Acolyte of Chayula

Barbarian

Druid

Necromancer

Rogue

Sorcerer

Spiritborn


<p>Blizzard is finally getting a little spooky for Halloween with an exclusive event called &#8220;The Carving&#8221;, which is a <strong>special pumpkin-carving livestream happening on October 28</strong> at 11 AM PT. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Carving approaches 🎃 <br><br>Join us on October 28 at 11 AM PT and carve along. Your offering may please the Butcher.<br><br>Grab your sigils here: <a href="https://t.co/ugKJnVPIoF">https://t.co/ugKJnVPIoF</a> <a href="https://t.co/rlDkRjcOLH">pic.twitter.com/rlDkRjcOLH</a></p>&mdash; Diablo (@Diablo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Diablo/status/1981057973964185957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Players are invited to join the fun, and if you are good enough, the Butcher might accept your offerings! You can use any official Diablo-themed pumpkin stencils now <a href="https://blizzard.gamespress.com/en/Diablo-IV#?tab=artwork-5&amp;scrollto=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">available on Blizzard&#8217;s art page</a> under the &#8220;The Carving: Pumpkin Carving Sigils&#8221; tab (you might have to scroll down a bit).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 106421" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>There are not many details about the event, but it appears the stream will feature members of the Diablo team carving pumpkins live, along with some amazing artists. Last year, they had an <a href="https://youtu.be/aQNPNDxlB9U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artist create holiday-themed artwork for Christmas</a>.</p>



<p>If you love Halloween and pumpkin carving, grab your stencils and get ready to get your main class or the Butcher Cleaver into a pumpkin of your own! It is definitely a fun way to stand out next to your neighbors with your own Diablo-themed decoration!</p>


Carve Like the Butcher! Diablo’s Halloween Stream Announced


<p>Blizzard has announced last night that the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> PTR <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/is-diablo-4s-new-tower-leaderboard-just-a-ranked-pit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tower leaderboards will soon be reset</a>. A hotfix is expected to go live today, addressing some of the damage output issues currently affecting the game. </p>



<p>This means that you can prepare yourself for a small update today during the day or tonight, depending on your timezone!</p>



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            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/ptr-250-tower-leaderboards-reset-notification/234004"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
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    <h3>PTR 2.5.0 &#8211; Tower Leaderboards Reset Notification</h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p>Want to give folks a heads up that we’re planning to reset the PTR Tower/leaderboards soon. In terms of timing, we have an upcoming hotfix (likely tomorrow) to address some of the damage output issues, and the leaderboard reset will follow shortly after.</p>
    </div>
</div>



<p>Once the update is deployed, the leaderboard reset will follow shortly after, so if you are testing builds in the Season 11 PTR, get your final runs in before that! </p>



<p>Of course, you will be able to continue testing once the update is live, just keep in mind that any leaderboard rank will have reset.</p>



<p>More information will most likely be shared soon, so keep your eyes open for more!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Update</h2>



<p>A Hotfix just released for the PTR, fixing an issue with several class powers that was resulting in dealing too much damage. On top of that, all the leaderboards have now been reset as well!</p>



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            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/hotfix-1-october-22-2025-250-ptr/234123"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
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    <hr class="blizzard-line" />
    <h3>HOTFIX 1 &#8211; October 22, 2025 &#8211; 2.5.0 PTR</h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p><strong>HOTFIX 1 &#8211; October 22, 2025 &#8211; 2.5.0 PTR</strong></p>
<p><strong>BUG FIXES</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Fixed an issue with several class powers that resulted in them dealing far more damage than expected.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>TOWER/LEADERBOARD NOTICE</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>We will be resetting the Tower leaderboard around the release of this Hotfix.</li>
</ul>
    </div>
</div>


Diablo 4 PTR: Tower Leaderboards Reset Incoming


<p>After <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/blizzard-brings-back-diablo-4s-most-controversial-feature" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reintroducing Blizzard&#8217;s most controversial feature</a>, it turns out early feedback is actually overwhelmingly positive. A lot of people say the new dungeons bring new mechanics, longer stages, and unique challenges that stand apart from regular content.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:316px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1od3a0a/the_first_capstone_dungeon_is_incredible/">The first Capstone Dungeon is incredible</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Disciple_of_Erebos/">u/Disciple_of_Erebos</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Impressions</h2>



<p>On Reddit, players described leveling from scratch and completing the first <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/blizzard-brings-back-diablo-4s-most-controversial-feature" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Capstone Dungeon</a>, calling it <em>&#8220;much more interesting and involved</em>&#8221; than the original capstone dungeons at launch. </p>



<p>The first capstone dungeon now has a total of three stages:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Stage 1</strong> is just basic enemies to fight through.</li>



<li><strong>Stage 2</strong> has a specific &#8220;heat&#8221; mechanic where you take constant damage, and you have to stand near ice pillars that give you a protective buff.</li>



<li><strong>Stage 3</strong> is the final boss fight with the Curator.</li>
</ul>



<p>The dungeon will require different new strategies if you want to make it out alive, and many players appreciated the fact that it has a new, unique design as well. Keep in mind that this is only for the first one, but chances are the others will also have a unique theme, design, and require specific strategies.</p>



<p>Players are excited that each Capstone Dungeon feels new, with mechanics that go beyond the different layouts and repetitive objectives. Many hope that future dungeons will also escalate in both challenge and rewards, possibly including <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/is-sanctification-just-another-diablo-4-lottery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post-Torment IV content for high-level players</a>. </p>



<p>Capstone Dungeons can also be done multiple times, so it is not just a one-time event, and then you are done for the season. </p>



<p>The return of Capstone Dungeons definitely shows that Diablo 4 tries to move its endgame beyond simple Hordes or Pit runs. They try to add more and more permanent content that will allow you to test your endgame builds further.</p>


Capstone Dungeons Return in Diablo 4 & Players Are Loving Them


<p>The Diablo 4 Season 11 PTR is currently ongoing, and players are already testing all the new features, including Sanctification! <strong>This is basically a new crafting mechanic, but for endgame only.</strong></p>



<p>On paper, it sounds really cool. You can add a bonus Legendary Aspect, upgrade Affixes into Greater versions, or even make your gear indestructible.</p>



<p>But after early PTR testing, the reality is a bit different. Players are calling the system &#8220;pure lottery,&#8221; and not in a good way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Sanctification Does</h2>



<p><strong>Sanctification is designed as the final upgrade step for top-tier gear.</strong> This means that it is the one thing you do at the very end, after <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/tempering-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tempering</a>, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/masterworking-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Masterworking</a>, and Enchanting (aka rerolling stats). Once applied, it locks the item permanently, making it unmodifiable but potentially granting powerful upgrades such as:</p>



<ul>
<li>Adding a bonus Legendary power</li>



<li>Turning an Affix into a Greater Affix</li>



<li>Adding a special Sanctification Affix</li>



<li>Replacing an existing Affix with a random Sanctified one</li>



<li>Making your item indestructible</li>
</ul>



<p>Players can access this celestial crafting by using Heavenly Sigils or finding Heavenly Anvils after <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4s-season-11-is-all-about-the-return-of-the-lesser-evils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defeating Lesser Evils</a> during events like <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/helltide-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helltides</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Players Found in PTR Testing</h2>



<p>On Reddit, someone shared detailed testing from the PTR, Sanctifying <strong>32 Mythic Uniques</strong> and <strong>29 regular Uniques</strong> to see what kind of results the system could give.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:316px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1od5j9s/i_sanctified_32_mythics_uniques_and_29_spiritborn/">I sanctified 32 Mythics uniques and 29 Spiritborn uniques on PTR</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Angren1991/">u/Angren1991</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>And let&#8217;s just say,<strong> the results were not exactly &#8220;heavenly&#8221;:</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mythic Items (32 tested):</h3>



<ul>
<li>40.6% gained new Aspects</li>



<li>18.8% got Greater Affixes</li>



<li>15.6% gained an extra Affix</li>



<li>6.3% replaced an Affix</li>



<li>18.7% became indestructible</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Unique Items (29 tested):</h3>



<ul>
<li>Only 3.4% gained Aspects</li>



<li>10.3% Greater Affixes</li>



<li>58.6% added an extra Affix</li>



<li>10.3% replaced Affixes</li>



<li>17.2% no durability loss</li>
</ul>



<p>Even more disappointing is that <strong>every Mythic that gained an Aspect rolled weak or irrelevant ones</strong>, such as helmets locked to defensive or utility affixes only.</p>



<p><em>&#8220;None of them felt like a GG item,&#8221;</em> wrote the player. &#8220;<em>Sanctification is pure lottery and will generate more frustration than dopamine, worse than Masterworking.&#8221;</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community Reaction So Far</h2>



<p>Feedback is very split for now, but most players agree the RNG feels excessive. Comments called the system “<em>Temper 2.0</em>” and “<em>a way to brick Mythics you can only roll once</em>.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, there are also comments defending it as an optional, high-risk system meant for ultra-endgame experimentation. It is not something you are supposed to use on every item, but more just a way to try and get the ultimate piece of gear.</p>



<p>For now, Sanctification looks like a risky gamble that could either make your item a dream or completely ruin it. With <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-season-11-ptr-opens-beware-these-known-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 11 still in PTR</a>, there is time for Blizzard to change the system, rework affix pools, or add safeguards before launch. However, do not expect it, as it is really meant to be an ultimate &#8220;high risk, high reward&#8221; kind of feature, and right now, it does exactly this.</p>



<p>But one thing is for sure: Diablo 4&#8217;s endgame crafting still walks a fine line between excitement and frustration.</p>


Is Sanctification Just Another Diablo 4 Lottery?


<p>The <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/get-ready-for-diablo-4-season-11-ptr-reveals-massive-changes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Test Realm (PTR) for Season 11</a> is officially open, letting you try out new systems like the <strong><a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/is-diablo-4s-sanctification-the-ultimate-endgame-upgrade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sanctification</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/who-is-azmodan-diablo-4s-lord-of-sin-returns-in-season-11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Azmodan</a></strong>, or <strong><a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/all-divine-gifts-corrupted-essences-in-diablo-4-season-11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seasonal Powers</a></strong>, as well as all the reworked features like <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/why-diablo-4s-tempering-masterworking-rework-is-game-changer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Tempering </strong>and <strong>Masterworking</strong></a><strong> </strong>ahead of release.</p>



<p>Blizzard also shared a list of known issues currently affecting the PTR build (version 2.5.0). These include:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Class bugs:</strong> Skill and item description errors, scaling problems for <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/druid/builds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Druid </a>and <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/spiritborn/builds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiritborn</a> abilities, and broken interactions like <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/rogue/builds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rogue</a> <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-name="Poison Trap" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_Skills_Rogue_241.webp" alt="Poison Trap"><span class="tooltip-spell-name d4-text">Poison Trap</span></span></a> and <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/necromancer/builds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Necromancer</a>&#8216;s <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_Items_Gloves_Unique_12.webp" alt="The Hand of Naz"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Gloves" data-item-quality="unique">The Hand of Naz</span></span></a>.</li>



<li><strong>Masterworking:</strong> Lower-power or non-Ancestral items can be incorrectly upgraded.</li>



<li><strong>Sanctification:</strong> Some items can not be sanctified at higher difficulties, plus UI and lighting bugs in the Heavenly Forge.</li>



<li><strong>Season Ranking &amp; Objectives:</strong> Several achievements do not progress or complete properly.</li>



<li><strong>Dungeons &amp; Tower:</strong> Map access and portal interaction issues.</li>
</ul>



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            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/250-ptr-known-issues-thread-10212025/233780/1"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
        </div>
    </div>
    <hr class="blizzard-line" />
    <h3>2.5.0 PTR | Known Issues Thread &#8211; 10/21/2025</h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p>Hi all,</p>
<p>Welcome to the PTR known issues thread. This is a go-to resource for known issues you may experience while playing the PTR. The list below calls out issues we are aware of and intend to address by the official release of 2.5.0.</p>
<p><strong>PTR 2.5.0</strong></p>
<p><strong>Classes</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Shattered Vow polearm description is incorrect</li>
<li>Druid Khamsin Steppewalkers gains infinite duration when activated with zero charges</li>
<li>Druid Mjolnic Ryng description is incorrect</li>
<li>Necromancer’s Hand of Naz fails to upgrade Skeletal Arch-Mages</li>
<li>The nodes in Necromancer’s Hulking Monstrocity Paragon board have missing descriptions</li>
<li>Rogue Star Shards aspect incorrectly updates the charge counter on the skill bar</li>
<li>Rogue Poison Traps no longer spawn when Shadow Clone and Bursting Venoms Aspect are combined and triggered</li>
<li>Sorcerer Snowveiled Aspect improperly gives Damage Reduction instead of Armor</li>
<li>Sorcerer Esadora’s Overflowing Cameo doesn’t affect multiple enemies when the tempering recipe that allows Crackling Energy to zap additional targets</li>
<li>Spiritborn Protector skill doesn’t deal damage on its initial hit</li>
<li>Spiritborn Rod of Kepeleke can cause Vigor costs to double when using Payback</li>
<li>Spiritborn Sapping Legendary Paragon node doesn’t function properly</li>
<li>Spiritborn Path of Emissary doesn’t scale properly with the number of Greater affixes it has</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Masterworking</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Items below 750 Item Power can be Masterworked</li>
<li>Non-Ancestral items can be Masterwork Capstoned for a Masterworked Greater Affix</li>
<li>Items with all Greater Affixes can be Masterwork Capstoned</li>
<li>Reset all ranks icon appears incorrectly</li>
<li>Items are missing a string for Upgrade Quality progress</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Sanctification</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Items at 750 Item Power cannot be Sanctified in Torment difficulties</li>
<li>Heavenly Sigils do not state where they are obtained in the item tooltip</li>
<li>Items that innately have the Indestructible affix appear to be Sanctified even though they are not</li>
<li>The Heavenly Forge location has issues with lighting</li>
<li>The map of Sanctuary cannot be accessed while in the Heavenly Forge</li>
<li>In pre-torment, the VFX to signify you can use sanctification after using the reward portal will remain once you sanctify your item, despite not being able to sanctify again.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Items</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The base stat line on jewelry seems to calculate the resist all from Diamonds</li>
<li>Several items have placeholder text</li>
<li>Artificer Stones may still drop in-game</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Combat</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Some damage tuning may lead to excessively high incoming damage</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Lesser Evils</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>After defeating Azmodan and opening Belial’s Hoard, you can’t reopen the hoard</li>
<li>Lesser Evil Memories can be auto-looted</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Season Ranking</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Various UI, text string, and placeholder issues</li>
<li>Using various boosts from Mrak may cause certain objectives to be unable to be completed</li>
<li>Several objectives can be completed before reaching the specified rank</li>
<li>Master at Work objective will not be completed if the item skips the fourth level of masterworking</li>
<li>Lucid Fever objective can be completed by doing non-World events</li>
<li>Earning Obducite from Nightmare Dungeon completion doesn’t advance the Lucid Dreams objective</li>
<li>The World in Sin, Paid in Valor, Hell Pangs, Grim Collector, and Power Beyond Comprehension objectives can’t be completed</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tower</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The portal cannot be interacted with in Normal difficulty</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Dungeons</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The Sweltering Heat effect in the Torrid Menagerie Capstone Dungeon can trigger various item affixes equipped by the player’s character.</li>
<li>The map of Sanctuary can’t be accessed while within a Capstone Dungeon</li>
<li>You cannot advance in Escalating Nightmare Dungeons</li>
</ul>
    </div>
</div>



<p>Blizzard says these will be fixed before the official Season 11 launch, so you do not need to worry about that. However, if you encounter any bug, make sure you provide feedback to Blizzard, so they can fix it before the season releases!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Provide Feedback</h2>



<p>You can do so directly through the in-game feedback tool:</p>



<ul>
<li>Open your menu</li>



<li>Press ESC key</li>



<li>It will open the &#8220;Report a Bug&#8221; menu</li>



<li>Open the dropdown filter and select the feedback tool</li>
</ul>



<p>You can also report any issue on the <a href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Diablo IV PTR forums</a>.</p>



<p>The PTR runs <strong>until October 28, 2025</strong>, so make sure you do not miss out if you want to test the new features ahead of time!</p>


Diablo 4 Season 11 PTR Opens – Beware These Known Issues


<p>During <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>&#8216;s recent <a href="https://youtu.be/rEoP0wgNgCg?si=ot50RrO6eDXlJ6oe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sanctuary Sitdown interview with Rhykker</a>, Lead Encounter Designer Owen Leach casually dropped what might be one of the best ideas Blizzard has ever had, and then immediately crushed everyone&#8217;s hopes because it is not happening.</p>



<p>He mentioned a Halloween event featuring a <strong>Headless Horseman</strong> that would go around the world. He would be some sort of high-difficulty boss who could appear anywhere. Basically a spooky version of the Butcher, but more scary and more dangerous. </p>



<p>The concept instantly hyped players up on Reddit, where they all agreed that this is exactly the kind of event Diablo 4 needs right now.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:316px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1obmp49/bring_owens_idea_to_life_headless_horseman_event/">Bring Owen’s Idea to Life &#8211; Headless Horseman Event</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/CharlesJT_1977/">u/CharlesJT_1977</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Is This Not Real?</h2>



<p>The Reddit post quickly filled with a ton of suggestions and jokes. Players proposed potential rewards like a <strong>flaming Jack-o&#8217;-Lantern helm</strong>, a <strong>spectral horse mount</strong>, or even a <strong>headless cosmetic</strong> that hides your character&#8217;s head when you are on the horse.</p>



<p>Others of course mentioned that if it would happen, all the cosmetics would probably cost over 2800 Platinum, mocking Blizzard&#8217;s tendency to lock cosmetics behind paid bundles. </p>



<p>Despite the jokes, the thread&#8217;s tone was overwhelmingly positive. Players genuinely loved the idea, and they want to see more events like this for each season! Christmas, Halloween, Easter even with scary massive bunny-demons, or Valentine&#8217;s Day with a demonic version of Cupid&#8230; The possibilities are endless, but for some reason, Blizzard is not using them!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Are the Events?</h2>



<p>That excitement also highlights a long-standing frustration in the community. Players have been asking for meaningful limited-time events with unique activities and free rewards, not just store cosmetics and reused content.</p>



<p>There was a fun Christmas event during the game&#8217;s first years, but it has since been recycled with little change. Meanwhile, recent collaborations have only brought more premium bundles, not in-game activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blizzard Has the Ideas &amp; Players Just Want Them to Happen</h2>



<p>The community consensus is simple! Blizzard&#8217;s developers clearly <strong>have great creative ideas</strong>, even the kind that instantly gets everyone excited. But those ideas rarely make it into the live game.</p>



<p>As one fan put it, <em>&#8220;It&#8217;s like Blizzard knows exactly what we want… and then doesn&#8217;t do it.”</em></p>



<p>Maybe the Headless Horseman should start haunting Blizzard HQ next! Now the only hope is that we get this really cool event next year for Halloween, at least! </p>


Diablo 4 Devs Have Great Ideas – So Where Are the Events?


<p>It turns out, creativity can overcome limited customization&#8230; if you can afford the skins. It has been a chaotic week on the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> Subreddit, but for once, not because of balance changes or Pit modifiers, but because players are outdoing each other with some of the funniest and most creative character designs the game has seen yet.</p>



<p>From a really cool Kratos lookalike to a &#8220;Guacamole&#8221; <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/barbarian/builds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barbarian</a>&#8230; the community has turned Sanctuary into a cosplay convention, and people can not stop laughing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Kratos Build That Broke Reddit</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1oayciy/diablo_4_kratos_build_almost_feels_like_classic/">Diablo 4 Kratos build almost feels like classic God of War.</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Independent-Ebb7658/">u/Independent-Ebb7658</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>One of the most upvoted posts this week features a Barbarian styled after God of War&#8217;s Kratos, with dual-wielded weapons mimicking the Blades of Chaos and even an Iron Maelstrom skill setup to match!</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>It genuinely feels like you are playing Kratos</em>,&#8221; wrote the creator. &#8220;<em>Even has his large axe and Sword of Olympus.</em>&#8220;</p>



<p>The post exploded with over 1,000 upvotes, with other players trying copycat builds like &#8220;<em>Kartos Druids</em>&#8221; and plenty of jokes about Diablo players secretly wanting to start a ton of crossover collabs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Guacamole, Champion of the Pit</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1ob0j98/i_present_to_you_my_final_form_guacamole_thorns/">I present to you my final form — Guacamole- Thorns Barbarian. Pit 95 completed 💪</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Erplayer/">u/Erplayer</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Then came &#8220;<strong>Guacamole — Thorns Barbarian, Pit 95 Completed</strong>.&#8221; The name alone won the internet, and the comments went over the 300k health pools, Thorns math, and people just cheering on the absurdity of it all.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Creativity vs. Cosmetic Price</h2>



<p>The posts are really fun, but they also highlight a long-standing complaint, and that is Diablo 4&#8217;s limited customization. Many players pointed out that to make something as cool as Kratos or Orc Thrall, you often need to rely on <strong>premium store skins</strong>, since most in-game gear looks &#8220;<em>basic</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p>As one player joked:</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>Mr. Moneybags over here</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p>It is a fair point. Some of the coolest looks are locked behind $20+ bundles. But even with the limits, it is nice to see players getting creative again, especially when you have to slay demons all day!</p>



<p>So yes, maybe Diablo 4&#8217;s customization is not perfect. But if players can summon Kratos, Guacamole, and Thrall into the same dungeon&#8230; maybe that is a win.</p>


Forget Leaderboards – Diablo 4’s Real Competition Is the Cosplay Show


<p>Diablo 4 Season 11 is changing more than just bosses and crafting. It is also changing how progression and Renown work, and players are not quite sure how to feel about it.</p>



<p>Blizzard confirmed that <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/renown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renown</a> will now<strong> only remain permanent in the Eternal Realm</strong>, while the Seasonal Realm moves to a new <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/say-goodbye-to-renown-diablo-4-introduces-season-rank-in-season-11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season Rank system</a> for rewards like Skill Points and Paragon Points.</p>



<p>That might sound fine on paper, until you realize what it could mean for things like Altars of Lilith, map fog, and other exploration bonuses that players once unlocked permanently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Altars of Lilith Lose Their Power</h2>



<p>The biggest change, and one raising the most eyebrows, is to the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/altars-of-lilith/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Altars of Lilith</a>. These little statues used to grant permanent stat bonuses across all characters. Now, they only offer small rewards like:</p>



<ul>
<li>Gold</li>



<li>Obols</li>



<li>Gem fragments</li>



<li>A certain amount of experience</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/D4-Altar-of-Lilith.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 105562" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>No more permanent stats, and no word yet on if you will need to rediscover every Altar each season. Given the fact they only reward a bit of XP and extra stuff, does this mean you have to seek them out each season to get your experience? Or do they just stay unlocked if you had them unlocked, and you will just not have the bonus stats from them anymore.</p>



<p>Right now, players are stuck wondering if Blizzard just made exploration feel… pointless.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community Reaction: &#8220;Feels Like a Step Back&#8221;</h2>



<p>The change has left a lot of <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1o8g1nx/reearning_skill_points_we_already_unlocked_from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">players confused</a>. After months of updates making early-game grind smoother, this feels like Blizzard is walking backward.</p>



<p><strong>Altars of Lilith were one of Diablo 4&#8217;s few <em>&#8220;do it once, and it&#8217;s done&#8221;</em> systems, and now it is unclear if we will be back to checking every corner of the map each season.</strong> Either way, it feels like it renders exploration more and more useless, despite the game being an open-world. If you do not have any valuable reason anymore to go seek out Altars, why are they even there?</p>



<p>As one player wrote on Reddit:</p>



<p><em>&#8220;They finally made Renown painless, and now they are un-fixing it again.&#8221;</em></p>



<p>If nothing else, Season 11&#8217;s progression rework proves one thing: even in Sanctuary, nothing stays permanent.</p>


Diablo 4 Season 11 Changes How Altars of Lilith Work


<p>Blizzard is setting the mood for Halloween with a new <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> music collection, <strong>Haunted Sounds of Estuar</strong>. The album goes live on Spotify on October 24, and it will send you in a mix of eerie atmosphere, with monster sounds, and dark melodies from Sanctuary.</p>



<p>You can already <a href="https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/08Dws6DuFbZ3L1Y3oQoDs8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pre-save the album on Spotify</a>. It will most likely also become available on other streaming platforms. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Spooky Surprise From Blizzard</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/d4-haunted-album.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 105526" /></figure>



<p>Diablo players were definitely surprised to spot the upcoming album listed on Spotify earlier this week. It has not been announced officially yet. </p>



<p>There are a total of 10 tracks of about 5 to 8 minutes each. It immediately raised some speculations about a possible expansion teasers, but it is most likely just a seasonal release celebrating Halloween.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Just Halloween Fun</h2>



<p>Over on Reddit, players initially wondered what the new album might mean. Someone joked, <em>&#8220;What is it for? The Expansion?</em>&#8220;, but others quickly confirmed it is a Halloween special.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1oarww7/new_album_listed_on_spotify_what_is_it_for_the/">New Album Listed on Spotify. What is it for? The Expansion?</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/RZelli/">u/RZelli</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>As many players put it, it is a nice little Halloween treat! It is also similar to <em>Haunted Sounds of Sanctuary</em> from Diablo III. That was a collection of ambient and monster sound effects that was here to set the mood during your time as a demon slayer!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diablo&#8217;s Soundtrack Magic Lives On</h2>



<p>Many players used the thread as a chance to praise Diablo&#8217;s music once again. </p>



<p><em>&#8220;They&#8217;re good at evoking certain emotions with their music,</em>&#8220;</p>



<p>Even for those taking a break from the game, the atmosphere of Diablo&#8217;s world continues to resonate, from the snow-dusted peaks to the echoing cathedral halls.</p>



<p>The album releases October 24 on Spotify, so just in time to turn your Halloween night into a trip straight through Sanctuary&#8217;s spooky dark alleys!</p>


A Spooky Surprise from Blizzard – Haunted Sounds of Estuar


<p>One of <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4&#8217;s favorite mechanics from Season 10</a> is making a comeback in Season 11, but not in the way most players expected. </p>



<p>The  <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_Amulets_48.webp" alt="Melted Heart of Selig"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Amulet" data-item-quality="mythic">Melted Heart of Selig</span></span></a> has been reworked to bring back the really cool <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_S10Powers_ChaosPowers_28.webp" alt="Mana Shield"><span class="tooltip-name" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001">Mana Shield</span></span></a> effect from <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/chaos-perks-guide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 10&#8217;s Chaos Perks,</a> and the community is split: is it genius or a missed opportunity?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The New Melted Heart of Selig</h2>



<p>The reworked Mythic Amulet now acts as a pseudo-<a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_S10Powers_ChaosPowers_28.webp" alt="Mana Shield"><span class="tooltip-name" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001">Mana Shield</span></span></a>, redirecting incoming damage to your resource pool instead of your health, and on top it offers major resource generation, +primary stat scaling, but at a cost. You will have 75% reduced life.</p>



<p>Here is a quick breakdown of what changes:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Previous</strong>: Gain 60 Maximum Resource. When taking damage, 75% is Drained as 2 Resource for every 1% of Maximum Life you would have lost.</li>



<li><strong>Now</strong>: Each point in your Primary Stat increases your Primary Resource by 3%[+] but you have 75% reduced life. Any damage you would take is dealt to your Primary Resource before your life. If you have not taken damage in 6 seconds, your Resource regenerates to full over 3 seconds.</li>



<li>Resource Generation increased from 15% to 100%.</li>



<li>Damage Reduction affix replaced with +% of primary stat.</li>



<li>Developer&#8217;s Note: Taking damage during the 3 second regeneration phase does not cancel the full regeneration.</li>
</ul>



<p>Essentially, it is Mana Shield reborn, but tied to an amulet slot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mana Shield for Everyone&#8230; Except Sorcerer?</h2>



<p>That is where the controversy begins. Many players love seeing the return of the Mana Shield concept, but Sorcerers, the class who used it the most during Season 10, feel like they are losing out. </p>



<p>The amulet slot is one of the most valuable slot for Sorcerer builds, often already used for powerful bonuses and unique aspects. So it might not be the best to replace all that just to gain the Mana Shield effect.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:316px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1oaau2l/s11_melted_heard_selig_is_now_an_incarnation_of/">S11 Melted Heard Selig is now an incarnation of Mana Shield, but will anyone use it</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/kestononline/">u/kestononline</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Others pointed out that the item could be best-in-slot for builds that scale with maximum resource. </p>



<p>The new <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_Amulets_48.webp" alt="Melted Heart of Selig"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Amulet" data-item-quality="mythic">Melted Heart of Selig</span></span></a> definitely turns the old <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_S10Powers_ChaosPowers_28.webp" alt="Mana Shield"><span class="tooltip-name" data-tooltip-type="Chaos Power" data-snoid="S10_ChaosPerk_Sorc_Unique_001">Mana Shield</span></span></a> into a more universal mechanic that can be used by more builds, but maybe at a cost for Sorcerers. We will know soon enough if it becomes the next must-have mythic or not. We will definitely test it out during the PTR if we can!</p>


Carve Like the Butcher! Diablo’s Halloween Stream Announced

Diablo IV News