassin

Javelin and Spear

Passive and Magic

Bow and Crossbow

Impale:

This skill is now an uninterruptible attack
Attack Rating modification has been removed, now this skill will always hit the target
This skill now slows the target by a percentage for a duration
Animation speed increased by 30%

Fend:

Attack Speed increased by 100% (Reduced the rollback frames value between each attack)

Power Strike:

Removed synergy from Lightning Fury skill
Lightning Bolt synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Charged Strike synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Lightning Strike synergy increased from +10% to +14%

Charged Strike:

Removed synergy from Lightning Fury skill
Power Strike synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Lightning Bolt synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Lightning Strike synergy increased from +10% to +14%

Lightning Strike:

Removed synergy from Lightning Fury skill
Power Strike synergy increased from +8% to +11%
Lightning Bolt synergy increased from +8% to +11%
Charged Strike synergy increased from +8% to +11%

Poison Javelin:

This skill’s damage scaling at high levels has been slightly adjusted
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Plague Javelin:

Plague Javelin poison duration and damage has been adjusted. This should net out to a 20% damage-per-second increase at level 1 and up to a 33% damage-per-second increase at max level
Poison Javelin synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Casting Delay reduced from 4 seconds to 1 second
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Inner Sight:

This skill’s radius has increased by 35%

Slow Missiles:

Missile slow now scales instead of staying at a flat base of 33%
This skill’s radius has increased by 35%
This skill will now reduce enemy missile damage based on skill level

Valkyrie:

Casting Delay reduced from 6 seconds to 0.6 seconds
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Dodge:

The animation can now be interrupted and will no longer lock out the Amazon from performing other actions

Avoid:

The animation can now be interrupted and will no longer lock out the Amazon from performing other actions

Freezing Arrow:

Mana Cost per level reduced from +0.5 to +0.25

Magic Arrow:

Increased the amount of Physical Damage converted to Magic Damage for the base level and per level

Multiple Shot:

Added synergy from Guided Arrow: +12% Physical Damage per level

Guided Arrow:

Damage bonus per level increased from +5% to +7%
Added synergy from Multiple Shot: +12% Physical Damage per level

Strafe:

Removed the 25% weapon damage reduction from this skill
Now also gives increased Attack Rating with +30% baseline and +9% per level
Added Synergy from Multiple Shot: +5% Physical Damage per level
Added Synergy from Guided Arrow: +10% Physical Damage per level

Fire Arrow:

Mana Cost no longer increases per level

Exploding Arrow:

Damage scaling increased by about 50% for higher skill levels
Fire Arrow synergy increased from +12% to +14%
Mana Cost per level reduced from +0.5 to +0.25

Immolation Arrow:

Average Fire Damage per second scaling increased by about 100%
Cooldown reduced by 40%
Mana Cost per level reduced from +0.5 to +0.25
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Martial Arts

Shadow Disciplines

Traps

Fist of Fire:

Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level

Claws of Thunder:

Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level

Blades of Ice:

Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level

Tiger Strike:

Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level

Cobra Strike:

Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level

Phoenix Strike:

Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level

Dragon Talon:

Now consumes only 1 of each Martial Arts charge when cast
Now always hits the target only if the Assassin has any Martial Arts charges

Dragon Claw:

Now consumes only 1 of each Martial Arts charge when cast
Now always hits the target only if the Assassin has any Martial Arts charges
Damage bonus per level increased from 5% to 15%

Dragon Tail:

Now consumes only 1 of each Martial Arts charge when cast
Now always hits the target only if the Assassin has any Martial Arts charges
Damage bonus per level increased from 10% to 20%

Dragon Flight:

Now consumes only 1 of each Martial Arts charge when cast
Now guarantee hits the target only if the Assassin has any Martial Arts charges
Casting Delay removed
Damage bonus per level increased from 25% to 35%

Fade:

Tooltip updated to now show the physical damage resist reduction

Venom:

Buff Duration scaling per level changed from 4 seconds to 12 seconds (matching Burst of Speed and Fade)

Shadow Warrior:

Casting Delay reduced from 6 seconds to 0.6 seconds
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Shadow Master:

Casting Delay reduced from 6 seconds to 0.6 seconds
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Shock Web:

Removed synergy from Death Sentry skill
Charged Bolt Sentry synergy increased from +11% to +17%
Lightning Sentry synergy increased from +11% to +17%
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Charged Bolt Sentry:

Removed synergy from Death Sentry skill
Fire Blast synergy increased from +6% to +9%
Lightning Sentry synergy increased from +6% to +9%

Lightning Sentry:

Removed synergy from Death Sentry skill
[d2planner-skill]Shock Web synergy increased from +12% to +18%
Charged Bolt Sentry synergy increased from +12% to +18%

Fire Blast:

Removed synergy from Death Sentry skill
Shock Web synergy increased from +9% to +11%
Charged Bolt Sentry synergy increased from +9% to +11%
Wake of Fire synergy increased from +9% to +11%
Lightning Sentry synergy increased from +9% to +11%
Wake of Inferno synergy increased from +9% to +11%

Wake of Fire:

Fire Blast synergy increased from +8% to +10%
Wake of Inferno synergy increased from +8% to +10%

Wake of Inferno:

Removed synergy from Death Sentry
Fire Blast synergy increased from +10% to +18%
Wake of Fire synergy increased from +7% to +18%
Added yards calculation to the Wake of Inferno tooltip

Blade Sentinel:

Casting Delay reduced from 2 seconds to 1 second
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay
Missile speed increased by 20%
Weapon Damage increased from 37% to 75%
Blade Fury synergy added: +10% Damage per level
Blade Shield synergy added: +10% Damage per level

Blade Fury:

Blade Sentinel synergy added: +10% Damage per level
Blade Shield synergy added: +10% Damage per level
Attack rating increased by 10% per level

Blade Shield:

Duration baseline value increased from 20 seconds to 120 seconds (matching Burst of Speed and Fade)
Duration scaling per level increased from 5 seconds to 12 seconds (matching Burst of Speed and Fade)
Weapon Damage increased from 25% to 75%
Blade Sentinel synergy added: +10% Damage per level
Blade Fury synergy added: +10% Damage per level
Tooltip updated to now display Radius

Warcries

Combat Masteries

Combat

Howl:

Tooltip updated to now display Radius

Battle Cry:

Tooltip updated to now display Radius

War Cry:

Damage increased by about 30%
Tooltip updated to now display Radius
War Cry's mana cost now increases by only 0.75 per level instead of 1

Shout:

Duration baseline increased from 20 seconds to 30 seconds (matching Battle Orders)
Tooltip updated to now display Radius

Battle Orders:

Tooltip updated to now display Radius

Battle Command:

Duration baseline increased from 5 seconds to 30 seconds (matching Battle Orders)
Tooltip updated to now display Radius

Grim Ward:

Radius baseline value increased
Now also Slows and increases Damage Taken for nearby enemies.
Find Potion synergy added: +5% Damage Taken per level

Sword Mastery:

Renamed to Blade Mastery
Now affects daggers in addition to swords
Increased base attack rating bonus to 40% (from 28%)

Axe Mastery:

Increased base attack rating bonus to 40% (from 28%)

Mace Mastery:

Increased base attack rating bonus to 40% (from 28%)

Polearm Mastery:

Increased base attack rating bonus to 40% (from 28%)

Spear Mastery:

Increased base attack rating bonus to 40% (from 28%)

Throwing Mastery:

Increased base attack rating bonus to 44% (from 30%)
Added chance to not consume quantity per level up to 55% chance at level 20
Critical strikes with throwing weapons now replenish quantity
Added chance to pierce

Whirlwind:

When targeting an enemy with Whirlwind, the Barbarian will move to the initial position of the enemy - it will not track them as they move
Whirlwind will be performed even when targeting adjacent enemies (previosuly performed a basic attack instead)

Leap:

Baseline minimum distance increased
Speed of the leap motion increased by 75%
Leap now has a minimum jump height and duration
Tooltip updated to now display Knockback Radius

Leap Attack:

Speed of the leap motion increased by 75%
Leap attack now has a minimum jump height and duration
Damage baseline increased from 100% to 200%
Attack Rating baseline increased from 50% to 100%
Attack Rating per level increased from 15% to 20%
The Barbarian now deals extra Physical Damage to surrounding enemies within a range of 4.6 yards when landing from a Leap Attack. Damage scales per level – increased scaling compared to the PTR implementation
Leap synergy bonus applies to the AoE damage in addition to the attack
Increased mana cost of Leap Attack from 9 to 10
Leap Attack will be performed even when targeting adjacent enemies (used to perform a basic attack)

Berserk:

Shout synergy replaced with Battle Orders

Double Throw:

Added damage bonus with 16% baseline and 8% damage increase per level

Frenzy:

Increased Stamina synergy added: +0.4 Seconds per Level

Elemental

Shape Shifting

Summoning

Firestorm:

Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Molten Boulder:

Missile speed increased by 100%. Missile range decreased by 50% (The overall travel length remains the same)
Casting Delay reduced from 2 seconds to 1 second
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay
Volcano synergy increased from 10% to 12%

Fissure:

Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Volcano:

Molten Boulder synergy increased from 12% to 16%
Tooltip updated to now show Volcano duration
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Armageddon:

Casting Delay has been removed for this skill
Physical Damage significantly increased
Tooltip updated to now display Physical Damage
Volcano synergy changed to increase Physical Damage instead of Fire Damage, and increased from 14% to 18%
Removed the Hurricane skill requirement
Increased the missile damage radius by 33% (from 3 to 4)
Increased the missile drop rate by about 30% (from ~3 per second to ~4)

Arctic Blast:

Removed synergy from Hurricane
Base damage and level scaling increased by ~100% (also to compensate for the incorrect damage calculation in the past)
Controls are updated so that the skill now casts in free form and no longer locks onto one target at a time

Cyclone Armor:

Can now be cast while in Werewolf or Werebear form

Twister:

Damage scaling increased by 50%
Arctic Blast synergy added: +20% Stun Duration per level

Hurricane:

Casting Delay removed
Can now be cast while in Werewolf or Werebear form

Werewolf:

Werewolf now only uses the new attack speed calculation that was originally introduced in the PTR
Raised Werewolf attack speed cap from +75% to +150%
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Rabies:

Attack Rating bonus increased from +7% to +10% per level
Poison Creeper synergy increased from 18% to 20%

Fury:

Attack Rating bonus increased from +7% to +10% per level
Attack Speed increased by 40% (Reduced the rollback frames value between each attack)

Werebear:

Werebear now only uses the new attack speed calculation that was originally introduced in the PTR
Raised Werebear attack speed cap from +75% to +150%
Damage bonus per level increased from 8% to 15%
Base defense value increased from 25% to 40%
Defense bonus per level increased from 6% to 10%
Cannot be interrupted while performing attacks or skills
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Maul:

Now grants +3% attack speed per charge
Damage bonus per level increased from 20% to 30%
Attack Rating bonus increased from +20% to +40% baseline, and +10% to +15% per level
Tooltip Stun value will now properly cap at 10 seconds, which follows the core game's Stun duration cap

Shock Wave:

Maul synergy increased from 5% to 10%

Fire Claws:

Damage increased by 75%
Removed synergy from Fissure
Removed synergy from Volcano

General:

Druids can now have spirit wolves, dire wolves, and bears all summoned at the same time

Oak Sage:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Physical Damage Resist in Normal Difficulty increased from 0% to 25%
Physical Damage Resist in Nightmare Difficulty reduced from 100% to 25%
Physical Damage Resist in Hell Difficulty increased from 0% to 25%

Heart of the Wolverine:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Physical Damage Resist in Normal Difficulty increased from 0% to 25%
Physical Damage Resist in Nightmare Difficulty reduced from 100% to 25%
Physical Damage Resist in Hell Difficulty increased from 0% to 25%

Spirit of Barbs:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Aura no longer returns a percentage of damage when hit. Now the aura will deal a flat amount of damage when the aura-effected targets are attacked.
Physical Damage Resist in Normal Difficulty increased from 0% to 25%
Physical Damage Resist in Nightmare Difficulty reduced from 100% to 25%
Physical Damage Resist in Hell Difficulty increased from 0% to 25%

Raven:

Attack Rating bonus per level increased from 15% to 30% (now also displays in the tooltip)
Modified the AI so that the Ravens attack more often
Damage level scaling significantly increased
Summon Spirit Wolf synergy added: +12% Damage per level
Summon Dire Wolf synergy added: +12% Damage per level
Summon Grizzly synergy added: +12% Damage per level

Summon Spirit Wolf:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Attacks now deal cold damage and chill for a duration (Provides utility with chilling and acts as an alternative damage type compared to Dire Wolves)
Damage level scaling increased by 10%
Base Life increased by about 80%
Life now increases by 10% per level
Updated the tooltip to display each synergy bonus value

Summon Dire Wolf:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Damage level scaling increased by 30%
Base Life increased by about 90%
Life synergy reduced from 25% to 15% (This is because the base life was increased, and Spirit Wolf and Grizzly now gain Life per level)
Updated the tooltip to display each synergy bonus value

summon grizzly:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Base Life increased by ~15%
Life now increases by 10% per level
Updated the tooltip to display each synergy bonus value

poison creeper:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Poison damage level scaling significantly increased
Life scaling increased by 100%
Rabies synergy added: +10% Poison Damage per level

carrion vine:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Life recovery has been reworked to be +1% Healing per level, instead of using a diminishing calculation ranging from 3%-12%

solar creeper:

Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Mana recovery has been reworked to be +3% Mana baseline with +1% Mana per level, instead of using a diminishing calculation ranging from 1%-8%

Defensive Auras

Offensive Auras

Combat

Resist Fire:

Tooltip now displays max resist bonus

Resist Cold:

Tooltip now displays max resist bonus

Resist Lightning:

Tooltip now displays max resist bonus

Blessed Aim:

Tooltip now displays passive Attack Rating bonus

Holy Fire:

Damage scales based on distance to the caster. Aura will deal double damage at melee range and linearly scale to normal damage at maximum range
Tooltip: The maximum Area Damage values now incorporate the maximum proximity damage bonus
Resist Fire synergy increased from 18 to 21%
Damage level scaling increased to 70%
Salvation synergy increased from 6% to 10%

Holy Freeze:

Damage scales based on distance to the caster. Aura will deal double damage at melee range and linearly scale to normal damage at maximum range
Tooltip: The maximum Area Damage values now incorporate the maximum proximity damage bonus

Holy Shock:

Damage scales based on distance to the caster. Aura will deal double damage at melee range and linearly scale to normal damage at maximum range
Tooltip: The maximum Area Damage values now incorporate the maximum proximity damage bonus

Sanctuary:

Damage scales based on distance to the caster. Aura will deal double damage at melee range and linearly scale to normal damage at maximum range
Tooltip: The maximum Area Damage values now incorporate the maximum proximity damage bonus

Thorns:

Now deals a flat amount of damage when attacked in addition to returning a percentage of damage taken to the enemy when hit

Sacrifice:

Damage to self now reduces per level, from 8% to 8%-1%

Conversion:

Maximum conversion chance increased from 50% to 90%

Smite:

Tooltip now shows that the skill always hits

Holy Bolt:

Now damages Demons in addition to Undead
Removed synergy Blessed Hammer
Damage increased by 50%
Now pierces targets (Friendly and Hostile)
Prayer synergy increased from 15% to 20%

Fist of the Heavens:

Now damages Demons in addition to Undead
Casting Delay reduced from 1 second to 0.4 seconds
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay
Holy Bolts now pierce targets
No longer forces you to attack when out of mana
Improved targeting functionality for auto acquiring enemies

Cold

Lightning

Fire

Frost Nova:

Damage level scaling increased by about 25%

Blizzard:

Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Frozen Orb:

Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Frozen Armor:

Base duration increased from 120 seconds to 144 seconds

Shiver Armor:

Damage level scaling increased by about 25%
Base duration increased from 120 seconds to 144 seconds

Chilling Armor:

Damage level scaling increased by about 200%
Duration bonus per level increased from 6 seconds to 12 seconds
Chill length bonus per level for level 16+ increased from 1 second to 2 seconds (matching Shiver Armor)
Defense baseline increased from 45% to 60%
Defense bonus per level increased from 5% to 7%
Frozen Armor damage synergy increased from 7% to 9%
Chilling Armor damage synergy increased from 7% to 9%

Nova:

Static Field synergy added: +5% Lightning Damage per level
Nova mana cost reduced. The initial mana cost is now 13 from 15

Thunder Storm:

Static Field synergy added: +7% Lightning Damage per level
Duration baseline increased from 32 seconds to 144 seconds
Duration bonus per level increased from 8 seconds to 24 seconds
Tooltip updated to now display Radius

Energy Shield:

Tooltip updated to display more information about the Mana consumed and the Telekinesis synergy

Inferno:

Base damage and level scaling increased by about 75% (also to compensate for the incorrect damage calculation in the past)
Warmth synergy increased from 13% to 16%
Controls are updated so that the skill now casts in free form and no longer locks onto one target at a time
Mana Cost baseline reduced from 7 Mana per second to 4 Mana per second
Range baseline increased by 75%

Blaze:

Damage scaling increased by about 60%
Warmth synergy increased from 4% to 6%
Removed synergy from Fire Wall
Now also increases Run/Walk Speed by 2% per level
Tooltip now also displays Blaze duration

Fire Wall:

Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Meteor:

Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay

Hydra:

You can now spawn multiple Hydras on controller when holding the button down
Casting delay removed
Limited max number of Hydra groups to 6

Uber Diablo Changes

The World Event aka Uber Diablo mechanics have been changed in accordance to the latest PTR version. When progress is made by selling the stone of jordan (SOJ) to a vendor, every game in the region receives a message. Enter "/uberdiablo" to check the current progress of the next spawn. Each game mode on Multiplayer has its own counter for the event. This means you can't sell SOJ's to a vendor in Softcore and spawn him on Hardcore.

Mercenary Changes

The Mercenaries get changes in the attempt to bring them closer together.

Act 1 - Rogue Archer

Updated each stat/skill gains in each difficulty to match so that there is no disadvantage of leveling up a Hell difficulty mercenary versus a Normal difficulty mercenary
Can now use Amazon Bows
Can now gain + Amazon skill bonuses from gear

Cold version:

Added freezing arrow

Fire version:

Added exploding arrow

Act 2 - Desert Mercenary

Updated each stat/skill gains in each difficulty to match so that there is no disadvantage of leveling up a Hell difficulty mercenary versus a Normal difficulty mercenary
Nightmare and Hell difficulty now have all 6 different aura types available from the Hire menu, instead of separating them out by 3 per difficulty. Normal is unchanged

Thorns (Nightmare / Hell):

Thorns aura level scaling increased and will now continue scaling up beyond the highest-level threshold up to max level

Act 3 - Iron Wolf

Updated each stat/skill gains in each difficulty to match so that there is no disadvantage of leveling up a Hell difficulty mercenary versus a Normal difficulty mercenary
Life baseline scaling increased
Resistance baseline scaling increased (Now has the most Resistance compared to other mercenaries)
Defense baseline and scaling increased and the scaling at higher levels was reduced

Cold

Now casts Glacial Spike more often
Glacial Spike level scaling increased
Swapped Frozen Armor for Chilling Armor

Fire

Removed Inferno
Added Fire Bolt
Increased chance of the Iron Wolf casting Fire Ball
Added Enchant - Now the Iron Wolf will cast Enchant on himself, the player, and nearby allies

Lightning

Added Static Field
Charged Bolt level scaling increased
Increased chance of the Iron Wolf casting Lightning

Act 5 - Barbarian Warrior

Can now gain + Barbarian skill bonuses from gear
Updated each stat/skill gains in each difficulty to match so that there is no disadvantage of leveling up a Hell difficulty mercenary versus a Normal difficulty mercenary
Life baseline scaling increased (Now has the most life compared to other mercenaries)
Defense baseline and scaling increased and the scaling at higher levels was reduced (Now has the highest defense baseline compared to other mercenaries)

Dual Wielding

A new ferocious Barbarian is available for hire from Qual-Kehk. These warriors cannot use two-handed swords, but are well-trained in the art of dual wielding. Utilizing the Frenzy, Taunt, and Iron Skin abilities, they lure enemies in and unleash a fierce barrage of attacks

Two-handed

Bash level scaling increased and will no longer be capped at level 80
Stun level scaling increased and will no longer be capped at level 80
Added Battle Cry

Runeword Changes

Runewords are a massive part of Diablo 2's itemization. In Patch 2.4 we'll receive a some changes to already existing Runewords. 7 NEW Runewords are introduced to the game for players to explore!

Insight can be used with Bows and Crossbows
Infinity can now be used by Spears and Amazon Spears
Obedience can now be used by Spears and Amazon Spears
Pride can now be used by Spears and Amazon Spears

Pattern

(Claws Only)

Stats
'TalOrtThul' Required Level: 23 +30% Faster Block Rate 10% Bonus to Attack Rating +40-80% Enhanced Damage Adds 17-62 Fire Damage Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage Adds 3-14 Cold Damage +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds All Resistances +15 +6 to Strength +6 to Dexterity +2 to Mana after each Kill Socketed (3)

Plague

(Claws, Daggers, Swords)

Stats
'ChamShaelUm' Required Level: 67 25% Chance to Cast Level 15 Poison Nova on striking 20% Chance to Cast Level 12 Lower Resist when struck Level 13-17 Cleansing Aura when equipped +1-2 to All Skills +20% Increased Attack Speed +220-320% Enhanced Damage -23% to Enemy Poison Resistance +0.3% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level) 25% Chance of Open Wounds Freezes Target +3 Socketed (3)

Unbending Will

(Swords)

Stats
'FalIoIthEldElHel' Required Level: 41 18% Chance to cast Level 18 Taunt on striking +3 To Combat Skills (Barbarian Only) +20-30% Increased Attack Speed (varies) +300-350% Enhanced Damage +9 To Maximum Damage +50 To Attack Rating +75% Damage to Undead +50 Attack Rating Against Undead 8-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Prevent Monster Heal +10 To Strength +10 To Vitality Damage Reduced By 8 +1 Light Radius Requirements -20% Socketed (6)

Wisdom

(Helms)

Stats
'PulIthEld' Required Level: 45 +33% Piercing Attack +15-25% Bonus to Attack Rating 4-8% Mana Stolen Per Hit +30% Enhanced Defense +10 Energy 15% Slower Stamina Drain Cannot Be Frozen +5 Mana After Each Kill 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana Socketed (3)

Obsession

(Staves)

Stats
'ZodIstLemLumIoNef' Required Level: 69 Indestructible 24% Chance to cast level 10 Weaken when struck +4 To All Skills +65% Faster Cast Rate +60% Faster Hit Recovery Knockback +10 to Vitality +10 to Energy Increase Maximum Life 15-25% Regenerate Mana 15-30% All Resistances +60-70 75% Extra Gold from Monsters 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Socketed (6)

Flickering Flame

(Helms)

Stats
'NefPulVex' Required Level: 55 Level 4-8 ResistFire Aura When Equipped +3 To Fire Skills -10-15% to Enemy Fire Resistance +30% Enhanced Defense +30 Defense Vs. Missile +50-75 to Mana Half Freeze Duration +5% To Maximum Fire Resist Poison Length Reduced by 50% Socketed (3)

Mist

(Bows & Crossbows)

Stats
'ChamShaelGulThulIth' Required Level: 67 Level 8-12 Concentration Aura When Equipped +3 To All Skills 20% Increased Attack Speed +100% Piercing Attack +325-375% Enhanced Damage +9 To Maximum Damage 20% Bonus to Attack Rating Adds 3-14 Cold Damage Freeze Target +3 +24 Vitality All Resistances +40 Socketed (5)

Set Item Changes

Some Set Items receive a change of their bonuses:

Arcanna's Tricks

Arctic Gear

Bul-Kathos' Children

Cathan's Traps

Civerb's Vestments

Cow King's Leathers

Infernal Tools

Iratha's Finery

Milabrega's Regalia

Naj's Ancient Vestige

Sazabi's Grand Tribute

Vidala's Rig

New Horadric Cube Recipes

Players can upgrade their Normal and Exceptional Set Items to the next item tier using the Horadric Cube. This will bring some item variety to end game builds.

Recipe	Result
1 Ral Rune + 1 Sol Rune + 1 Perfect Emerald + Normal Set Weapon	Exceptional Version of Set Weapon
1 Lum Rune + 1 Pul Rune + 1 Perfect Emerald + Exceptional Set Weapon	Elite Version of Set Weapon
1 Tal Rune + 1 Shael Rune + 1 Perfect Diamond + Normal Set Armor	Exceptional Version of Set Armor
1 Ko Rune + 1 Lem Rune + 1 Perfect Diamond + Exceptional Set Armor	Elite Version of Set Armor

Area Changes

Players now must smash the Compelling Orb to enter the Durance of Hate, instead of killing the Council. This means the Khalim's Will quest needs to be completed to use the Durance of Hate Level 2 Waypoint.
Monster Levels in the following areas have been increased for Hell Difficulty:

Area	Previous Hell Level	New Hell Level
Act 1 – Underground Passage Level 2	83	85
Act 2 – Stony Tomb Level 1	78	85
Act 2 – Stony Tomb Level 2	79	85
Act 3 – Arachnid Lair	79	85
Act 3 – Swampy Pit Level 1	80	85
Act 3 – Swampy Pit Level 2	81	85
Act 3 – Swampy Pit Level 3	82	85
Act 3 – Disused Fane	84	85
Act 3 – Ruined Temple	84	85
Act 3 – Forgotten Reliquary	84	85
Act 3 – Sewer Levels 1	84	85
Act 5 – Abaddon	81	85
Act 5 – Pit of Acheron	82	85
Act 5 – Infernal Pit	83	85
Act 5 – Drifter Cavern	84	85
Act 5 – Icy Cellar	83	85

Maxroll D2R Team

We are excited and can't wait to dive into all of these upcoming changes in Patch 2.4. It adds a lot of variety and increases the playability of currently unused Skills. Our old build guides will be updated in as necessary and new build guides will be added for you very soon! Enjoy this massive patch and feel free to experiment yourself!

The D2R Maxroll Team