Patch 2.4 is slated to drastically overhaul the balance of Diablo 2 and welcome us into the first Ladder Season. Blizzard just released the full Patch Notes, a whopping 30 pages of new features! We cover everything you need to know to prepare for the launch in the PTR!
Patch 2.4 will officially launch on the PTR (Public Test Realm) on Tuesday, January 25th 2022. The entire suite of new Runewords, Skill changes, and Horadric Cube recipes are available for us to begin testing and sending feedback. Blizzard states that the focus of the PTR launch is to empower lesser-used Skills and Items to enrich the overall game experience.
There will not be a Ladder season start on the PTR. All characters currently on the server will be wiped and replaced with a new set of Characters for players to test with.
Class Balance Changes
Every Character is seeing massive changes to their lesser-used skills and Synergy reallocation to better promote build diversity. We include every Skill changes, as well as highlighting what Meta Builds will be affected, and what off-meta changes you should be on the lookout for!
The biggest universal change is Skill's with Global Casting Delays (i.e. Cooldowns) are now on individual timers. Previously Skills like Blizzard would apply a Cooldown that would stop you from using frozenorb. This will no longer happen.
From the Developer Comments: "We are re-evaluating Casting Delays by individualizing each of their cooldowns. This means that using a skill with a Casting Delay will no longer add the cooldown to all other skills that have Casting Delays. This will allow players to use more varieties of skills and promote more gameplay." - news.blizzard.com
Amazon
The Amazon is seeing buffs to her Physical Javazon, "melee" skills and certain Bow and Crossbow skills targeted at gameplay in higher difficulties. The pure Physical Jabazon, Poison Javazon, and Lightning Melee Javazon are differentiated with these changes. Both Elemental Bowazons are empowered, and the Physical Bowazon has better utility, while strafe sees a large DPS increase. Lastly, you can no longer become Dodge-Locked, so the Passive Tree is a lot more rewarding to prioritize.
Impacted Builds
Click any Skill below to go to the Build Guide. These will be updated as we test during the PTR.
These Skills will be explored during the PTR and released as new Build Guides if they are strong.
explodingarrow
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
fend
Attack Speed increased by 100% (Reduced the rollback frames value between each attack)
powerstrike
Removed synergy from Lightning Fury skill
Lightning Bolt synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Critical Strike synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Charged Strike synergy increased from +10% to +14%
chargedstrike
Removed synergy from Lightning Fury skill
Power Strike synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Lightning Bolt synergy increased from +10% to +14%
Charged Strike synergy increased from +10% to +14%
lightningstrike
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%
poisonjavelin
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
plaguejavelin
Poison duration is now fixed at 3 seconds
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
innersight
This skill’s radius has increased by 35%
slowmissiles
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
freezingarrow
Mana Cost per level reduced from +0.5 to +0.25
magicarrow
Increased the amount of physical damage converted to magic damage for the base level and per level
guidedarrow
Damage bonus per level increased from +5% to +7%
strafe
Removed the 25% weapon damage reduction from this skill
Now also gives increased Attack Rating with +30% baseline and +9% per level
firearrow
Mana Cost no longer increases per level
explodingarrow
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
immolationarrow
Average Fire Damage per second scaling increased by about 100%
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay
Mana Cost per level reduced from +0.5 to +0.25
Assassin
The Assassin sees a MASSIVE overhaul to the Martial Arts tree, good Quality of Life changes to Shadow Disciplines, and a decoupling of the Trap trees from deathsentry. The Assassin also sees a pseudo teleport because dragonflight no longer has a cooldown!
Impacted Builds
Click any Skill below to go to the Build Guide. These will be updated as we test during the PTR.
These Skills will be explored during the PTR and released as new Build Guides if they are strong.
tigerstrike
phoenixstrike
Martial Arts
Shadow Disciplines
Traps
fistsoffire
Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
clawsofthunder
Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
bladesofice
Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
tigerstrike
Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
cobrastrike
Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
phoenixstrike
Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
dragontalon
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
dragonclaw
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%
dragontail
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%
dragonflight
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)
shadowwarrior
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
shadowmaster
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
shockweb
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
chargedboltsentry
Removed synergy from Death Sentry skill
Fire Blast synergy increased from +6% to +9%
Lightning Sentry synergy increased from +6% to +9%
lightningsentry
Removed synergy from Death Sentry skill
Shock Web synergy increased from +12% to +18%
Charged Bolt Sentry synergy increased from +12% to +18%
fireblast
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 Sentry synergy increased from +9% to +11%
wakeoffire
Fire Blast synergy increased from +8% to +10%
Wake of Inferno synergy increased from +8% to +10%
wakeofinferno
Removed synergy from Death Sentry
Fire Blast synergy increased from +10% to +18%
Wake of Fire synergy increased from +7% to +18%
bladesentinel
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
bladefury
Blade Sentinel synergy added: +10% Damage per level
Blade Shield synergy added: +10% Damage per level
bladeshield
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
Barbarian
The Barbarian is seeing a rework to Combat Skills to promote more synergy point allocation and viability of iconic Skills. For the Throw-Barb enthusiasts, buffs are incoming to throwingmastery and doublethrow. grimward sees a tremendous change in applying a Slow and reducing enemy Physical Damage Reduction!
Impacted Builds
Click any Skill below to go to the Build Guide. These will be updated as we test during the PTR.
These Skills will be explored during the PTR and released as new Build Guides if they are strong.
doublethrow
Warcries
Combat Masteries
Combat
howl
Tooltip updated to now display Radius
battlecry
Tooltip updated to now display Radius
warcry
Damage increased by about 30%
Tooltip updated to now display Radius
shout
Duration baseline increased from 20 seconds to 30 seconds (matching Battle Orders)
Tooltip updated to now display Radius
battleorders
Tooltip updated to now display Radius
battlecommand
Duration baseline increased from 5 seconds to 30 seconds (matching Battle Orders)
Tooltip updated to now display Radius
grimward
Radius baseline value increased
Now also Slows and increases Damage Taken for nearby enemies.
Find Potion synergy added: +5% Damage Taken per level
throwingmastery
Added chance to pierce
leap
Baseline minimum distance increased
Speed of the leap motion increased by 75%
Tooltip updated to now display Knockback Radius
leapattack
Speed of the leap motion increased by 75%
Damage baseline increased from 100% to 200%
Attack Rating baseline increased from 50% to 100%
Attack Rating per level increased from 15% to 20%
Leap synergy increased from +10% to +15% Damage per level
berserk
Shout synergy replaced with Battle Orders
doublethrow
Added damage bonus with 16% baseline and 8% damage increase per level
frenzy
Increased Stamina synergy added: +0.4 Seconds per Level
Druid
The Druid is receiving the most changes and updates, with every Skill tree seeing massive reworks. The Fire Druid will see the most benefits from the changes to Casting Delay, making it highly competitive. Wind Druid gets better Crowd Control function, and Werewolf/Werebear Druid gets better damage and Skill point economy overall. The Summon Druid may also step into the spotlight as a new viable end-game build.
Impacted Builds
Click any Skill below to go to the Build Guide. These will be updated as we test during the PTR.
These Skills will be explored during the PTR and released as new Build Guides if they are strong.
Summons e.g. raven
Maul
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
moltenboulder
Missile speed increased by 100%. Missile range decreased by 100% (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%
arcticblast
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
cyclonearmor
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
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay
Changed how attack speed is determined while transformed as a Werewolf. Attack speeds while transformed should match attack speeds while untransformed (enhanced by the Werewolf's increased attack speed).
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
werebear
Changed how attack speed is determined while transformed as a Werebear. Attack speeds while transformed should match attack speeds while untransformed (enhanced by the Werebear's increased attack speed).
maul
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
shockwave
Maul synergy increased from 5% to 10%
fireclaws
Damage increased by 75%
Removed synergy from Fissure
Removed synergy from Volcano
oaksage
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%
heartofwolverine
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%
spiritofbarbs
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
Number of hits per Raven reduced from 12 to 5, and no longer increases per level
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
summonspiritwolf
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
summondirewolf
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
summongrizzly
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
poisoncreeper
Min Life and Max Life values are averaged to always be the same, accurate to the tooltip
Rabies synergy added: +10% Poison Damage per level
carrionvine
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%
solarcreeper
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%
Necromancer
The Necromancer is already in a good spot power wise. The changes here seem to be targeted in increasing Summon diversity and viability. Bone Necro also sees a small bump in synergies, so they won't fall off so hard in the late game.
Impacted Builds
Click any Skill below to go to the Build Guide. These will be updated as we test during the PTR.
These Skills will be explored during the PTR and released as new Build Guides if they are strong.
Summoner raiseskeletalmage
Summoning
Poison and Bone
Curses
raiseskeletalmage
Percentage HP per level increased from 7% to 10%
Poison total damage scaling increased by about 750%. Poison duration no longer scales and now lasts 4 seconds
Cold damage scaling increased by about 50%
Lightning damage scaling increased by about 5%
The tooltip will now properly display the Life scaling per level
bloodgolem
Now gains Max Life per level
Damage scaling per level has been increased
irongolem
Thorns no longer return a percentage of damage when hit. Now thorns will deal a flat amount of damage when the aura-effected targets are attacked.
firegolem
Holy Fire level bonus per level increased from 1 to 2
bonearmor
Damage Absorbed per level increased from 10 to 15
bonespear
Teeth synergy increased from 7% to 8%
Bone Wall synergy increased from 7% to 8%
Bone Spear synergy increased from 7% to 8%
Bone Prison synergy increased from 7% to 8%
bonespirit
Teeth synergy increased from 6% to 8%
Bone Wall synergy increased from 6% to 8%
Bone Spear synergy increased from 6% to 8%
Bone Prison synergy increased from 6% to 8%
weaken
Damage reduction now scales based on level, from just 33%, to now 33% and +1% per level
decrepify
Tooltip updated to now show the status changes
Paladin
The Paladin's foundational builds are left alone, and lesser-used Skills are getting touched to increase their utilization. The FoHDin (fistoftheheavens) emerges as a viable farming build in PvM play. The Radial damage Auras dealing more damage incentivizes aggressive zeal and charge builds.
Impacted Builds
Click any Skill below to go to the Build Guide. These will be updated as we test during the PTR.
There does not appear to be any "new" builds for the Paladin. We're going to see a shift in power relative to the current Builds' position, comparatively. We're excited to see if certain Hammer based skills might be dethroned as the king of the Paladin builds.
Defensive Auras
Offensive Auras
Combat
resistfire
Tooltip now displays max resist bonus
resistcold
Tooltip now displays max resist bonus
resistlightning
Tooltip now displays max resist bonus
blessedaim
Tooltip now displays passive Attack Rating bonus
holyfire
Area damage now scales based on the distance of the enemy to the caster. It will now deal a range from 100% damage to 200% based on the furthest distance to the closest distance to the caster.
Damage level scaling increased by about 90%
Resist Fire synergy increased from 18% to 24%
Salvation synergy increased from 6% to 10%
holyfreeze
Area damage now scales based on the distance of the enemy to the caster. It will now deal a range from 100% damage to 200% based on the furthest distance to the closest distance to the caster.
holyshock
Area damage now scales based on the distance of the enemy to the caster. It will now deal a range from 100% damage to 200% based on the furthest distance to the closest distance to the caster.
thorns
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.
sanctuary
Area damage now scales based on the distance of the enemy to the caster. It will now deal a range from 100% damage to 200% based on the furthest distance to the closest distance to the caster.
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
holybolt
Removed synergy Blessed Hammer
Damage increased by 50%
Now pierces targets (Undead and Allies)
Prayer synergy increased from 15% to 20%
fistoftheheavens
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 (Undead and Allies)
No longer forces you to attack when out of mana
Improved targeting functionality for auto acquiring enemies
Sorceress
Sorceress is seeing buffs to under-used skills and the addition of Synergies in the Lightning Tree. nova returns to glory with big damage increases! Hybrid Sorceresses also see a big quality of life improvement with Casting Delays no longer overlapping. blaze will get a movement speed increase, time to start trailblazing new builds!
Impacted Builds
Click any Skill below to go to the Build Guide. These will be updated as we test during the PTR.
These Skills will be explored during the PTR and released as new Build Guides if they are strong.
Blaze
nova
Cold
Lightning
Fire
frostnova
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
frozenorb
Casting Delay will no longer share its cooldown with other skills that have Casting Delays
Tooltip updated to now display Casting Delay
frozenarmor
Base duration increased from 120 seconds to 144 seconds
shiverarmor
Damage level scaling increased by about 25%
Base duration increased from 120 seconds to 144 seconds
chillingarmor
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
thunderstorm
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
energyshield
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
firewall
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
Casting delay removed
Limited max number of Hydra groups to 6
Fire Bolt synergy increased from +3% to +5%
Fire Ball synergy increased from +3% to +5%
Mercenary Updates
The Mercenary changes for the Act 1, 3 and 5 aim to increase their viability to better compete with the Act 2 Merc's stranglehold on the meta. Stat scaling differences across Difficulties are now normalized. Each Difficulty will grant the same total Stats at every level.
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)
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 battlecry
New Runewords
Runewords are a massive part of Diablo 2's itemization. In Patch 2.4 we'll receive a single change to an already existing Runeword. 7 NEW Runewords are introduced to the game for players to explore!
Insight can be used with Bows and Crossbows
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 (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 13-17Cleansing 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 4-8ResistFire 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 8-12Concentration 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)
Changed Adds 15-20 Cold Damage to +1-148 to Maximum Cold Damage (+1.5 Per Character Level) (Full Set)
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 2Waypoint.
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
Video
Patch 2.4 Deep Dive Analysis
Maxroll D2R Team
We are excited and can't wait to dive into all of these upcoming changes in the PTR. Hopefully Patch 2.4 adds a lot of variety and increases the playability of currently unused Skills. There is potential for smaller and bigger changes to our existing build guides, and we are looking forward to creating more based on them. Let us all give Blizzard the feedback they need to improve our Diablo 2 experience even further!
