Acolyte of Chayula

Barbarian

Druid

Necromancer

Rogue

Sorcerer

Spiritborn


<p>Here&#8217;s a reference sheet with all class changes that went live in the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-patch-notes-june-27th/">latest Diablo 4 patch</a>. This &#8220;infographic&#8221; was created by Reddit user <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/thelastfastbender/">thelastfasbender</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/38e0obstpl8b1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image 7343"/></figure>



<p><strong>Source</strong>: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/14kl06n/patch_103_class_adjustments_reference_sheet_fixed/">Reddit</a></p>


Patch 1.0.3 Class Changes Reference Sheet


<p>There is a rather interesting <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1lqcaw8/new_expansion_teaser_in_season_9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reddit post</a> that has recently caught a lot of attention, and it is about players trying to figure out what Diablo 4&#8217;s next expansion might look like. Based on recent Season 9 quests/lore, some in-game hints, and a few dev comments, there is growing speculation that Westmarch could be the next big setting, and that Mephisto is far from finished with us. </p>



<p>Here is what players are predicting so far.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Westmarch Could Be the Next Expansion Zone</h2>



<p>Westmarch has come up a lot in theories lately, and for good reason. It is the furthest major city out west, and it has a strong connection to Zakarum history and the Crusaders. If you played Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls, you will remember it as the place where Malthael (former Archangel of Wisdom turned Aspect of Death) caused all kinds of trouble.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/image-1.webp" alt="D3 Westmarch" class="wp-image 83668" style="border-radius:8px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls &#8211; Westmarch</figcaption></figure>



<p>Now, fans think it could be coming back in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>.</p>



<ul>
<li>It was once a stronghold for the &#8220;good&#8221; Zakarum faction before everything fell apart</li>



<li>That makes it a fitting target for Mephisto&#8217;s next move, now that the Witness is gone</li>



<li>Some also think this could be where we finally see Tyrael again, or at least hear more about what happened to him</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Class That Feels Like a Paladin?</h2>



<p>Players have been asking for a Paladin since launch, and it sounds like Blizzard could finally give them something close. A few devs have said that the next class is meant to please Paladin fans. And based on lore from the Horadrim, Zakarum, and even the Church of Light, the signs seem to point that way.</p>



<ul>
<li>Could be a Crusader-Paladin hybrid, maybe even with Horadric relics</li>



<li>Might lean into light-based melee with buffs or shields</li>



<li>Would fill a nice gap for people who want a sturdy frontline option</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mephisto, Baal, and… Diablo?</h2>



<p>If Mephisto really is sticking around for the next expansion, fans think that means the roadmap might play out like this:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Next up: </strong>Baal, with the story taking us to Aranoch or Lut Gholein where Tal Rasha sealed him</li>



<li><strong>Later:</strong> Diablo himself, possibly saved for the final expansion or even Diablo 5</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/diablo2-lut-gholein-by-michael-manfredi-senior-artist-at-blizzard-.webp" alt="Diablo 2 Lut Gholein by Michael Manfredi - Blizzard Entertainment" class="wp-image 83671" style="border-radius:8px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diablo 2 Resurrected Lut Gholein &#8211; by Michael Manfredi</figcaption></figure>



<p>Some players are guessing we might not actually fight Mephisto yet. Instead, they think the next chapter will keep building him up and show how far his influence is spreading. That, however, would be kind of a stretch, as the current expansion (<a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/vessel-of-hatred-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vessel of Hatred</a>) has already sort of done that. Mephisto was teased as the evil of this expansion, but in the end, we only got to fight a puppet of his. It would not make much sense to continue this same charade for much longer. But who knows&#8230;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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/1lqcaw8/new_expansion_teaser_in_season_9/">New Expansion Teaser in Season 9</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Ok-Wrongdoer-2497/">u/Ok-Wrongdoer-2497</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">Some Think the Next Enemy Will Not Be a Demon at All</h2>



<p>Although most people are focused on Mephisto, there is a growing theory that the next major threat might be angelic instead. Season 9, the Book of Prava, and the current state of the Church of Light have made some players wonder if we might be heading into Angel of Fate territory.</p>



<ul>
<li>Prava&#8217;s story arc still feels unfinished</li>



<li>The Church&#8217;s power and its secrets could be hiding something bigger</li>



<li>Could lead into a plot about the Eternal Conflict and the role humans play in it</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/2025/07/inarius-mural-igor-sidorenko-.webp" alt="Prava - Inarius Mural by Igor Sidorenko" class="wp-image 83681" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>Other locations like <a href="https://diablo.fandom.com/wiki/Xiansai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xiansai</a> and <a href="https://diablo.fandom.com/wiki/Skovos_Isles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skovos</a> are still in the mix too. Plenty of loose ends still waiting to be explored.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What the Community Thinks So Far</h2>



<p>When it comes to the story, the ending of Vessel of Hatred definitely got people talking. Overall, it seemed that most players liked the direction, but there were probably just as many who thought it was a little underwhelming. The story is still moving, but a lot of fans just want a clear, exciting goal for the next expansion and something that actually feels big, not just more buildup.</p>



<p>There is still a lot of interest in what comes next. The only real question is: will Blizzard deliver?</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>Want to keep up with what is coming next in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/">Diablo 4</a>? Check out our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/">main news hub</a> where we cover all the big updates, expansions, builds, and more.</p>


inarius mural - igor sidorenko - official concept art - blizzard

Could We Be Heading Back to Westmarch in Diablo 4’s Next Expansion?


<p>If you have been scrolling through the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">D4 Reddit</a> lately, you might have seen a post talking about the Harbinger of Hatred boss fight, and how certain builds can &#8220;bypass&#8221; the mechanics if they deal enough damage. Some players are finishing the fight so fast that most of the mechanics never even show up.</p>



<p>In the Reddit post, the player is using a <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/hydra-sorcerer-build/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hydra Sorcerer</a>, one of the strongest builds this season, which is absolutely deleting anything on the screen 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:500px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1ly6j1b/psa_you_can_bypass_harbinger_of_hatreds_boss/">PSA: You can bypass Harbinger of Hatred&#39;s boss mechanic</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Uchained/">u/Uchained</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>This is not really an exploit. It is just raw power doing the work. If your build hits hard enough, you can blow up the red portals before the yellow orb phase even starts. No projectile dodging, no orb back-and-forth… just melt the boss and move on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How the Fight Usually Works</h2>



<p>Normally, the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/harbinger-of-hatred-boss-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harbinger of Hatred</a> fight involves a few specific mechanics:</p>



<ul>
<li>Red portals appear and launch projectiles that are extremely hard to dodge at close range</li>



<li>You are supposed to grab yellow orbs and use them to close the portals</li>



<li>This repeats five times per phase, across three full phases</li>



<li>For melee players, this process is especially rough due to the short reaction window and damage pressure</li>
</ul>



<p>In most cases, you are stuck following this pattern, or you get overwhelmed. However, high-damage builds can wipe out the portals (or even the boss) before any of that happens.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Need help beating the fight the regular way?</h3>



<p>We have a full Harbinger of Hatred boss guide with step-by-step mechanics, tips, and strategies to make things easier, especially if your build is not built to face-tank and delete bosses:</p>



<div class="centered"><a class="aligncenter custom-button" href="/d4/guides/harbinger-of-hatred-boss-guide"><span>Harbinger of Hatred Lair Boss Guide</span></a></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is It a Bypass or Just Brute Force?</h2>



<p>This &#8220;skip&#8221; only works because of insane burst damage. If you can delete the portals right away, the mechanics never activate. A few players said they cleared Tier 4 without touching a single yellow orb.</p>



<p>This is not a cheese. It is just what happens when your build is strong enough. But it does bring up a fair question: should certain classes be able to skip fights like this while others are forced to grind through every phase? For melee builds in particular, it feels rough.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>Want to read more about Diablo 4? Head to our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/">main page</a> for the latest builds, guides, and updates!</p>


You Can “Skip” Harbinger of Hatred’s Mechanics With Enough Damage


<p>A dedicated <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> player has done what many would not dare: farm <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/belial-boss-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belial</a> nearly 300 times and record every drop. The resulting loot analysis has gone viral on Reddit, and it has raised an intense discussion about the game&#8217;s grind, reward structure, and overall balance in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 9</a>. </p>



<p>In a post titled &#8220;<em>Belial Loot Analysis after 284 Kills &#8211; Some Findings and Feedback</em>&#8220;, Reddit user CulturalNinja6 compiled drop data after slaying Belial 284 times. The findings? While 1 and 2 Greater Affix (GA) items are reasonably farmable, 3 and 4 GA drops are so rare they might as well not exist.</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/1lxxv2v/belial_loot_analysis_after_284_kills_some/">Belial Loot Analysis after 284 Kills – Some Findings and Feedback</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/CulturalNinja6/">u/CulturalNinja6</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">What the Numbers Show</h2>



<p>From the 284 kills, here are some takeaways:</p>



<ul>
<li>1-2 Greater Affixes are farmable, although you do need patience if you aim for the best rolls.</li>



<li>3-4 Great Affixes do not seem worth farming. He got on 4 GA in 284 kills, and it was a bad roll. It is definitely not worth the grind.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/how-to-farm-uniques-from-bosses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mythics</a> seems to drop more often than 3+ GA unique items, which is a weird balance.</li>
</ul>



<p>This harsh loot curve has left many players asking the same question: Why bother?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community Reaction: &#8220;<em>Staggeringly Poor</em>&#8220;</h2>



<p>The thread quickly filled with frustrated comments from fellow players who feel the drop system is overly stingy, especially given the time investment. Some are now questioning if the grind for high-end loot is even worth it.</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>Expecting to get a 3 or 4 GA on a good item is NOT realistic</em>,&#8221; one player commented.<br>&#8220;<em>I find boss farming too tedious. I know I won&#8217;t get anything anyway, so why bother?</em>&#8221; another added.</p>



<p>Others pointed out that unless you are buying duped husk stacks or trading nonstop, the organic grind is borderline impossible. Between the effort required for lair materials and the randomness of stats, farming for perfect 3-4 GA gear could take thousands of kills.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Design or Gatekeeping?</h2>



<p>Several players argued that the loot balance is tipped too heavily toward elite grinders and traders, leaving casual and mid-core players with little sense of progression. Even some Mythic items, once the rarest of treasures, are starting to feel more common than decent 3 GA uniques.</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>Half the skills are useless without these uniques</em>,&#8221; one comment noted. &#8220;<em>So locking them behind 1,000+ kills just kills build diversity</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p>Players are not frustrated because loot is rare, but because good loot is. Loosen loot restrictions, so players can fully build a character within one season, would definitely be a welcome change. </p>



<p>For now, many do not see the point in grinding bosses for hours for a single 3+ Greater Affixes item drop.</p>


Diablo 4 Player Shares Belial Loot After 284 Kills & It Is Not the Best


<p>Something mysterious is rising in the burning chaos of <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/helltide-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helltide</a>. Over the past few days, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> players have begun reporting sightings of an unexplained spire structure in various Helltide zones, and no one knows what it does. </p>



<p>The discussion started on Reddit, where a player shared a screenshot of the strange structure, noting they could not interact with it in any way. </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/1lwyhqn/mystery_spire_encountered_in_helltide/">Mystery Spire Encountered in Helltide</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/HidaMan/">u/HidaMan</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>Despite appearing clearly within the Helltide event area, the spire does not respond to clicks, skills, or proximity. It is just there, looming in the chaos, offering no explanation. </p>



<p>Other players quickly joined, confirming they had also encountered the mysterious structure. One mentioned seeing it in the Deep Forest area of <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/scosglen-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scosglen</a>, near Tur Dulra, while another spotted it in the top-left zone of the map. The location seems to vary, but one thing is certain: it is new, and it is confusing everyone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Future Feature in the Works?</h2>



<p>Since there is currently no known interaction or explanation, the community has started speculating about what this spire might represent. Many believe it is likely an unfinished or placeholder element tied to a future Helltide update.</p>



<p>This theory lines up with recent posts from content creators, who have been teasing that major changes are coming. With the Diablo 4 dev team actively reaching out to influencers to preview big upcoming content, this odd structure might just be our first in-game teaser.</p>



<p>Or it is just an item forgotten by the devs inside Helltides. It would not be the first time something remains that is not supposed to be there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Until Then, It Remains a Mystery</h2>



<p>Blizzard has not made any official comment yet on the mysterious spire, and there are no datamines currently explaining its purpose. For now, it is just one more anomaly in Sanctuary, waiting to be understood.</p>



<p>If you spot the spire in your own Helltide runs, be sure to take a screenshot and report your findings. It might be nothing… or it might be the start of something much bigger.</p>


Mysterious Spire Appears in Diablo 4 – Future Secret Update?


<p>A new post on X/Twitter from <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> creator Wudijo is getting a lot of attention right now, with many fans wondering what kind of changes Blizzard might be working on behind the scenes. According to him, some partnered creators were shown a preview of what is coming&#8230; and for once, he says he actually felt heard.</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">Last night some people including myself got a glimpse of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DiabloIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DiabloIV</a> &#39;s future. Take all the stuff I have been complaining about for the past 1.5 years and imagine I ACTUALLY felt heard 👀</p>&mdash; wudijo (@wudijo) <a href="https://twitter.com/wudijo/status/1943990268035830074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quiet Hype After Wudi&#8217;s Tease</h2>



<p>Although we still do not know what Blizzard showed, Wudi&#8217;s post has definitely caused some quiet excitement. It sounds like the team might finally be working on some of the bigger problems people have been complaining about – stuff like build customization, loot filters, and missing quality-of-life features that players have been asking for since launch.</p>



<p>If it is related to the next expansion, it could be a pretty big deal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Not Everyone Is Convinced</h2>



<p>Of course, not everyone is convinced. A Reddit thread about the post has been filling up with mixed reactions – a lot of people are curious, but also just tired of the usual cycle: creators post vague teases, Blizzard stays quiet, and months go by before anything concrete shows up.</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/1ly3oc6/wudijo_glimpse_at_the_future_of_diablo_4/">Wudijo Glimpse at the Future of Diablo 4</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/SmellyMattress/">u/SmellyMattress</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>Some users pointed out that when creators post cryptic hints like this, it usually means whatever they saw is still a long way off. Personally, I am staying cautiously hopeful. With Gamescom around the corner, maybe we will get a real update soon. Even just a teaser or a more detailed roadmap would be great.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Credibility and a Somewhat Split Community</h2>



<p>Of course, this also brought up the usual creator drama. A few players accused influencers of hyping things up without saying anything meaningful. Wudijo, in particular, got called out by name, though plenty of people defended him, pointing out that he has been one of the most vocal critics of the game for over a year. And that is true. Anyone who watches his streams knows he has not been holding back.</p>



<p>At the end of the day, most of the community feels stuck somewhere between hope and burnout. <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> still has a lot of potential… but people are done getting excited over promises. They just want to see something real.</p>


Wudijo Hints at Big Diablo 4 Changes After Private Preview


<p>Gear is optional, or at least, it was for a few days. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> content creator Mekuna stunned the community by clearing <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/the-pit-of-the-artificers-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pit 150</a>, the game&#8217;s most difficult endgame content, completely naked, thanks to a now-fixed bug affecting the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/sorcerer/builds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sorcerer class</a>. No armor, no accessories, just a common wand, a focus, and an absolutely broken build.</p>



<p>Watch the run here:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Pit 150 CLEARED NAKED Zero Gear Run - S9 Diablo 4" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EtfwDuXBPf8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How the Sorcerer Bug Worked</h2>



<p>The bug revolved around the Sorcerer&#8217;s <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-name="Enlightenment" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_Talents_Sorceress_51.webp" alt="Enlightenment"><span class="tooltip-spell-name d4-text">Enlightenment</span></span></a> Key Passive, which builds stacks as you cast spells of different elements. Once at 100 stacks, you become &#8220;Enlightened&#8221;, boosting damage, mana regeneration, and attack speed.</p>



<p>The bug appeared when <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-name="Enlightenment" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_Talents_Sorceress_51.webp" alt="Enlightenment"><span class="tooltip-spell-name d4-text">Enlightenment</span></span></a> was combined with 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_Season09_Items_1.webp" alt="Smoldering Ember"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Horadric Spellcraft" data-item-quality="unique">Smoldering Ember</span></span></a> seasonal power from Season 9. If triggered right before entering a portal (like those in the Pit), the elemental damage bonus would skyrocket into absurd territory. At one point, Mekuna&#8217;s Sorcerer had a staggering +581,000,000,000% Lightning damage.</p>



<p>With damage numbers that high, even Pit 150&#8217;s beefiest enemies melted instantly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blizzard Has Already Fixed the Bug</h2>



<p>Sadly (or thankfully?), this naked Sorcerer dream is no longer possible. Blizzard has since dropped a <a href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/hotfix-3-july-9-2025-230/227263" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotfix patch</a> that removes the <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-name="Enlightenment" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_Talents_Sorceress_51.webp" alt="Enlightenment"><span class="tooltip-spell-name d4-text">Enlightenment</span></span></a> damage stacking bug, shutting down one of the most broken builds Diablo 4 has ever seen.</p>



<p>So if you were thinking of stripping down and joining the leaderboard ranks, don&#8217;t bother. The naked meta is officially dead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">…But Another Bugged Sorcerer Build Just Surfaced</h2>



<p>Interestingly, this was not the only Sorcerer bug of the season. A few days ago, players discovered a <a href="https://youtu.be/Zk6SW_yOZIg?si=X1VCVv3a_uBsiwod&amp;t=219" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">more complicated version</a> of the <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-name="Enlightenment" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_Talents_Sorceress_51.webp" alt="Enlightenment"><span class="tooltip-spell-name d4-text">Enlightenment</span></span></a> + <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_Season09_Items_1.webp" alt="Smoldering Ember"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Horadric Spellcraft" data-item-quality="unique">Smoldering Ember</span></span></a>s interaction. This variant requires carefully cycling <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-name="Enlightenment" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_Talents_Sorceress_51.webp" alt="Enlightenment"><span class="tooltip-spell-name d4-text">Enlightenment</span></span></a> with a secondary modifier, making it much harder to execute consistently.</p>



<p>In contrast, the build Mekuna used was so easy to pull off that any player could replicate it, which is likely why Blizzard reacted so quickly. But now, the new version of the bug is here, despite working off a slightly different interaction. There is no official fix yet, but chances are high that Blizzard will take care of it as well.</p>


Diablo 4 Player Beats Pit 150 Completely Naked


<p>Each new season of Diablo attracts both new and returning players eager to battle hordes of demons. Notably, Season 9 has propelled Diablo 4 to unexpectedly high levels of popularity. As of now, Diablo 4&#8217;s ninth season has launched the game into the top <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/charts/steamdecktopplayed">15 most-played games on the Steam Deck</a>.</p>



<p>According to the Steam Deck charts, Diablo 4 has climbed from the lower end of the top 25 to firmly secure a spot within it. It now competes alongside long-standing favorites like Baldur&#8217;s Gate 3, Hades, and the newly released <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/other-games/news/nightreign-tops-charts-in-may-2025-top-selling-games/">Elden Ring: Nightreign</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is Diablo 4 Worth Playing Right Now?</h2>



<p>Season 9 initially struggle <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/overpower-is-dead-diablo-4-just-hit-it-with-another-massive-nerf/">Overpower nerfs</a> and <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-iv-faces-frustrations-and-problems-ahead-of-season-9/">other frustrations</a>, leading many to worry it wouldn&#8217;t hold player interest.But with recent <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/summer-sale-2025-save-big-on-diablo/">discounts</a>, Game Pass availability, and some meta-breaking builds, the game&#8217;s popularity is on the rise.</p>



<p>So, is Season 9 worth playing? For most players, the answer is yes! The season reworks Nightmare Dungeons in both the Seasonal and Eternal Realms, adding new <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/horadric-strongrooms/">Horadric Strongrooms and Jewels</a> for faster gearing.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DiabloIV-Barb-Sorc-Rogue.webp" alt="Diablo IV Barbarian, Sorceress, Rogue" class="wp-image 83502"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Makes Diablo 4 So Good to Play on the Steam Deck?</h2>



<p>While Diablo 4 offers plenty of open-world content and multiplayer content, many endgame grinds now take under 10 minutes per solo run. <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/nightmare-dungeon-tier-list/">Nightmare Dungeons</a>, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/infernal-hordes-guide/">Infernal Hordes</a>, or <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/the-pit-of-the-artificers-guide/">Pit</a> runs, are all perfect for quick sessions, especially on handheld. That makes it a perfect fit for quick sessions on the Steam Deck.</p>



<p>If this surge in popularity motivates you to dive into the new season, you can find our guides featuring the most popular meta builds <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/top-season-9-builds/">here</a>.</p>


Diablo 4 Climbs Steam Deck Charts After Rocky Season 9 Launch


<p>Some of Season 9&#8217;s journey objectives in Diablo 4 can be a grind, especially the one that asks you to use Infusions to deactivate 100 affixes on monsters for the Master Spellcrafter part in the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/latest-season-journey-for-diablo-4/#slayer_(chapter_5)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slayer Journey</a> (Chapter 5). For many players, this step has been a buggy nightmare: progress randomly resets, kills fail to count, and certain dungeons can wipe your progress entirely.</p>



<p>Luckily, the community got together via Reddit to share the best way to farm this objective, and which issues to avoid along the way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fastest Way to Farm Deactivations</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Start by setting up your build:</h3>



<ul>
<li>Equip <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Infusion_04_Poison" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Infusion_04_Poison" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_S09Powers_Horadric_12.webp" alt="Corrosive Vapor"><span class="tooltip-name" data-item-quality="0" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Infusion_04_Poison">Corrosive Vapor</span></span></a> (Poison) and <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Catalyst_02_Disintegrate" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Catalyst_02_Disintegrate" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_S09Powers_Horadric_19.webp" alt="Disintegrate"><span class="tooltip-name" data-item-quality="0" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Catalyst_02_Disintegrate">Disintegrate</span></span></a>.</li>



<li>Lower your damage so you do not kill mobs too fast, but still stay alive in the highest Torment difficulty you can handle.</li>



<li>The goal is to keep mobs alive while repeatedly disabling their buffs.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Where to Farm It</h3>



<p>Go to Kor Dragan, which is full of named mobs that often come with the Vampiric affix. That is the one you want.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d4-kor-dragan-dungeon-location.webp" alt="Kor Dragan Barracks Dungeon Location - Diablo 4" class="wp-image 83549" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<ul>
<li>Hit the elite once with the skill you paired with your catalyst to trigger <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Catalyst_02_Disintegrate" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Catalyst_02_Disintegrate" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DUI_S09Powers_Horadric_19.webp" alt="Disintegrate"><span class="tooltip-name" data-item-quality="0" data-tooltip-type="Horadric Power" data-snoid="S09_HoradricPower_Catalyst_02_Disintegrate">Disintegrate</span></span></a>, which disables their Vampiric buff.</li>



<li>Kite them for 8 seconds.</li>



<li>Hit them again once the Vampiric affix comes back.</li>



<li>Repeat this. Each successful disable counts toward your total.</li>
</ul>



<p>After the two lever events, you will often find 2–3 elites at once, allowing you to rack up 3 deactivations every 8 seconds. Just be sure to pull in other mobs so your Catalyst remains active and the elites stay alive longer.</p>



<p>If you end up killing too many mobs, just reset the dungeon and do it again.</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/1lu2qrn/master_spellcrafter_season_tip_easy_100_infusion/">Master Spellcrafter Season Tip: Easy 100 Infusion Deactivations</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/exphryl/">u/exphryl</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">Watch Out for These Bugs</h2>



<p>Many <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1lrgpkk/any_tips_on_how_to_complete_master_spellcrafter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">players report</a> their progress resetting, sometimes all the way back to 0/100, due to the following:</p>



<ul>
<li>Switching your Infusion spell gem</li>



<li>Changing catalysts or gear mid-run</li>



<li>Entering an Escalating Dungeon</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/s9-master-spellcrafter.webp" alt="Master Spellcrafter Season Journey Objectives - Season 9 - Diablo 4" class="wp-image 83547" style="border-radius:8px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Season Journey image shared by <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1lrgpkk/comment/n1h4v3o/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web3x&amp;utm_name=web3xcss&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=share_button" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">illprobablyeditthis on Reddit</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>On top of that, kills may not count reliably even if you are doing everything right, especially in fast-clearing group runs. To avoid issues:</p>



<ul>
<li>Stick to one Infusion and Catalyst setup until you finish the objective.</li>



<li>Avoid making gear or skill changes mid-run.</li>



<li>Run solo if possible, especially in lower-tier or non-Escalating dungeons.</li>
</ul>



<p>If this <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/latest-season-journey-for-diablo-4/">Season Journey</a> objective has been driving you mad, hopefully this gives you a clean path to finish it.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>And for more Diablo 4 tips, builds, and Season 9 coverage, check out our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/">Diablo IV hub</a>.</p>


Stuck on Master Spellcrafter in Diablo 4? This Quick Trick Helps You Finish It


<p>The <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/vessel-of-hatred-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vessel of Hatred</a> expansion for <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> introduced a jungle&#8217;s worth of feline mounts: panthers, lions, leopards, and more. But can you get any of these majestic hell-cats if you do not own the expansion?</p>



<p>A <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1lx11on/are_cat_mounts_earnable_without_voh_expansion/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web3x&amp;utm_name=web3xcss&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=share_button" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">recent Reddit thread </a>asked that very question, and the answer is… yes, but only one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Meet the Piebald Panther</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d4-piebald-panther.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 83566" /></figure>



<p>Even if you have not bought Vessel of Hatred, you can still get your hands on one pretty cool feline mount: the Piebald Panther. </p>



<p>This mount is a reward for reaching <strong>Paragon Level 300</strong>, and unlike the other cats locked behind <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/nahantu-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nahantu</a>-exclusive content, this one is available to all players.</p>



<p>Once you hit Paragon 300, you obtain a mount item in your inventory. Use it, and you will permanently unlock it for your character. As a bonus, it also comes with the Hateful Stone, a soulstone-themed mount trophy!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d4-hateful-stone.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 83567" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What About the Other Cat Mounts?</h2>



<p>If you are after the rest of the feline pack, like leopards, jungle lions, or even tigers, you will need the Vessel of Hatred expansion. Most of the other cat-themed mounts drop from content found exclusively in Nahantu, the jungle region introduced in the expansion.</p>



<p>You can obtain some from the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/kurast-undercity-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Undercity</a>, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/dark-citadel-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dark Citadel</a>, clearing all <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/nahantu-tenets-of-akarat-locations-and-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenets in Nahantu</a>, completing all the side quests in Nahantu, and more.</p>



<p>Reaching Paragon level 300 is not the easiest thing to do, as it does require a ton of grinding to get there. But at least if you want a free Panther, you have now a reason to go for it!</p>


How to Get a Panther Without Owning Vessel of Hatred in Diablo 4


<p>Escalating Nightmares are one of the bigger additions to <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4&#8217;s Season</a> 9, but since the system is still new, a lot of players are unsure how it works or when it unlocks. If you have picked up one of the new Escalation Sigils and are wondering what exactly you are getting into, here is a quick breakdown.</p>



<p>These dungeons are essentially a chain of three back-to-back <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/nightmare-dungeon-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nightmare Dungeons</a>, with each one stacking on the affixes from the previous run. Things can get rough quickly, especially once you reach <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/world-tier-difficulty/#torment_difficulties" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Torment difficulty</a> and unlock the final phase.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Start an Escalation</h2>



<ul>
<li>Escalation Sigils can drop from Horadric Caches, Strongrooms, or the Seasonal Reputation track.</li>



<li>Once you activate a Sigil, it will teleport you into the first dungeon.</li>



<li>After clearing it, a portal opens to the next one, showing you the added affixes.</li>



<li>After three, <strong>if you are in Torment difficulty</strong>, you head straight into Astaroth&#8217;s Lair for a boss fight.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Horadric-Strongroom.webp" alt="Horadric Strongroom Entrance" class="wp-image 83543" style="border-radius:8px;width:787px;height:443px" width="787" height="443"/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What to Expect from Astaroth</h3>



<p>Astaroth has his own mechanics and hits harder than usual since he inherits your affixes. If you want help with that fight, we have a <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/astaroth-boss-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">full boss guide on our site</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Loot, Bonuses, and Affixes</h2>



<p>Escalating Nightmares can also come with special affixes that spawn:</p>



<ul>
<li>XP orbs (good for leveling)</li>



<li>Extra shrines</li>



<li>Treasure Goblins</li>



<li>Loot chests full of materials</li>
</ul>



<p>You will also earn Ancestral Legendaries, Uniques, gold, and other late-game drops.</p>



<p>This system is available on both Seasonal and Eternal characters, and it becomes one of the better ways to gear up fast once you hit the late game.</p>



<p>For full mechanics and dungeon tips, check out our updated <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/nightmare-dungeon-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nightmare Dungeon Guide</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Watch the Official Quick Video</h2>



<p>If you want a quick visual refresher, the official Diablo YouTube channel posted a short video explaining Escalating Nightmares:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Diablo IV | How Escalating Nightmares Work" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QZKjpIkokz4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diablo IV | How Escalating Nightmares Work</figcaption></figure>



<p>Let us know how far you made it into the chain, or if <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/astaroth-boss-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astaroth</a> gave you trouble.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>And for more updates, build guides, and other news, head back to our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo IV main page</a>.</p>


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