Acolyte of Chayula

Barbarian

Druid

Necromancer

Rogue

Sorcerer

Spiritborn


<p><strong>UPDATE: </strong>Patch 2.3.1 is now live!</p>



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            <img decoding="async" class="blizzard-logo" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/static/public/blizzard-icon-small.png" alt="Blizzard Logo" />
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        <div>
            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/pc-patch-231-rollback/227822/5"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
        </div>
    </div>
    <hr class="blizzard-line" />
    <h3></h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p>Patch 2.3.1 is now live again for all platforms. We appreciate your patience!</p>
    </div>
</div>



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



<p>Blizzard has posted an update about the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-pc-patch-2-3-1-rolled-back-due-to-crash-issues/">recent Patch 2.3.1 rollback</a> on PC for <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/">Diablo 4</a>.</p>



<div class="blizzard-blue-post">
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        <div>
            <img decoding="async" class="blizzard-logo" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/static/public/blizzard-icon-small.png" alt="Blizzard Logo" />
        </div>
        <div>
            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/pc-patch-231-rollback/227822"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
        </div>
    </div>
    <hr class="blizzard-line" />
    <h3></h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p>Quick update &#8211; We’re looking to have this issue addressed soon, and players may see updates for patch 2.3.1. by today. We don’t have an exact time, but will be quick to post updates once 2.3.1 is officially live.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your patience on this.</p>
    </div>
</div>



<p>As the post entails, we don&#8217;t have a set time or date when <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4s-july-15-patch-for-season-9-buffs-almost-every-class/">Patch 2.3.1</a> will be brought back to live. Blizzard thanked players for their patience and is expected to share more updates once the issue is resolved.</p>



<p>Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops!</p>


Update on Diablo 4 PC Patch 2.3.1 Rollback


<p>After yesterday&#8217;s hotfix hiccup, where Blizzard <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-pc-patch-2-3-1-rolled-back-due-to-crash-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rolled back</a> and <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/update-on-diablo-4-pc-patch-2-3-1-roll-back/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">re-issued a patch</a> for <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>, some players have noticed something missing: one of <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 9</a>&#8216;s most frustrating <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/latest-season-journey-for-diablo-4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seasonal Journey</a> objectives has been quietly removed.</p>



<p>Specifically, the requirement to &#8220;deactivate 100 monster affixes with spell infusions&#8221; has vanished without a trace.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Buggy Task From the Start</h2>



<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/1m11iht/blizzard_actually_removed_the_most_annoying/">Blizzard actually removed the most annoying season journey requirement…</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Cloudkiller01/">u/Cloudkiller01</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>Players on Reddit quickly noticed the objective was gone, with many expressing relief. The achievement had long been buggy: its progress would randomly reset when switching infusions, transitioning maps, or even just logging back in.</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>I had it at 12, then 7, then 0, then 16… It made no sense</em>,&#8221; one player wrote. &#8220;<em>Mine reset every time I entered a Pit</em>,&#8221; another added. &#8220;<em>Glad it&#8217;s gone, it was genuinely busted</em>,&#8221; said someone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Was It a Problem?</h2>



<ul>
<li>Progress would reset unexpectedly, especially if you changed your spell infusion, preventing you from finishing your journey.</li>



<li>For some, progress seemed fine, until it suddenly was not.</li>



<li>Others managed to complete it but feel frustrated that their effort now feels wasted.</li>
</ul>



<p>In short: the task was inconsistent, frustrating, and borderline bugged for most players.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is It Really Gone for Everyone?</h2>



<p>Not entirely. A few players report still seeing the task in their own journeys, suggesting that the removal might be rolling out gradually, or could depend on platform or progression state. </p>



<p>We checked in our own game, and it was indeed gone for us, so the Reddit post does not seem like a troll. However, some players do report it still being there. </p>



<p>As of now, there has been no official statement from Blizzard confirming the change, or explaining it. It is also unknown if the task is gone until they fix it, and may reappear later on, or if it really was just removed entirely.</p>



<p>In case you still have this seasonal journey task in your game, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/stuck-on-master-spellcrafter-in-diablo-4-this-quick-trick-helps-you-finish-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here is a quick fix</a> you can try to get it done nonetheless!</p>


Blizzard Quietly Removed Diablo 4’s Most Hated Journey Tasks


<p>A <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/">Diablo 4</a> player has recently crafted what might be the luckiest <span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><img decoding="async" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_Swords_40.webp" alt="The Grandfather"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Two-Handed Sword" data-item-quality="mythic">Grandfather</span></a></span> drop we&#8217;ve seen, and it&#8217;s raising questions about how rare god-tier loot should be.</p>



<p>A Reddit user recently hit the jackpot: they rolled  <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_Swords_40.webp" alt="The Grandfather"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Two-Handed Sword" data-item-quality="mythic">The Grandfather</span></span></a> and managed to roll all 4 Greater Affixes for it. Additionally, they claimed to have scrapped a <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_Amulets_48.webp" alt="Melted Heart of Selig"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Amulet" data-item-quality="mythic">Melted Heart of Selig</span></span></a>, which also had four stars, in order to create this god weapon.</p>



<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" data-embed-height="740"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1lz2leu/had_the_luckiest_day_ive_ever_had_or_will_have_in/">Had the luckiest day I’ve ever had or will have in Diablo 4 yesterday.</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Buttcheekllama/">u/Buttcheekllama</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote>



<p>For players who don’t delve deeply into the late game of Diablo 4, this weapon is not only extremely rare, but it also includes all four Greater Affixes, which is akin to winning the lottery. Farming the materials needed to summon bosses takes a significant amount of time, and it requires even longer to gather the materials necessary to summon more powerful bosses like <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/uber-andariel-boss-guide/">Andariel</a> or <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/uber-duriel-boss-guide/">Duriel</a>.</p>



<p>The<a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/lair-boss-system-guide/"> lengthy grind to collect the materials needed to farm these bosses</a>, who have a random chance of yielding between one and four stars on your weapon, can dominate the endgame experience for many players. But should it really be this way?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Should Greater Affixes be Easier to Obtain?</h2>



<p>While it is easier to roll more Greater Affixes on items as you progress to Torment 4, should it really be this hard to get a god roll? For some players, the answer is yes; having god rolls should be challenging to obtain because it makes the items more valuable and desirable. This approach rewards those who invest significant time in obtaining these drops.</p>



<p>On the other hand, the extensive grind required may deter some players, preventing them from acquiring anything above a 2-star item without excessive effort. Ultimately, it all comes down to RNG, so results are always different between players.</p>



<p>What do you think? Should god rolls like <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_Swords_40.webp" alt="The Grandfather"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Two-Handed Sword" data-item-quality="mythic">The Grandfather</span></span></a> be made more common, or should their rarity be maintained to encourage players to farm for the perfect drop? Alternatively, should Blizzard implement a system that guarantees a minimum roll on Greater Affixes during crafting or boss runs? We’d love to hear your thoughts!</p>


Diablo 4 Player Crafts One of the Luckiest Grandfathers Ever


<p>Starting out <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 9</a> for the first time or returning after a long break can sometimes be not easy! There is a lot of new content, and it can feel overwhelming really fast, especially getting started with endgame content. Thankfully, content creator Fallen Messiah has shared an excellent guide aimed at helping players hit the ground running.</p>



<p>You check out the video if you want some visual guide:</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="Ultimate Season 9 Guide - Start the Season Right: Gold, Sparks and Experience" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ugYzQBxTs0?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>



<p>The video is especially useful for new players who have finished the main campaign and want to make the most out of their seasonal experience. Veteran players can still pick up some valuable optimizations and gold-making tricks, however!</p>



<p>Here is a breakdown of the key strategies for leveling, Resplendent Sparks, and gold farming in Season 9.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fast Experience Farming (XP)</h2>



<p>The road from level 1 to endgame does not need to be a slog. You can outline two main paths to level 60, with one clearly faster than the other:</p>



<ul>
<li>Levels 1-60
<ul>
<li><strong>Standard Leveling</strong>: Progress naturally through story and dungeon content.</li>



<li><strong>Power Leveling</strong>: Get carried by higher-level players in Pit 60-70 runs. This method can get you to level 60 in as little as 20-25 minutes.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Level 60+ Paragon Farming
<ul>
<li>Once you hit 60, speed-running Pit 60-70 is the most efficient method for Paragon XP, with runs taking roughly 2 minutes each.</li>



<li>While Infernal Hordes are an option, they do not match the speed and XP density of optimized Pit runs.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Pro Tip: Use Sigils with &#8220;Forgotten Wisdom&#8221;
<ul>
<li>This affix causes enemies to drop experience orbs, and upcoming patches are set to buff orb limits, making this even better.</li>



<li>Combine these orbs with XP wells in dungeons to speed up early Paragon levels dramatically.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Farm Resplendent Sparks Efficiently</h2>



<p>Resplendent Sparks are essential for crafting best-in-slot items, and in Season 9, you can guarantee one fairly quickly if you follow the right steps.</p>



<ul>
<li>The Two Main Spark Methods:
<ul>
<li>Random Farm: Defeat Uber Bosses and hope for a drop (very very low chance).</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Guaranteed Method (Recommended): Use the Season Reputation Track, which offers a Spark via a Resplendent Cache at Tier 18.</li>



<li>Reputation Method Explained:
<ul>
<li>Power Level to 60 (see above).</li>



<li>Gear up with:
<ul>
<li>Pit boss loot.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Basic enchants and tempering.</li>



<li>Low-level gems to cap resistances (start with Fire, then Poison &gt; Lightning &gt; Cold &gt; Shadow).</li>



<li>Complete the seasonal intro quest to unlock <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/horadric-spells-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horadric Knowledge</a>.</li>



<li>Turn in your Blood Relic to Biona after your first Strongroom. 
<ul>
<li>Important: skipping this step will prevent rep drops from Infernal Hordes.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Run Infernal Hordes on Torment IV, preferably with public groups or paid carries.</li>



<li>Use a defensive build to avoid dying.</li>



<li>Takes about 3 runs (~1 hour) to reach Tier 18 and unlock the Resplendent Cache.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<p>Once done, claim your guaranteed Spark. From scratch, the entire process takes about 2-3 hours, an incredible value for a best-in-slot item component.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gold Farming Like a Pro</h2>



<p>Gold is king in Diablo 4, and there are a few most effective ways to earn it:</p>



<ul>
<li>Loot Trading (RNG-Dependent)
<ul>
<li>Sell valuable drops to other players. While profitable, this method depends heavily on luck.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Offer In-Game Services (Reliable &amp; Lucrative)
<ul>
<li>This is where things get creative, and profitable.
<ul>
<li>Power Leveling: Once you are geared, offer to carry other players through Pit runs. Many players will pay 1B-1.5B gold per level boost.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/horadric-strongrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Strongroom</a> Dungeon Services: Turn Strongroom clears into a sellable service:</li>



<li>Farm seasonal sigils with guaranteed Strongrooms.</li>



<li>Offer quick clears (especially if the Strongroom spawns near the entrance).</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Advertise on Diablo.trade.
<ul>
<li>Charge 1B per run solo, or up to 3B per run with a full party.</li>



<li>Each run takes just 2-5 minutes, and you can make 10-30B gold per hour with good efficiency.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>To maximize your effectiveness:
<ul>
<li>Use fast-clearing builds.</li>



<li>Prioritize completing the dungeon bar for extra loot.</li>



<li>Save all seasonal sigils that include guaranteed Strongrooms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Tips and Warnings</h2>



<ul>
<li>Always complete the seasonal intro quest, or you won&#8217;t earn rep from Infernal Hordes.</li>



<li>When trading or buying services on Diablo.trade, act in good faith. Scams are rare, but caution is wise.</li>



<li>Avoid manual revives in group content, as it can trigger automated kicks.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>



<p>With just a few hours of investment, even new players can:</p>



<ul>
<li>Power level to 60.</li>



<li>Farm a guaranteed Resplendent Spark.</li>



<li>Begin making serious gold through services.</li>
</ul>



<p>This structured approach makes it easy to succeed in Season 9&#8217;s Torment IV content, even with minimal gear or experience. It makes Season 9 more approachable, and profitable, than ever.</p>


Diablo 4 Season 9 Ultimate Guide: Fast XP, Sparks, & Easy Gold!


<p>Just moments ago, Blizzard issued an official notice confirming a rollback of <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>&#8216;s PC <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4s-july-15-patch-for-season-9-buffs-almost-every-class/">Patch 2.3.1</a>. The decision comes after reports of client crashes following the update&#8217;s release.</p>



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            <img decoding="async" class="blizzard-logo" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/static/public/blizzard-icon-small.png" alt="Blizzard Logo" />
        </div>
        <div>
            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/pc-patch-231-rollback/227822"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
        </div>
    </div>
    <hr class="blizzard-line" />
    <h3>PC &#8211; Patch 2.3.1. Rollback</h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p>We are rolling back our PC clients from 2.3.1. to 2.3.0 while we investigate some crashes.</p>
<p>Thanks for your patience.</p>
    </div>
</div>



<p>The rollback is effective immediately. This means players on PC are now reverted to Patch 2.3.0 while the development team investigates the root cause of the instability!</p>



<p>There is no ETA yet for when Patch 2.3.1 will be re-deployed. Blizzard thanked players for their patience and is expected to share more information once the issue is resolved.</p>



<p>Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops!</p>


Diablo 4 PC Patch 2.3.1 Rolled Back Due to Crash Issues!


<p>Users on Reddit have, once again, stirred up an old but ongoing debate: why does loot in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 2</a> still feel more exciting than in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>? After jumping back into D2, one player shared their experience – and it caused a wave of agreement. Loot in D2 might be simple, but it still feels rewarding. So what is going on, and what can D4 take from it?</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/Diablo/comments/1lzi3g4/just_played_d2_again_holy_crap_did_they_do_items/">Just played D2 again&#8230; Holy crap did they do items correctly compared to D4</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Ready-Place5046/">u/Ready-Place5046</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Diablo/">Diablo</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Makes Diablo 2 Loot Feel Special?</h2>



<p>According to the post, loot in Diablo 2 stands out for a few specific reasons:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Good items are rare </strong>– When something drops, it actually means something.</li>



<li><strong>Runewords are exciting </strong>– Building Spirit, Enigma, or Infinity feels like an achievement.</li>



<li><strong>Loot inspires alts </strong>– Finding Tal Rasha&#8217;s armor on your Necro makes you want to start a Sorc.</li>



<li><strong>You chase gear </strong>– High runes, SoJs, and Uniques give you a goal to grind toward.</li>



<li><strong>Progression feels clean</strong> – You know what you need, and every drop might help get you there.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d2-cube-gear.webp" alt="Diablo 2 Cube - Inventory - Gear" class="wp-image 84039" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>Even basic farming, like Normal Cows for a 4-socket sword, feels good. There is a clear path, and it never gets buried under a dozen systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Diablo 4 Struggles With (According to Players)</h2>



<p>To be fair, Diablo 4 is doing its own thing. But a lot of players agree that loot just feels kind of… bland. Here is what they are saying:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Legendaries are everywhere</strong> – By the end of <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new season</a> campaigns, most players are already full orange.</li>



<li><strong>Upgrading gear is a chore</strong> – Aspect imprints/transfers, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/tempering-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tempering</a>, rerolling; it is all a bit much.</li>



<li><strong>Too much feels the same</strong> – Loot usually means a small stat bump, not a change in how you play.</li>



<li><strong>No identity </strong>– There is no real reason to care about most drops.</li>



<li><strong>Crafting fatigue is real </strong>– You finally get a decent base, only to reroll or adjust it many times.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d4-tempering-ui.webp" alt="Diablo 4 Tempering UI" class="wp-image 84041" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>Basically, Diablo 4&#8217;s loot is functional, but it is missing the heart. Players do not feel excited to equip new gear, and that is kind of the whole point of an ARPG.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is There a Middle Ground?</h2>



<p>Nobody is saying <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d2/">Diablo 2</a> was perfect. Some runewords are used in every build, drop rates can be brutal, and <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/lair-boss-system-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming the same boss</a> 500 times is definitely not for everyone.</p>



<p>But even with all that, D2 still feels rewarding in a way <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/">Diablo 4</a> often does not. And it is not about nostalgia, but rather about clear goals, meaningful drops, and gear that actually makes you want to play more.</p>



<p>That is the part players want to see return&#8230;</p>



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



<p>For more updates, check out our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/">main Diablo 4 hub</a> or take a look at what players think Blizzard is <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/could-we-be-heading-back-to-westmarch-in-diablo-4s-next-expansion/">teasing</a> for the next expansion.</p>


Diablo 2 Loot Still Hits Different – Should Diablo 4 Learn From It?


<p>Two years after its release, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo IV</a> remains one of the most talked-about action RPGs, not just for its combat or storytelling, but for something far more inclusive: accessibility. In a special second-anniversary <a href="https://www.gameaccessibilitynexus.com/blog/2025/06/25/diablo-iv-anniversary-interview-with-drew-mccrory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview with Game Accessibility Nexus</a>, Blizzard&#8217;s Senior Lead UX and Accessibility Designer, Drew McCrory, opened up about the game&#8217;s bold approach to inclusive design, and what is still to come.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility as a Core Design Pillar</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://wp-prod.icy-veins.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d4-accessibility-options.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 83974" /></figure>



<p>While most games focus on accessibility options late in development, Diablo IV made inclusion a core pillar from day one. </p>



<p>“<em>Accessibility wasn&#8217;t an afterthought, it was built into every system</em>,&#8221; McCrory explained. </p>



<p>This early focus meant accessibility had equal weight to core gameplay systems like combat. &#8220;<em>When I sat in meetings, I had as much influence as the combat designers</em>,&#8221; he added.</p>



<p>This mindset empowered the team to build flexible systems from the start, like remappable controls, customizable subtitles, color contrast settings, and loot audio cues. But it also meant rethinking long-standing Diablo mechanics, like abilities that require holding a button to activate. </p>



<p>&#8220;<em>We got rid of that for players who can&#8217;t do holds. No assumptions, just options</em>,&#8221; McCrory said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WASD Controls: A Simple Feature with Big Impact</h2>



<p>Perhaps the most requested feature post-launch was WASD movement. A big ask for a game built around point-and-click controls. But for players using assistive software or dealing with physical strain, mouse movement was not always viable.</p>



<p>Thankfully, Diablo IV&#8217;s strong controller support gave the devs a head start. </p>



<p>&#8220;<em>We tricked the game into treating WASD as a controller. Suddenly, it all clicked</em>,&#8221; said McCrory, who himself suffers from carpal tunnel and found the change personally game-changing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility That Benefits Everyone</h2>



<p>From auto-pinning quests to highlighting enemies and NPCs, many of Diablo IV&#8217;s accessibility features have become mainstream tools, even embraced by streamers and guide creators. But this is not surprising to McCrory.</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>Accessible design is just good design</em>,&#8221; he emphasized. &#8220;<em>It helps those who need it and improves the game for everyone else</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p>In fact, features originally meant to reduce motor strain, like pets automatically picking up loot or mercenaries helping in combat, also reduce grind and boost fun for all players. &#8220;<em>We always ask: what&#8217;s the fun part? Everything else should be optional.</em>&#8220;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Power of a Live Service Model</h2>



<p>Unlike traditional games, Diablo IV&#8217;s live-service format has allowed the team to continuously refine and expand its accessibility. One major win was the Blind Navigation Suite, added after launch and now essential for low-vision players. Features like audio cues, auto-pathing, and screen reader updates keep evolving with every season.</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>We didn&#8217;t ship with blind navigation in dungeons, and I&#8217;m still chasing that</em>,&#8221; McCrory admitted. &#8220;<em>But we get constant feedback, and my engineers jump in to fix things fast. That&#8217;s the power of live service</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p>And speaking of feedback, players can email directly at <strong>accessibility@blizzard.com</strong>, and McCrory reads every message himself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community, Transparency, and the Future</h2>



<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="Seeing Beyond: Diablo IV&#039;s Screen Reader &amp; Navigation Innovation" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LRJ_DBKPAyQ?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>



<p>Blizzard&#8217;s transparency does not stop at patch notes. In May, they released a documentary for Global Accessibility Awareness Day titled &#8220;<em>Seeing Beyond: Diablo IV&#8217;s Screen Reader &amp; Navigation Innovation</em>.&#8221; It explained not just the what, but the why and how behind key features offering value to players and developers alike.</p>



<p>McCrory is hopeful these behind-the-scenes videos will become a regular part of the game&#8217;s ongoing journey. </p>



<p>&#8220;<em>It shows our team&#8217;s heart. And honestly? It helps the whole industry push the bar higher.</em>&#8220;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility vs. Quality of Life &#8211; Or Both?</h2>



<p>A fascinating point in the interview was the blurred line between accessibility and quality of life. Are mercenaries and auto-loot just convenience? Or vital tools for players with limited mobility?</p>



<p>For McCrory, the answer is simple: &#8220;<em>If it reduces unnecessary input or cognitive load, it&#8217;s worth adding. Let players focus on what&#8217;s fun. That&#8217;s the magic.</em>&#8220;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Still Missing?</h2>



<p>Despite the game&#8217;s progress, McCrory is upfront about what is not yet solved. The lack of audio navigation in dungeons remains one of his biggest frustrations. Dungeon layouts do not use the same navigation mesh as the open world, making implementation tricky, but it is still on the roadmap.</p>



<p>Finally, McCrory stressed the importance of co-creating accessibility with the community. From the 30-50 emails he receives daily to feedback during PTR tests, players shape what gets worked on next.</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>Tell me what your pain points are, and I&#8217;ll do everything I can to fix them</em>,&#8221; McCrory said. &#8220;<em>This is your game too</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p>Diablo IV is proving that accessibility is not just a checklist, it is a philosophy. From foundational design decisions to real-time community feedback, Blizzard&#8217;s approach is helping redefine what it means for a game to be playable by everyone.</p>



<p>As the industry continues to evolve, Diablo IV stands as a symbol for how thoughtful design can bring more players into the fight, and makes that Hell truly welcomes all!</p>


Hell Welcomes All: Diablo IV’s Accessibility Journey Two Years On


<p>With <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>&#8216;s <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 9</a> currently ongoing and a wave of renewed hype building from content creators who got <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/wudijo-hints-at-big-diablo-4-changes-after-private-preview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secret previews</a> of what&#8217;s coming for Diablo 4, many players have begun asking the same thing: Are all the &#8220;massive changes&#8221; being teased, locked behind the next paid expansion? </p>



<p>Now we have an official answer: No, major changes will arrive during upcoming seasons!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Tweet That Confirmed It</h2>



<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">Upcoming seasons for sure</p>&mdash; Adam Fletcher (@PezRadar) <a href="https://twitter.com/PezRadar/status/1944805381127200995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>On July 14, a concerned player voiced the worry many have been quietly holding:</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>A large number of players are concerned that the major changes we&#8217;ve been hearing about might only come with the next Paid expansion. We understand details are still under wraps but can we expect to see some of these updates in the upcoming Seasons?</em>&#8220;</p>



<p>In response, Adam Fletcher, Director of Social &amp; Content Marketing for Diablo, replied clearly:</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>Upcoming seasons for sure</em>.&#8221; &#8211; @PezRadar on Twitter</p>



<p>That short but firm confirmation was enough to spark optimism across the community. While &#8220;seasons&#8221; is still rather blurry, we can at least expect some major changes to come before the next paid expansion!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Changes Are Players Expecting?</h2>



<p>Over the past few weeks, a number of content creators and insiders have pointed to big things coming to Diablo 4, hinting at everything from:</p>



<ul>
<li>System-wide itemization changes</li>



<li>Reworked progression or leveling flow</li>



<li>New endgame content loops</li>



<li>And long-requested quality-of-life features</li>
</ul>



<p>While many assumed these updates might only come with the next expansion (likely expected in 2026), Fletcher&#8217;s comment makes it clear that some of these changes will be coming sooner, potentially as early as Season 10 or 11.</p>



<p>The comment comes at a crucial time. Although many players are enjoying the Season 9 mechanics, others feel the core systems still need deeper improvements. Many players also call out the lack of communication from the devs towards players, only working through content creators and vague announcements, without anything concrete. </p>



<p>As many have called out:</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>This is too important not to be clearly communicated to ALL players. An official statement would really help clear doubts and reassure the community</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p>Once thing is sure, the team is actively working on bringing new and exciting content to Diablo 4, and it is not that far away anymore!</p>


Diablo 4 Confirms Major Changes Are Coming Before Next Expansion


<p>A frustrating issue is making a comeback in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>, this time with <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 9</a>: memory leaks. Despite Blizzard improving stability since launch, players are complaining that both system RAM and VRAM are once again spiraling out of control, leading to major crashes.</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/1lvyitf/are_they_fixing_memory_leaks_or/">Are they fixing memory leaks, or&#8230;?</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/TheOnlyOtherGuy88/">u/TheOnlyOtherGuy88</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>Multiple other Reddit threads have surfaces with frustrated players trying to find solutions to these issues:</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>Some PCs can sit on a character select screen and crash from a memory leak. Others have to reboot every hour</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p>&#8220;<em>RAM spikes to 15–20 GB… VRAM creeps with every portal/zone transition, eventually passes 13-14 GB… Game crashes with Fenris error after ~30-45 minutes</em>.&#8221;</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/1lyw56o/what_is_going_on_with_season_9/">what is going on with season 9</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Consistent-Poet-3764/">u/Consistent-Poet-3764</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">Workarounds &amp; Temporary Fixes</h2>



<p>Players report that simply restarting the game clears the memory spike temporarily, but the issue returns quickly. Until Blizzard fixes this problem definitively, here are several community-suggested workarounds:</p>



<ul>
<li>Restart the game every 30-45 minutes, or when sessions exceed an hour.</li>



<li>Lower texture quality to medium/high to help free VRAM.</li>



<li>Turn off Cross-platform.</li>



<li>Turn off windowed screen optimization. Seems to reduce the occurrence of the leak.</li>



<li>Use a fixed pagefile size matching your system RAM (e.g., 32 GB pagefile if you have 32 GB RAM):
<ul>
<li>Advanced System Settings &gt; Advanced Tab &gt; Performance Settings &gt; Advanced Tab &gt; Change &gt; Click Custom Size-Initial (MB) &amp; Maximum Size (MB): fill in both spaces with the Max MB of your Memory Ram!</li>



<li>If you have 16gb Ram = 16000 / 64gb Ram = 64000 etc…</li>



<li>Click Set &gt; Click Ok &gt; Click Apply &gt; Click Ok.</li>



<li>You will be prompted to Restart your PC.</li>



<li>Double check that the changes were saved, if not, redo the previous steps. You sometimes need to do it twice.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Disable advanced GPU features like DLSS, ray tracing, and frame generation to reduce both VRAM and RAM pressure.</li>
</ul>



<p>However, these are only temporary fixes, not true solutions to the underlying memory mismanagement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Has Blizzard Responded?</h2>



<p>Blizzard acknowledged a similar memory leak in Season 8 and requested players to submit crash report IDs. However, many players report seeing little progress since then. In Season 9, there has been no clear update or effective fix released yet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Is It So Frustrating for Players</h2>



<ul>
<li>Memory leaks degrade performance: stuttering, slowdowns, crashes mid-dungeon.</li>



<li>High-end systems (e.g., 64 GB RAM / 16 GB VRAM) also are not spared; this is not just limited to low-end PCs.</li>



<li>Only a fix from Blizzard&#8217;s end, proper memory cleanup in the engine, will fully resolve the issue.</li>
</ul>



<p>If you are playing Season 9, consider using the temporary solutions above and file a crash report or report in <a href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/major-memory-leak-–-ram-vram-escalation-ignored-by-support-crash-id-included/220837/34" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official channels</a>. The more data Blizzard gathers, the faster we can hope for a real fix.</p>


Diablo 4 Season 9 Hit by Recurring RAM & VRAM Memory Leaks


<p><strong>Players React to the Latest Round of Big Promises</strong>:</p>



<p>After quite a few streamers and content creators <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/wudijo-hints-at-big-diablo-4-changes-after-private-preview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently hinted</a> at major changes coming to <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>, the reaction across the community has been… well, pretty skeptical. A new Reddit thread titled &#8220;Diablo 4 streamers tease big changes for the game&#8221; quickly turned into a vent session, and it is not hard to see why.</p>



<p>Players are not just tired of waiting. They are tired of hearing the same message again and again: &#8220;It is going to get better soon.&#8221; For many, that trust just is not there anymore.</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/Diablo/comments/1lz1myo/diablo_4_streamers_tease_big_changes_for_the_game/">Diablo 4 Streamers Tease Big Changes for the Game After Blizzard Meeting</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/gorays21/">u/gorays21</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Diablo/">Diablo</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Same Message, Different Season</h2>



<p>The usual frustrations came up again in the thread:</p>



<ul>
<li>The seasonal structure still feels too repetitive</li>



<li>Core systems like the skill tree, paragon board, and itemization do not feel deep enough</li>



<li><strong>Streamer hype often feels disconnected from what most players actually want</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>There is also a lot of cynicism around Blizzard&#8217;s communication style. Vague phrases like &#8220;big changes&#8221; do not really land anymore when there is no clear info to go with them. The overall tone is not angry. It is just… tired.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please Do Not Lock Fixes Behind Expansions</h2>



<p>One big concern is that Blizzard might bundle system improvements into the upcoming expansion. Players are fine with paying for new classes like Paladin, or full story content. But QoL changes, reworked systems, and base game improvements? Most agree those should be free.</p>



<p>Some also pointed out that <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/vessel-of-hatred-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vessel of Hatred</a> did not exactly end on a high note, which adds to the hesitation.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://wp.icy-veins.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/vessel-of-hatred-diablo4-by-mahreen-fatima.webp" alt="Nahantu - Vessel of Hatred - Official Blizzard Art by Mahreen Fatima - Diablo 4" class="wp-image 83755" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Wishlist Has Not Changed</h2>



<p>Even with all the doubt, players are still sharing ideas for how to make the game better. Most of it sounds familiar by now:</p>



<ul>
<li>Build-defining loot with real identity</li>



<li>Skill trees that offer synergy and meaningful choices</li>



<li>Endgame events that feel rewarding and worth doing</li>



<li>Seasonal content that feels more rewarding than it does now. If players are going to reroll every few months, the reward for doing so needs to feel worth it.</li>
</ul>



<p>None of this is new. These are the same requests that have been repeated for over a year now. There is still plenty of hope in the community&#8230; but it is quieter now, and a lot more cautious.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wait And See Mode, Activated</h2>



<p>Some players are still hopeful that the next expansion or upcoming patch might finally turn things around. Recent Blizzard surveys have mentioned combo skills, bounty systems, and boss tower challenges as possible features – so there are signs of real plans in motion:</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/1kyvjl8/this_was_in_the_blizzard_survey_and_honestly/">This was in the blizzard survey and honestly curious what the highest priority people want from this list?</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Deidarac5/">u/Deidarac5</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>We also recently covered the community reaction to Wudijo&#8217;s &#8220;preview post&#8221; in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/wudijo-hints-at-big-diablo-4-changes-after-private-preview/">this article,</a> but if you want to know how the community really feels, the above mentioned <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Diablo/comments/1lz1myo/diablo_4_streamers_tease_big_changes_for_the_game/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reddit thread</a> says a lot more.</p>



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



<p>Want more Diablo 4 coverage? Check out our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/">Season overview</a> or browse the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/">main D4 hub</a> for builds, news, and updates.</p>


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