Well, the first weekend of 2.4 is drawing to a close. As expected, there is the wailing and gnashing of Teeth regarding the changes for some, for others, it has been an experience. I figured now that we have had a few days to play around in the new world, let's share some surprises, reflections, or what all we have been doing with the new stuff. Request to keep the wailing and gnashing to a light level, or use one of the other topics.
For me:
- Obviously the DClone change is a biggie. Sucks for the charm vendors; great for us. I was a little nervous going into the first fight with my bowazon, but it was a good fun fight, and not too hard as long as I paid attention. Other than insta-killing my merc. But that's expected. Just read the boss and Dodge as needed. Pretty good fight for an ancient computer game without all the modern tricks.
- My Strafe bowazon was good before the patch, the changes made her even moreso. I still don't think I will set any clear records, and she is far from min/maxed, but she hunted in WSK before, and now it is even easier. I spec'd out of cold Arrows completely and just have Magic Arrow for the physical immunes, and she deals with the PIs even better than with the Cold Arrow due to the no mana costs.
- I have been cruising by Arachnid Cave, and see indications that it is up at level 85 but so far nothing too super good for drops.
- Probably the biggest thing I have been doing has been leveling my throwing barb, Chuckie. Low levels were a pain. It took until I had Throwing Mastery and Double Throw both about 10 before I could reliably keep the stacks from depleting too low. Maybe I should git gud and aim better, that would help. But, with both maxed, I don't have ammo issues. Another problem is there are not good low level throwing uniques. First one I had was Level 44 Deathbits. Before that, it was using rares that I could find. Another issue is that Chuckie is a whiz at the single targets, but struggles with crowd control, even with the Pierce (and a Razortail Belt. Love those things!). Merc with Frozen Arrow helps with that. But, I have to keep reminding myself that a Frenzy barb has the same problem, and I have the benefit of range, so survivability. Leveling up in NM to use one of my annis and my Fortitude Sacred Armor for a trip through Hell. Eth Wraith Flight and a 206% ED Demon Arch for mains, and dual Gimmshreds to deal with the PIs is the plan.
Overall, it is still the same D2 experience as advertised, but the changes give a few more options, and I think that is good thing. There are obviously some ugly parts, and a lot of changes that could be made (fix lobby...) that I am sure they will consider working. Also, color me surprised with how smooth the weekend went. I expected disaster and issues, but none for me. Some might have had problems, which is unfortunate, but certainly not a return of how heinous it was in Sept for launch. Well done Blizzard. Now don't get cocky!
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Well, the first weekend of 2.4 is drawing to a close. As expected, there is the wailing and gnashing of Teeth regarding the changes for some, for others, it has been an experience. I figured now that we have had a few days to play around in the new world, let's share some surprises, reflections, or what all we have been doing with the new stuff. Request to keep the wailing and gnashing to a light level, or use one of the other topics.
For me:
- Obviously the DClone change is a biggie. Sucks for the charm vendors; great for us. I was a little nervous going into the first fight with my bowazon, but it was a good fun fight, and not too hard as long as I paid attention. Other than insta-killing my merc. But that's expected. Just read the boss and Dodge as needed. Pretty good fight for an ancient computer game without all the modern tricks.
- My Strafe bowazon was good before the patch, the changes made her even moreso. I still don't think I will set any clear records, and she is far from min/maxed, but she hunted in WSK before, and now it is even easier. I spec'd out of cold Arrows completely and just have Magic Arrow for the physical immunes, and she deals with the PIs even better than with the Cold Arrow due to the no mana costs.
- I have been cruising by Arachnid Cave, and see indications that it is up at level 85 but so far nothing too super good for drops.
- Probably the biggest thing I have been doing has been leveling my throwing barb, Chuckie. Low levels were a pain. It took until I had Throwing Mastery and Double Throw both about 10 before I could reliably keep the stacks from depleting too low. Maybe I should git gud and aim better, that would help. But, with both maxed, I don't have ammo issues. Another problem is there are not good low level throwing uniques. First one I had was Level 44 Deathbits. Before that, it was using rares that I could find. Another issue is that Chuckie is a whiz at the single targets, but struggles with crowd control, even with the Pierce (and a Razortail Belt. Love those things!). Merc with Frozen Arrow helps with that. But, I have to keep reminding myself that a Frenzy barb has the same problem, and I have the benefit of range, so survivability. Leveling up in NM to use one of my annis and my Fortitude Sacred Armor for a trip through Hell. Eth Wraith Flight and a 206% ED Demon Arch for mains, and dual Gimmshreds to deal with the PIs is the plan.
Overall, it is still the same D2 experience as advertised, but the changes give a few more options, and I think that is good thing. There are obviously some ugly parts, and a lot of changes that could be made (fix lobby...) that I am sure they will consider working. Also, color me surprised with how smooth the weekend went. I expected disaster and issues, but none for me. Some might have had problems, which is unfortunate, but certainly not a return of how heinous it was in Sept for launch. Well done Blizzard. Now don't get cocky!
For me:
- Obviously the DClone change is a biggie. Sucks for the charm vendors; great for us. I was a little nervous going into the first fight with my bowazon, but it was a good fun fight, and not too hard as long as I paid attention. Other than insta-killing my merc. But that's expected. Just read the boss and Dodge as needed. Pretty good fight for an ancient computer game without all the modern tricks.
- My Strafe bowazon was good before the patch, the changes made her even moreso. I still don't think I will set any clear records, and she is far from min/maxed, but she hunted in WSK before, and now it is even easier. I spec'd out of cold Arrows completely and just have Magic Arrow for the physical immunes, and she deals with the PIs even better than with the Cold Arrow due to the no mana costs.
- I have been cruising by Arachnid Cave, and see indications that it is up at level 85 but so far nothing too super good for drops.
- Probably the biggest thing I have been doing has been leveling my throwing barb, Chuckie. Low levels were a pain. It took until I had Throwing Mastery and Double Throw both about 10 before I could reliably keep the stacks from depleting too low. Maybe I should git gud and aim better, that would help. But, with both maxed, I don't have ammo issues. Another problem is there are not good low level throwing uniques. First one I had was Level 44 Deathbits. Before that, it was using rares that I could find. Another issue is that Chuckie is a whiz at the single targets, but struggles with crowd control, even with the Pierce (and a Razortail Belt. Love those things!). Merc with Frozen Arrow helps with that. But, I have to keep reminding myself that a Frenzy barb has the same problem, and I have the benefit of range, so survivability. Leveling up in NM to use one of my annis and my Fortitude Sacred Armor for a trip through Hell. Eth Wraith Flight and a 206% ED Demon Arch for mains, and dual Gimmshreds to deal with the PIs is the plan.
Overall, it is still the same D2 experience as advertised, but the changes give a few more options, and I think that is good thing. There are obviously some ugly parts, and a lot of changes that could be made (fix lobby...) that I am sure they will consider working. Also, color me surprised with how smooth the weekend went. I expected disaster and issues, but none for me. Some might have had problems, which is unfortunate, but certainly not a return of how heinous it was in Sept for launch. Well done Blizzard. Now don't get cocky!
Can be used to make Runewords:
I hate everything about this patch, enough to quit the game after playing it for 20 years.. So long D2, you were my favorite game and I'll never forget you! :'(
As a barb player, I’m quite enjoying patch 2.4. The changes to Throwing Mastery, Double Throw and Grim Ward especially had me excited prior to release and (to me) it delivered.
I had leveled a throwing Barb before 2.4 dropped (to 90) in anticipation and outfitted him with end-game gear so I could properly test him.
My thoughts from those tests:
The rework of Grim Ward works insanely well with this build. It acts as the perfect crowd control to keep monsters off your barb while he throws. It also increases damage dealt to monsters which is also great because a throw barb is still sort of lacking in the damage department, even with an Ethereal Lacerator and Warshrike.
Speaking of damage, that’s probably the throw barbs biggest setback, and it has entirely to due with one thing: a lack of good weapons. You could spend hours trying to gamble for perfect throwing weapons at Gheed, making sure they have Amplify Damage and roll with the fools mod. But that still won’t change the fact that he just doesn’t deal enough damage at the end of the day. In players 1, he’s completely fine, players 8 however, is a different story.
Perhaps blizzard couple simply introduce more elite unique throwing weapons that better cater to throwing Barbarians? Who knows. It is also not a budget friendly build in my opinion, as it requires pretty specific gear choices to play otherwise it won’t perform very well.
Otherwise yeah, quite enjoying this new update. Can’t wait to play a Frenzy Dagger Barb for ladder in a week or so!
I had leveled a throwing Barb before 2.4 dropped (to 90) in anticipation and outfitted him with end-game gear so I could properly test him.
My thoughts from those tests:
The rework of Grim Ward works insanely well with this build. It acts as the perfect crowd control to keep monsters off your barb while he throws. It also increases damage dealt to monsters which is also great because a throw barb is still sort of lacking in the damage department, even with an Ethereal Lacerator and Warshrike.
Speaking of damage, that’s probably the throw barbs biggest setback, and it has entirely to due with one thing: a lack of good weapons. You could spend hours trying to gamble for perfect throwing weapons at Gheed, making sure they have Amplify Damage and roll with the fools mod. But that still won’t change the fact that he just doesn’t deal enough damage at the end of the day. In players 1, he’s completely fine, players 8 however, is a different story.
Perhaps blizzard couple simply introduce more elite unique throwing weapons that better cater to throwing Barbarians? Who knows. It is also not a budget friendly build in my opinion, as it requires pretty specific gear choices to play otherwise it won’t perform very well.
Otherwise yeah, quite enjoying this new update. Can’t wait to play a Frenzy Dagger Barb for ladder in a week or so!
Check out my Barbarian guides here:
—
Theorycrafting with The Barbarian: A Guide for New Players
Guide to Playing a MF Concentrate Barbarian
Guide to Playing an Elemental Throw Barbarian
—
Theorycrafting with The Barbarian: A Guide for New PlayersGuide to Playing a MF Concentrate Barbarian Guide to Playing an Elemental Throw Barbarian
yo lemme get your stuffTjalde wrote: 2 years ago I hate everything about this patch, enough to quit the game after playing it for 20 years.. So long D2, you were my favorite game and I'll never forget you! :'(
NON LADDER THIS IS NON LADDER NON NON LADDER ALL TRADES ARE NON LADDER
I did start with an Assassin to 85 in single player in anticipation of the patch and I enabled the unlimited respec cheat to try out stuff.
The Wake of Fire boost is all right but nothing really game changing. But I still might do that as a first ladder character because the untwinked playthrough upto hell countess is fast enough and it's fun.
Dragon Tail with Tiger Strike has real potential now. Just was able to try it with a pair of upped Sigon's Sabot and that's not enough to one or twoshot player1 cows.
So in respect to that you might need to wear a pair of Myrmidon Greaves which leads to a lot of wasted stat points. Pretty sure that Shadow Dancer will become quite expensive once this catches on. I'm still trying to figure out how to equip one with budget gear because this could be both a decent boss killer and cow farmer.
Tiger Strike seems to apply to both the physical and the fire damage and you don't need Claws. A Spirit longsword works fine. (or pretty much any weapon)
The Holy Bolt & Fist of the Heavens Pala is boring af but I can confirm that you need to make one because you will be poor if you don't.
The Wake of Fire boost is all right but nothing really game changing. But I still might do that as a first ladder character because the untwinked playthrough upto hell countess is fast enough and it's fun.
Dragon Tail with Tiger Strike has real potential now. Just was able to try it with a pair of upped Sigon's Sabot and that's not enough to one or twoshot player1 cows.
So in respect to that you might need to wear a pair of Myrmidon Greaves which leads to a lot of wasted stat points. Pretty sure that Shadow Dancer will become quite expensive once this catches on. I'm still trying to figure out how to equip one with budget gear because this could be both a decent boss killer and cow farmer.
Tiger Strike seems to apply to both the physical and the fire damage and you don't need Claws. A Spirit longsword works fine. (or pretty much any weapon)
The Holy Bolt & Fist of the Heavens Pala is boring af but I can confirm that you need to make one because you will be poor if you don't.
Tjalde wrote: 2 years ago I hate everything about this patch, enough to quit the game after playing it for 20 years.. So long D2, you were my favorite game and I'll never forget you! :'(
I thought the Uber D mechanic was a great addition and am having a blast with it so far! Managed to get 4 annis yesterday using 2 different accounts. And the new lvl 85 areas have already blessed me with a Griffon's Eye and Arachnid Mesh.
Oh and the melee fixes are INCREDIBLE!! No more having to constantly be clicking to attack. Can actually hold the mouse button down and it'll keep going from one enemy to the next! FINALLY!!! Can't imagine not liking 2.4. Feels so much smoother as a melee player.
When I'm not slaying demons, I'm usually out hiking mountains.
Unfortunately I am not really excited about Anni now being worthless a week into ladder, but good for you....Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago I thought the Uber D mechanic was a great addition and am having a blast with it so far! Managed to get 4 annis yesterday using 2 different accounts.
So, in your post about the game being dead for you, you asked that no one try and change your mind, then nailed yourself to a cross and had an epic Poor Little Old Me party. The fair thing would be to extend the same courtesy to others. Those that hate the patch can join your party; I am sure there are plenty of nails left. Those that want to discuss the new changes, good bad, and otherwise can here or in some other thread.Tjalde wrote: 2 years agoUnfortunately I am not really excited about Anni now being worthless a week into ladder, but good for you....Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago I thought the Uber D mechanic was a great addition and am having a blast with it so far! Managed to get 4 annis yesterday using 2 different accounts.
To be fair, Annis are still Annis, and super important for every build. So, hardly worthless. They are just now more accessible and no longer sourced from small and organized groups. I am sure the people that used to trade Doombringers, Grandfathers, and Lidless Walls were sad when the uber runewords showed up and made all those uniques essentially worthless for trading.
Are you on drugs or is unpleasant just your default setting? You are acting like I just wrote this shit to a random guy that was happy about the patch... He was directly responding to me, what is your problem?Leaker416 wrote: 2 years ago So, in your post about the game being dead for you, you asked that no one try and change your mind, then nailed yourself to a cross and had an epic Poor Little Old Me party. The fair thing would be to extend the same courtesy to others. Those that hate the patch can join your party; I am sure there are plenty of nails left. Those that want to discuss the new changes, good bad, and otherwise can here or in some other thread.
I honestly don't even know how to respond to that. Ladder hasn't started yet. How do you know they'll become worthless a week in? Seems like hyperbole to me.Tjalde wrote: 2 years agoUnfortunately I am not really excited about Anni now being worthless a week into ladder, but good for you....Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago I thought the Uber D mechanic was a great addition and am having a blast with it so far! Managed to get 4 annis yesterday using 2 different accounts.
When I'm not slaying demons, I'm usually out hiking mountains.
I mean yeah it's pretty obviously hyperbole, like you said, literally how would I know?Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago I honestly don't even know how to respond to that. Ladder hasn't started yet. How do you know they'll become worthless a week in? Seems like hyperbole to me.
Crystal ball? Time machine? Maybe you got something the rest of us don't.. Never know.
When I'm not slaying demons, I'm usually out hiking mountains.
Nah unfortunately not, truth be told I'm just a doomy gloomy boi atm, with D2 being my only outlet xDZero187 wrote: 2 years ago Crystal ball? Time machine? Maybe you got something the rest of us don't.. Never know.
TBH I was pretty upset on Friday when I missed the first walk. Almost uninstalled. But then I was able to make the 2nd and 3rd walks next day, which made up for my disappointment + more. Maybe you just need to give it a bit longer until you hit your (next) lucky streak? Only been a few days since patch dropped.. Little more patience might be all you need.
But hey, if it's time for a different game, then so be it. Everyone has to move on eventually. I wish you luck either way.
When I'm not slaying demons, I'm usually out hiking mountains.
Wait I'm super confused now... Do you think I am upset because I didn't get a DClone??Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago TBH I was pretty upset on Friday when I missed the first walk. Almost uninstalled. But then I was able to make the 2nd and 3rd walks next day, which made up for my disappointment + more. Maybe you just need to give it a bit longer until you hit your (next) lucky streak? Only been a few days since patch dropped.. Little more patience might be all you need.
I'm upset about there being this dumbo amount of walks, in this short of a span dude
Can you explain why it's a bad thing that more people are getting to experience walks? It's not like you can stack annis.. Still only 1 per char, now they're just easier to get. What's the big deal? Less money for the people hoarding them, more power to the players.Tjalde wrote: 2 years agoWait I'm super confused now... Do you think I am upset because I didn't get a DClone??Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago TBH I was pretty upset on Friday when I missed the first walk. Almost uninstalled. But then I was able to make the 2nd and 3rd walks next day, which made up for my disappointment + more. Maybe you just need to give it a bit longer until you hit your (next) lucky streak? Only been a few days since patch dropped.. Little more patience might be all you need.
When I'm not slaying demons, I'm usually out hiking mountains.
Not a lot of items retain their value throughout the ladder season.. This is just 1 less item to do so.Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago Can you explain why it's a bad thing that more people are getting to experience walks? It's not like you can stack annis.. Still only 1 per char, now they're just easier to get. What's the big deal? Less money for the people hoarding them, more power to the players.
Getting upset about something that literally doesn't have to affect you what-so-ever unless you were duping the system by anni hoarding.Tjalde wrote: 2 years agoWait I'm super confused now... Do you think I am upset because I didn't get a DClone??Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago TBH I was pretty upset on Friday when I missed the first walk. Almost uninstalled. But then I was able to make the 2nd and 3rd walks next day, which made up for my disappointment + more. Maybe you just need to give it a bit longer until you hit your (next) lucky streak? Only been a few days since patch dropped.. Little more patience might be all you need.
Seems like the pros far outweigh the cons with this one..Tjalde wrote: 2 years agoNot a lot of items retain their value throughout the ladder season.. This is just 1 less item to do so.Zero187 wrote: 2 years ago Can you explain why it's a bad thing that more people are getting to experience walks? It's not like you can stack annis.. Still only 1 per char, now they're just easier to get. What's the big deal? Less money for the people hoarding them, more power to the players.
When I'm not slaying demons, I'm usually out hiking mountains.
You are probably right tbh..
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