What’s New in Diablo 4’s 2.1 PTR Update?

Blizzard is gearing up for another round of Diablo 4 testing with their Public Test Realm (PTR), offering a sneak peek into the upcoming features of Season 7, set to launch next year. From December 3rd to December 10th, PC players can dive into the 2.1 update, exploring exciting additions and changes.

A standout feature in the 2.1 PTR is the Armory, designed to simplify the process of switching between character builds. With this new tool, players can save, load, and rename up to five favorite setups per character. These loadouts will retain vital aspects such as equipped items, Paragon Board details, skills, and class mechanics, with instant access to all pertinent information when toggling between different builds.

Players can also venture into the world of witchcraft, exploring three new sorcery schools in Hawezar. Eldritch magic harnesses destructive power and shape-shifting abilities, Psyche utilizes defensive spells rooted in mind and spirit, while Growth & Decay balances healing with harmful effects. To master these mystical arts, players must complete seasonal tasks, such as new Whisper bounties and encounters with the fearsome Headrotten. By collecting Restless Rot, this new in-game currency can be traded at the Coven’s Altar within the Tree of Whispers for enhanced witchcraft powers.

For those seeking thrills, tracking down new foes like the Headrotten will be an exhilarating challenge. Uncover these adversaries in dedicated Headhunt subzones and Roothold micro-dungeons. Expect unique boss variants like the Headless Husk and the dangerous Fugitive Head, who conceals a Stolen Head. Defeating these foes allows players to exchange collected items for Occult Gems through Gelena.

Occult Gems provide a significant gameplay boost, offering unique effects and improvements that align beautifully with witchcraft capabilities. These gems can be inserted into items or crafted by Gelena using resources like Restless Rot, Gem Fragments, and Fugitive Heads.

Alongside witchcraft powers, the PTR showcases fresh Runes, Legendary Aspects, and Unique Items. Players interested in previewing these updates can download the PTR version through the Battle.net app by selecting the Public Test Realm option. Characters from their main account can be copied over to the PTR, and the boost NPC in Kyovashad is available to assist in gearing up for new content.

Excitement abounds for this testing phase, where players can explore new powers, enhancements, and items. Here’s a detailed look at the witchcraft powers:

Eldritch Powers

• Firebat Servants: Unleash swarms of firebats every two seconds, causing extensive fire damage with stun effects at higher ranks.
• Abyssal Resonance: Release explosive shadow damage, with size and power increasing across consecutive explosions.
• Wave of Woe: Cast shadows that echo damage among like enemies, dealing increased damage with each echo.
• Purging Touch: Enhanced damage against Headrotten foes; this benefit extends to all monsters at higher ranks.
• Shaken Soul: Inflicts vulnerability on enemies through Eldritch effects, with additional impact from other powers.
• Hex of Flames: A lucky hit triggers explosive fire damage on critical strikes.

Psyche Powers

• Life Link: Share damage with up to three enemies, turning it into physical damage.
• Hex of Shattering: Debuff enemies with hexes, ensuring critical strikes.
• Aura of Misfortune: Chance to interrupt nearby enemies, boosting movement speed and slowing opponents.
• Aura of Lament: Debilitate enemies with a slowing aura, gaining resources with every foe.
• Vengeful Spirit: Summon a spirit to take damage in your stead, unleashing a shadow attack upon its demise.
• Twilight Warding: Create protective barriers, reflecting enemy projectiles at higher ranks.

Growth & Decay Powers

• Poison Frog Servant: Deploy poison frogs as deadly attackers, exploding upon death.
• Soul Harvest: Absorb life force, enhancing your primary stats.
• Hex of Whispers: A hex bounces among foes, providing boons on return.
• Decay Augmentation: Delivers damage over time with life-ending potential.
• Grow: Empower companions with dark magic following ultimate skill usage.
• Aura of Siphoning: Damages foes while healing the player.
• The Cycle: Plant poisonous or healing flowers based on situational need.

Lost Powers

• Breath of the Coven: Enhance attack speed through damage or crowd control.
• Hex and Aura Specializations: Amplify hex and aura effects, modulating critical strike possibilities.
• Piranhado: Summon whirlwinds that pull enemies in, causing damage.

Additionally, explore the newly introduced Occult Gems and their strengthening abilities, designed to elevate the player’s witchcraft prowess.

Don’t miss out on the new Ritual Runes either, including both Legendary and Rare options that offer substantial gameplay enhancements, such as the Nagu and Igni Legendary Runes and the Chac Rare Rune.

Finally, gear up with the new Legendary Aspects and Unique Items tailored for each class, from enhanced armors to powerful weapons. Each addition offers unique attributes and skills, ensuring players can tailor their gameplay experience precisely to their style.

For those eager to immerse themselves in the next level of Diablo 4, this PTR is an unmissable opportunity to sample the forthcoming evolution of battle and sorcery. Get ready to dive into a world of witchcraft, challenge formidable foes, and harness new powers in Diablo’s latest chapter.