Vortex Gaming

The Diablo 4 Season 9 PTR Campfire took place on May 23rd at dawn, and the PTR period will run for one week from May 28th to June 4th. The title of Season 9 is 'Sins of the Horadrim', and the main content is the introduction of new powers. It may be disappointing for existing users, but the focus is on providing new fun.

Through Season 8 PTR feedback, the leveling speed adjustment was satisfactory, but we recognized the lack of activity diversity. We aim to provide various activity paths even in the end game. We are reducing the feeling of forced participation in the Helltide event and proceeding in a direction that naturally induces various activities. Dungeon Bosses, Helltide, and the Gauntlet will be adjusted to provide powerful rewards and impactful experiences.

Season 8 was evaluated as a season with high meta diversity, and balance was generally maintained except for the Lightning Spear build. We expressed regret that the Spirit build was somewhat lagging behind. Our goal is to make all builds able to clear the Season Journey and Torment. We want to receive a lot of feedback through this PTR.

Nightmare Dungeon affixes are updated, and a new reward system is introduced. Stronghold: A hidden mini-dungeon within Nightmare Dungeons where you can acquire Horadric Tuning to enhance reward chests. Deepening Nightmares: Content that involves clearing multiple Nightmare Dungeons in a row, with new affixes added upon clearing each dungeon, and culminating in a boss fight with Astaroth at the end. It will be excluded from the Boss Ladder but will be integrated into end-game content in other ways.

Players can directly combine and create enchantments. It can be used by combining Catalysts, Infusions, and Arcanas and directly linking them to skills. Catalysts are the basic framework of the enchantment, Infusions are the elemental damage type, and Arcanas modify the basic power of the enchantment. Depending on the combination, there is a high possibility that it can be applied to various builds.

It is an evolved form of the Occult Gems experienced in Season 7. It is a gem linked to Horadric Enchanting, and can be crafted with season-specific currency and gems in Torment 1. It can be equipped in jewelry sockets, and a total of 15 types will be provided.

Overpower Damage Nerf: Overpower damage is reduced by 80% overall. Item Damage Value Readjustment: The fixed values on weapons are adjusted. Basic Skill Greatly Enhanced: All basic attack skill damage will be increased by two to three times. Maximum Resistance Cap Increase: The base maximum resistance increases from 70% to 75%. Key Passive Adjustment: Weak passives are buffed, and strong passives are limited to high-variance damage.

Barbarian: Earthquake damage multiplier decreased, Conqueror Node simplified, and basic skill buff scheduled with new boot unique item provided. Druid: Cataclysm dependence decreased, legendary abilities related to Gray Path readjusted, and new weapon unique item scheduled to be provided. Necromancer: Decreased dependence on Damage Wave and Spirit Gate, and new glove unique item provided for Skeleton Mages. Rouge: Eyes in the Dark unique item damage decreased, Bloodless Scream unique bow value increased, and new helm unique item provided to provide combo build mechanics. Sorcerer: Lightning Spear base damage increased, Crackling Energy Aspect effect decreased, Awakened passive and Combustion passive adjusted downward, and new unique amulet provided to suggest Hydra build direction. Occultist: Decreased dependence on the Hunter, increased basic skill damage, improved the Aspect of Deflection, and added Thorns damage and Poison damage with new pants unique item provided.

The method of acquiring Season Content Reputation and Currency will remain the same as in Season 8. The higher the Torment level, the higher the drop rate of Ancestral items. The drop rate of Legendary Runes is greatly increased. The cost of the Jeweler is adjusted, reducing the cost of crafting jewelry and increasing gem rewards. The gem drop rate in Helltide is also increased, and the overall reward system will be shifted to a wanderer-friendly system.

We have briefly summarized the content and changes that can be experienced in the Season 9 PTR. Please check the official blog for details. It presents a positive outlook that new powers and buff descriptions may provide an opportunity to find different directions.