The much-anticipated Diablo IV update 1.04 is now live, and the developers have shared the details of the new season via a live stream. This update ushers in a new seasonal theme, introduces malignant monsters, and brings forth a battle pass system.
To partake in the new seasonal content that begins on July 20, players need to have at least one campaign completion under their belts. This stipulation enables all subsequent seasonal characters to bypass the campaign for this and all future seasons. The novel seasonal theme, exclusive to the seasonal realm and active only during the season, presents malignant monsters. These formidable creatures, when vanquished, yield a “malignant heart” – a gem-like object that can be inserted into “infested sockets” on gear. These gems enhance the gear with new powers, akin to aspects.
Diablo IV update 1.04 mostly focused on quality-of-life changes and bug fixes. Detailed patch notes will be shared later. The developers have also unveiled a color-matching system for sockets and malignant hearts. This system comprises three socket colors and four malignant heart colors, with the fourth color possessing universal compatibility with any socket color.
Diablo IV Update 1.04 Patch Notes
Bug Fixes
Gameplay
- Fixed an issue where the damage multiplier for Enhanced Frozen Orb wasn’t applying correctly.
- Fixed an issue where enemies with the Vortex affix would deal damage through Immunity.
- Fixed an issue where the Elixir of Expertise was reducing resource cost by 10% instead of the displayed 20% value.
- Fixed an issue where the damage bonus from the Paragon Subdue Glyph would be applied to any target instead of only Vulnerable targets.
- Fixed an issue where the Barbarian’s Whirlwind ability would briefly stop channeling when a Cooldown skill was cast while using it.
- Fixed an issue where the guaranteed Overpower buff from the Barbarian’s Earthstriker’s Aspect would be consumed upon gaining any other buff.
- Fixed an issue where the player character would freeze when using the Rogue’s Shadow Step skill if used outside the range of your intended target.
- Fixed an issue where the player could not rotate when casting a Channeled Skill if using a one-hand weapon with no off-hand item equipped.
- Fixed an issue where the Cursed Scrolls in Fields of Hatred had a lower cooldown than the displayed 5-minute cooldown.
- Fixed an issue where Aspects that deal flat damage imprinted through the Codex of Power scaled with player level instead of item power.
- Fixed an issue where the Necromancer’s Shadow Mages weren’t applying extra shadow damage through the Shadowblight Key Passive.
- Fixed an issue where Cheat Death effects would not trigger if you died while mounted.
Quests and Dungeons
- Fixed an issue where a traversal wouldn’t appear during the The Blind Eye quest, blocking progression.
- Fixed an issue where the Mother’s Judgement enemy would spawn before the player entered the encounter during the Whispers from the Past quest.
- Fixed multiple issues where Quest progress would be blocked if the player used a Town Portal during specific sequences.
- Fixed various other issues that prevented progression for multiple Quests.
- Fixed an issue where the Forgotten Depths dungeon had one fewer prisoner to release than intended.
- Fixed an issue where teleporting to Wejinhani during the Witch of the Wastes quest would force the player to drop the Vial of Quicksilver, despite the town being an allowed area for the quest.
- Fixed an issue where the Cultist’s Refuge, Howling Warren and Luban’s Rest dungeons couldn’t be completed if the Butcher appeared and was not killed.
- Fixed an issue where Treasure Goblins slain in a Nightmare Dungeon with the Death Pulse Affix would deal significantly more damage than intended with its post-death explosion.
- Fixed an issue where the Mirage quest couldn’t properly be completed.
UI
- Fixed an issue where the QR code used for account linking on console was improperly sized, which made scanning it difficult.
- Fixed an issue where the Imprint cost for Legendary Aspects would be inaccurately displayed.
- Fixed an issue where players on Console would be unable to navigate the Shop after using the Buy More Platinum button.
- Fixed an issue where the Upgrade Glyph tab wouldn’t close after moving away from the Awakened Glyphstone.
- Fixed an issue where a Skill unlocked by item contribution did not have an Assign Skill button in its tooltip.
- Fixed an issue where trading a partial stack while playing with a controller would display a full stack in the tooltip.
- Fixed an issue where the Weekly Reward Cache for defeating a World Boss would display as available if there was an active Whisper for defeating the boss, even when the Cache had already been claimed previously.
Miscellaneous
- Fixed an issue where the NPC Arlo couldn’t be interacted with.
- Fixed an issue where the Fields of Hatred Killer Cosmetic Set was missing helmets for Druid, Necromancer, and Rogue.
- Fixed an issue where the cost of the Sturdy Saddle Cosmetic from the Stable Vendor would scale with the player character’s Level.
- Fixed an issue where players could lure the Seething Abomination boss in the Alzuuda Fields of Hatred zone to a location where they could damage it, but it couldn’t damage them.
- Fixed an issue where Mount Cosmetics would not properly display if applied while actively mounted.
- Fixed an issue where the camera would pan from the point of death back to the respawn point instead of instantly moving for players in Local Co-Op.
- Fixed an issue where the player and NPC would disappear during a dialogue sequence if the player was actively under the effect of a Conduit shrine. (Demonic trickery strikes again!)
- Various Localization fixes.
- Various other interface and accessibility Improvements.
- Further stability, performance, and visual improvements across all platforms.
- Fixed an issue where transmogs on off-hand Items for Sorcerers would reset upon performing any Inventory action.
Gameplay Adjustments
- Helltide chests can now drop Unique items.
- The bosses Vhenard, Brol, and Cyhrach have had their health pools and damage output reduced.
- The cap for crafting materials has been increased from 9999 to 99999.
Upon concluding the campaign within the season, players can delve into “malignant tunnel” dungeons to amass certain malignant hearts based on color. The “invoker” empowers players to select the color monster/heart they’re targeting, with the tier of mobs or item power influencing the powers of the heart.
The Season Journey and Battlepass represent distinct features added to the seasonal realm. The Season Journey unfolds across seven chapters, each harboring objectives to fulfill. Achieving these objectives garners favor, propelling progression in the battle pass. The battle pass, available in both free and premium versions, infuses cosmetics and novel legendary aspects into the codex of power.
The free battle pass unlocks the smoldering ash currency at battle pass tier 8. This currency enables players to unlock ranks in the season blessing system, selecting buffs that will shape their character’s journey throughout the season. Conversely, the premium battle pass introduces a range of aesthetic transmogs.
Scheduled for July 18, the changes to the eternal realm include the addition of new boss monsters, fresh legendaries, and unique items. These updates will also resonate within the season once implemented. Character renown progress data and map data will be shared among characters as soon as they log in.
Diablo IV is out now for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC. You can read our review of the game to learn more about it.
