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Blizzard Buffs Diablo III’s End Game With Seasons, Legendary Gems
Diablo III has come a long was since its release in early 2013. The game has been completely revamped to remove the auction houses, received a new loot system, and now, has even more end-game content.
Patch 2.1.0 is now live for the PC version of the game (those of you playing the new Ultimate Evil Edition on console have your own goodies, but this patch may yet be headed your way). The update adds a new seasonal mode with its own legendary loot that will eventually get ported over to your regular stash.
In order to participate in a season, you’ll need to create a brand-new hero (or heroes, if you’re ambitious). This pool of champions is separate from your others and cannot access their stash or gold.
In this mode, there are unique item drops that are exclusive to season heroes until the current period closes. After that, your heroes are moved to the main pool, your items can be traded with other members of your stable, and your stash will be delivered via in-game messaging. There are unique achievements for each season, and leaderboards will track your progress against that of other players.
Additionally, Blizzard has added new legendary gems that can be upgraded by completing an adventure-mode rift under the specified time limit. If you don’t happen to beat the required time, you’ll still be able to use the spirit that appears to increase the level of your greater rift keystone (for harder enemies and bigger rewards).
You can download the patch now. For more on Loot 2.0, one of the biggest changes that came in advance of the Reaper of Souls expansion, check out our previous coverage.
[Source: Blizzard]
Our Take
When Diablo III was first released, many called it a failure for its forced online connections, auction houses, and weak end-game. Blizzard has completely rebuilt the experience, and in the process rescued one of its most important franchises. I’ve played the game on PC and consoles and continue to be sucked back in.
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