The second batch of changes is now implemented in Diablo III’s Patch 2.7.4, currently available in the public test realm. There are some significant item changes that you definitely need to know about.
Blizzard wants to add more variety when it comes to three-piece gear sets, so they’ve improved the Guardian’s Jeopardy in Patch 2.7.4 to give you more options. Originally, the Guardian's Jeopardy’s two-piece set bonus only gives plus 250 vitality and 8,000 HP regenerated every two seconds. But now, the two-piece set bonus offers an additional 100% of your base stats, including strength, dexterity, intelligence, and vitality from equipped items. Since there are 13 equipment slots in Diablo III, the values could be massive.
What’s more, the three-piece set bonus now increases your melee damage reduction by 1% per 1,000 base vitality from equipped items. Additionally, your missile damage reduction is increased by 1% per 1,0000 base strength, dexterity, or intelligence from equipped items depending on your class. So if you’re playing an INT-based class like the Wizard, stacking intelligence makes you stronger against ranged attacks when wearing the complete set.
Anyway, for those who love to play the Necromancer, the Bloodtide Blade and Funerary Pick - two weapons that synergize well with the Trag’Oul’s Avatar set - have been improved. The Bloodtide Blade still makes Death Nova deal 300% to 400% increased damage for every enemy within 25 yards. But with the recent change, the damage now stacks up to 25 enemies.
The Funerary Pick retains its original effect where Siphon Blood hits two additional targets. However, each target now takes 250% to 300% increased damage. If the ability only hits one enemy, that target suffers from double damage. So, hitting the enemy with another damage skill, such as Death Nova, will really hurt them like never before. According to Blizzard, these changes will make the Trag’Oul’s set more effective against single targets.
Here are the other notable item adjustments in Patch 2.7.4:
- Delsere's Magnum Opus (6-piece bonus)
- Enemies affected by your Slow Time and for 5 seconds after exiting take 12,500% increased damage from your Arcane Orb, Energy Twister, Magic Missile, Shock Pulse, Spectral Blade, Electrocute, Meteor, and Arcane Torrent abilities
- Mirror Ball
- Magic Missile fires 2 extra missiles and deals 400% to 500% increased damage.
- Bindings of the Lesser Gods
- Enemies hit by your Cyclone Strike take 150% to 200% increased damage from your Mystic Ally for 5 seconds. Split Fire Allies gain 3 times this bonus.
- Strafe
- Updated base skill to allow any equipped weapon, rather than requiring a Bow.
Diablo III Patch 2.7.4 PTR is available on PC.
