Diablo 4 patch 1.03 has been released. this is a big one.
A long list of patch notes posted on their blog includes: Blizzard Unveils Diablo 4 Patch 1.03 In DetailsIt includes a huge list of gameplay improvements and highly requested changes to address endgame XP woes.
A number of issues have been resolved that were plaguing players, such as Rogues becoming invisible indefinitely in the PvP-focused Field of Hatred zone, and corpses disappearing when using Corpse Tendrils as Necromancers.
But the most notable change is in the section called “Experience Rewards”, where you’ll find numerous improvements to the endgame XP grind.
A big problem with the endgame grind is that Nightmare dungeons, which are supposed to be one of the main activities players tackle, are actually less efficient at leveling than doing certain standard dungeons. One reason is that many Nightmare dungeons are too far from fast travel points to be worth the hike to participate in the activity in the first place, but a second, more important reason is that the Nightmare dungeons It simply wasn’t effective enough. XP is worth doing high difficulty activities.
Both of these issues have now been resolved and players will now be able to teleport directly into the Nightmare dungeon which has been tuned to earn dramatically more XP. Similarly, Helltide chests now have “greatly increased bonus experience when opened” and “greatly increased” XP for completing Whisper bounties.
If the patch notes deliver on these changes, it should dramatically improve the long endgame grind that some players have been frustrated with for its slowness. Especially when tackling activities that were supposed to grind isn’t the most efficient way to level.
Travis Northup is a freelance writer for IGN.
