Blizzard has updated Diablo IV with patch 1.2.2, making the game more engaging by reintroducing a selection of the powerful Malignant Powers from the initial season. These powers have returned, but this time, they have been incorporated as unique Malignant Rings, one designated for every class. Available instantly in both Seasonal and Eternal game modes, players can now gain these potent abilities simply by equipping the rings, sidestepping the necessity for embedding Malignant Hearts as was required before.
As part of this update, each of the five newly designed rings draws inspiration from the powers that gained popularity during the "Season of the Malignant," making them a significant addition for the players. These rings not only celebrate fan-favorite elements from the past season but also ensure that such features continue to persist in future gameplay across both realms, as emphasized in Blizzard's patch summary.
While the focal point of the update revolves around these Malignant Rings, the patch also delivers a host of bug fixes that cover various aspects of the game, enhancing player experience and smoothing out gameplay issues. Additionally, the patch fine-tunes the Sanguine Battery event from the game's seasonal content, including adjustments to pillar health and repair timers.
Blizzard looks forward to the future of Diablo IV with the announcement of the "Vessel of Hatred" expansion at BlizzCon 2023, hinting at a late release the following year and the debut of an all-new class. Upcoming Season 3 is set to bring a fresh endgame activity called "The Gauntlet," a weekly challenge dungeon that promises leaderboards and rewards for competitive players.
Prior to this patch, Diablo IV welcomed updates to simplify the Paragon Board's respec process and introduced training dummies for build testing. The game is set to expand its endgame content with the "Abbatoir of Zir," a limited-time event crafted for level 100 players, due to launch on December 5. A week later, on December 12, a holiday event will transform the Fractured Peaks zone into a chilling winter spectacle.
The patch notes for Diablo IV's update 1.2.2 detail gameplay enhancements, specifically the inclusion of Malignant Rings and further adjustments to the seasonal Sanguine Battery event. The bug fixes span across diverse game components, from dungeons and events to gameplay nuances, accessibility improvements, and miscellaneous refinements related to visual, performance, and stability aspects. These changes underline Blizzard's commitment to providing a continually evolving and improved gaming experience for Diablo IV enthusiasts.