The 2.6.0 PTR for Diablo 4 is currently live, and although most of the focus is on the returning Killstreak system, which Diablo veterans already know from Diablo 3, as well as the new Bloodied items, one specific line at the end of the Season 12 patch notes, namely within the “Note on the Upcoming Season” section, stands out!
In the specific part of the official patch notes blog, Blizzard mentions that the PTR is meant to preview the “foundation” of the upcoming season, but then adds: “more surprise features will be revealed closer to launch.“
A Note on the Upcoming Season
Season 12 is designed as a more focused, streamlined season that supports our broader roadmap toward launch of The Lord of Hatred expansion on April 28, while still delivering a fresh, rewarding and fun experience for players.
The 2.6.0 PTR will preview the foundation of the season, while more surprise features will be revealed closer to launch. As always, we are keen to hear your PTR feedback to ensure S12 is the best it can be!
Since the Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight is happening on February 11, it is very likely that the season title and these “surprise features” are being saved for that broadcast.
Reading Between the Lines
This is a very interesting choice of words. Usually, when Blizzard runs a PTR, we see most of the seasonal content upfront so players can help balance it. By calling the PTR a foundation and promising surprises later, it suggests that Season 12 might have a bit more “meat on the bones” than the current patch notes (or PTR) show.
Since Season 12 is supposed to be a “streamlined” experience to prepare us for the Lord of Hatred expansion on April 28, these surprises might not be massive new zones. Instead, we could be looking at:
- A Mid-Season Event similar to Midwinter Blight or the upcoming Lunar Awakening.
- Expansion Preview, such as small quests or world changes that begin to bridge the story, perhaps even the official season theme name, hinting at a Lord of Hatred connection.
- New Cosmetics or Quality-of-Life Features that do not necessarily need weeks of combat testing.
Why the Secrecy?
Keeping a few things hidden helps keep the hype alive once the PTR ends on February 10. It also prevents players from feeling like they have seen “everything” before the season even officially begins.
Either way, for now, we have plenty to test with the Killstreak system and those Bloodied Sigils and Items. But it is good to know that Blizzard has a few more things up its sleeve for the launch of Season 12.
For more updates on Season 12 and Lord of Hatred, visit our main Diablo 4 news hub.
