Shocking Improvements: Diablo 4 Update 1.0.3 Delivers

• XDG
• Game Updates
• June 29, 2023

Diablo 4 Update 1.0.3 – Changes Overview and Patch Notes

The highly anticipated Update 1.0.3 for Diablo 4 has finally arrived, marking one of the last major patches before Season 1. This update brings a host of bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, and class balancing. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the patch highlights and discuss how these changes will impact the gameplay experience in Sanctuary.

Nightmare Dungeons Buffed

One of the major changes introduced in Update 1.0.3 is the buff to Nightmare Dungeons. The XP gained from defeating enemies in these dungeons, as well as the completion rewards, have been significantly increased. Moreover, players can now teleport directly to Nightmare Dungeons from the map, making it easier to access and run dungeons that suit their character build. This change solidifies Nightmare Dungeons as one of the best ways to level up a character and adds more value to undertaking these challenging encounters.

Helltide and Tree of Whisper Changes

In this update, Helltides receive a small experience boost, granting players more experience when opening chests. While this may seem like a minor improvement, it benefits those who frequently farm Helltides during the hour they are active. Additionally, the experience gained from completing individual Whispers has been increased. This change may make Whispers a viable method for leveling and gearing up, particularly for players in World Tier 3 or 4, although further testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Class Balance

Update 1.0.3 brings improvements to almost all Basic Skills across all classes. Many skills now offer enhanced resource generation or increased damage, and some lesser-used or perceived weaker skills have received buffs. Let’s take a look at the changes for each class:

Barbarian

Barbarians receive small buffs to their Basic Attacks, including increased damage and slight boosts to Fury Generation. Notably, the Iron Maelstrom skill sees significant improvements, with a 25% reduction in cooldown and increased Critical Strike bonuses for the Prime Iron Maestrom upgrade. Various other Barbarian skills and effects, such as Bul-Kathos, Earthquake, Dust Devil, Devilish, and Windlasher, have also been buffed. Players may want to explore the Leapquake Build, which utilizes Bul-Kathos and Earthquake aspects for substantial damage.

Druid

Similar to the Barbarian, the Druid class receives buffs to Basic Skills, enhancing their damage output and Spirit Generation. Skills like Wolves, Hurricane, Rabies, Cataclysm, Lacerate, and Pummel have all seen damage buffs. Additionally, several Druid passives and aspects have been boosted, including Bestial Rampage, Nature’s Fury, Lupine Ferocity, Runeworker’s Conduit, Mangled, Seismic Shift, and Blurred Beast.

Necromancer

The Necromancer class also benefits from the buffed Basic Skills, with improvements to damage, Essence Generation, or both. Skills like Sever, Blood Lance, Bone Prison, and Iron Maiden have been directly buffed. Notably, Necromancers now have better control over their minions, as they will prioritize Cursed targets. Various Necromancer aspects, including Kalan’s Edict, Rathma’s Vigor, Bursting Bones, Flesh-Rending, and Fastblood, have also been strengthened. The buff to Rathma’s Vigor enhances the potency of the Necromancer Solo Surging Build, amplifying its burst damage potential.

Rogue

The Rogue class receives buffs to many Basic Skills, although resource generation remains unchanged due to the class’s inherent strengths in that area. Skills like Barrage, Caltrops, Smoke Grenade, and Rain of Arrows have received slight buffs.

Summary:

Update 1.0.3 for Diablo 4 introduces significant changes to Nightmare Dungeons, Helltides, and Tree of Whisper encounters. It also brings class balance adjustments, itemization changes, and quality-of-life improvements. With these updates, players can expect a more engaging and balanced gameplay experience as they explore the dark and dangerous world of Sanctuary.

Be sure to check the official patch notes for a comprehensive list of all changes and details.

Happy demon slaying!