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Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls summer update introduces ladder-centric Seasons
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls expands the infernal dungeon crawler for the first time in two years with new story content today, but even with substantial changes in place Blizzard is already discussing how future patches alter the way Diablo plays. Diablo 3 version 2.1 will bring requested systems including Seasons, a take on Diablo 2's Ladders, and tiered Rifts. "We're still working on them but the general gist is that you'll level up a new character, we'll have specific ladders for Seasons, and also some goodies that will drop along the way," said Josh Mosqueira, Diablo 3 game director, as reprinted by Diablo Fans. For those unfamiliar with ladders in Diablo, they describe how specific characters in Diablo 2 were ranked in a given realm. Only ladder characters are ranked. Seasons will, in effect, introduce a similar competitive layer to the game. Tiered Rifts, meanwhile, pull players into a series of increasingly difficult Rifts where they clamber for better and better loot. "There is another major feature in the patch 2.1, which is going to be what we're internally calling tiered Rifts. The idea is a challenge scenario, where players do increasingly hard Rifts to see who can get the farthest," explained Mosquiera. "You do your bounties, you do a Nephalem Rift. If you clear it, there's a chance to get a Greater Rift Token. If you successfully do that, you'll get a Greater Rift Key (rank 2), then Rank 3, etc. Much like seasons, we're going to have a leaderboard as well, so you can see who got to the highest tier Rift, and what time were they able to obtain on that." Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls is available today. The patch introducing Seasons and tiered Rifts is due out in the summer. [Images: Blizzard Entertainment]
A new Blizzard parody from CarBot Animation
CarBot Animation has done some fun and adorable Blizzard parodies in the past, and today their up to their usual tricks with a new parody of the Diablo III: Reaper of Souls trailer. Diablo isn't generally an IP we see a lot of blatant funny stuff about, considering the source material is easily the darkest of Blizzard's franchises. This adorable animation hits all the right comedic notes, from Tyrael casually eating a sandwich while the Horadrim handle the Black Soulstone to Malthael's owl-like head twist before he sends the guards to their humiliating end. The ending is easily the best bit, but I won't spoil that for you, you'll have to watch it for yourself!
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls is coming your way today
If you've been waiting on the edge of your seat for Blizzard's release of Diablo 3's Reaper of Souls expansion -- and with content scarce in WoW these days, who isn't? -- your wait is nearly over. However, depending on where you are, your launch time may be a bit different: For Asia, the expansion will be available to play at 11:00 a.m. PDT on March 24. For Europe, the expansion will be available to play at 4:00 p.m. PDT on March 24. For the Americas, the expansion will be available to play at 9:00 p.m. PDT on March 24. To be ready to play come launch time, make sure your Battle.net client is up to date (launch the client to check for updates or download it if you don't have it), be sure you've downloaded the big 2.01 patch (again, just launch your Battle.net client to check), and be sure you've ordered your copy of Reaper of Souls. Then all you need to do is be logged in come launch time and you'll be ready to jump right into new gameplay. For more tips on surviving launch day, check out Blizzard's launch to-do list. And, of course, happy demon slaughtering, everyone!
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls trailer is become death, destroyer of worlds
A new trailer for Diablo 3 expansion Reaper of Souls is here to prepare would-be adventurers for their journey to defeat Death himself. As the old saying goes, "Nothing in the world is certain, save for Death and some badass adventurers kicking his high angel butt." [Image: Blizzard]
Diablo 3 shares a first look at Pandemonium
In anticipation of Diablo III's release next Tuesday, Blizzard has posted an in-depth look at the final level of the first expansion for the game. Pandemonium was once the center of the Eternal Conflict between angels and demons, home to the Worldstone before it was stolen away by Inarius and Lilith, who then created the world known as Sanctuary. After the Worldstone was removed, the battles that raged across Pandemonium slowly came to a halt. Although the Pandemonium Fortress appeared as the base of operations back in Diablo II, players never really got to experience the depths of what Pandemonium had to offer. Now home to Malthael, the main villain of Reaper of Souls, players will be able to experience the zone like never before. Check out the official site for more lore surrounding the final level of Reaper of Souls, as well as a glimpse into the design behind it. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls arrives next Tuesday, March 25.
Diablo 3 offering 100% XP boost this weekend only
This weekend, all bets are off in Diablo III. In anticipation of the launch of Reaper of Souls next week, Blizzard is offering a 100% XP bonus to all players this weekend only. The XP bonus ends at 12:01am Pacific Time Monday, March 24 -- so you might want to cancel your weekend plans and get in those last few Paragon Levels before the new expansion goes live March 25. This buff is already live on all servers, meaning you've got another option for tonight's activities as well. As with the 50% bonus XP offer, you do not need to have pre-ordered Reaper of Souls to benefit from the experience boost -- all active Diablo III accounts have access to the bonus experience, as well as all new systems introduced in patch 2.0.1. With the new Paragon Leveling system, all characters share and contribute to a single, account-wide Paragon level -- so why not take advantage and get in some extra levels while you can?
Having trouble pre-ordering Reaper of Souls? You're not alone
If you're trying to pick up your own copy of Diablo 3's soon-to-be-released Reaper of Souls expansion from Blizzard, you may have run head-first into a "500: Internal Server Error" message. The big downside to this error -- beyond your inability to buy the expansion -- is that though you don't get anything, you may still see the charge pending on your credit card. According to Blizzard support, because the charge didn't successfully go through, it should vanish within a few days. However, it doesn't leave us inclined to, as the error suggests, try again later. Fortunately, Blizzard is on the case: We're experiencing difficulties with pre-orders for Reaper of Souls. These issues will be resolved ASAP. Thanks very much for your patience! - BlizzardCS (@BlizzardCS) March 21, 2014 Hopefully we'll see a resolution sooner rather than later -- with Reaper of Souls due out on the 25th, there's not much time left to buy for release-day gameplay. In the meantime, we're holding off on clicking "buy" until @BlizzardCS gives us the all clear.
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls offering Hearthstone expert card packs
Are you planning on picking up Diablo III: Reaper of Souls on March 25? While you're waiting, you may want to check out Hearthstone, Blizzard's latest game release. Players that have pre-ordered Reaper of Souls will find a treat waiting for them -- Expert Card Packs waiting to be opened and played. Both the Digital and Retail Standard editions will get you one free Expert Card Pack, while Digital Deluxe and Retail Collector's Editions offer three Expert Card Packs. If you have yet to pre-order Reaper of Souls, the offer will be available to those who purchase the game after its launch as well. The card packs require a Battle.net account to be redeemed, and there is a limit of five Expert Card Packs per Battle.net account. Players who have pre-ordered either the Digital or Digital Deluxe editions of the game should have their cards available immediately -- if you are waiting for the retail version, you'll find codes in the box to redeem in exchange for your cards. Check out the official post for more information about the offer, the rewards, and how to get started with Hearthstone, if you haven't already tried it out for yourself.
Invade Diablo 3's hell for $20
The reaper is coming on March 25, and to prepare, Blizzard is offering Diablo 3 for $20 on PC and Mac now through March 23. The Reaper of Souls expansion raises character level caps and features a new storyline arc with fresh endgame content, and an adventure mode that opens up all acts for exploration. Grab Diablo 3 for $20 on PC and Mac right here, and watch our latest stream through Diablo 3 here. [Image: Blizzard]
Diablo 3 offers 50% bonus XP until March 24
To prepare humanity for the March 25 arrival of the Reaper of Souls expansion, Blizzard has decreed that anyone playing Diablo 3 before March 24 will receive an additional 50 percent experience for each demon slain. Along with readying players for the expansion, this promotion highlights the recent 2.0.1 patch. As we recently reported, the patch drastically alters the way Diablo 3 functions. Not only is there now a new loot scheme in place, but the game also features a Paragon Leveling System that allows players who have otherwise maxed out a character's potential to expand their abilities even further. Those hoping to get a jump on those Paragon Levels should find the experience point boost very helpful. The sole caveat here is that the bonus experience points are only available to those playing Diablo 3 on either PC or Mac. Those battling the infernal legions on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are out of luck. [Image: Activision Blizzard]
Diablo 3 offering limited-time 50% XP boost
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, the first expansion for the series launches on March 25, and Blizzard has just unleashed a limited time boost to get players ready for tackling all that new content. Starting today, players of Diablo III will receive a 50% bonus XP boost to all characters on their account -- perfect for getting a leg up on patch 2.0.1's new Paragon Leveling System. With the new system, all characters share and contribute to a single, account-wide Paragon level. In addition to Paragon Leveling, patch 2.0.1 also includes the new Loot 2.0 system, a newly revamped Difficulty system, Clans and Communities, and skill updates to all five hero classes. You do not need to have pre-ordered Reaper of Souls to benefit from the experience boost -- all active Diablo III accounts have access to the bonus experience and all the new systems introduced in patch 2.0.1. But if you want to take advantage of the bonus XP, better hurry -- the offer ends on March 24.
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls commercial debuts
Last night, fittingly premiering during The Walking Dead, the Diablo III: Reaper of Souls commercial aired for the first time. Reaper of Souls takes the player back into the conflict between heaven and hell, where the Black Soulstone is stolen and will soon be used to unleash the final end unto humanity. Diablo III's first expansion pre-patch is already live and features an absolute ton of goodies, many of which are bring players back to the game in droves. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls releases on March 25. Hit after the break for the full opening cinematic and more RoS video goodness.
Joystiq Streams Special: Diablo 3 and Loot 2.0 madness [UPDATE: Relive the stream!]
Today's the day, Diablo 3. This particular Wednesday is when you blossom into the game that so very many people wanted you to be when you came out back in 2012. Today, you get Loot 2.0. Maybe claiming that Loot 2.0 is the day that Diablo 3 comes of age is an exaggeration, but the massive update Blizzard delivered to its famous dungeon crawling game today is certainly the most significant update yet. From here on out, "Smart Drop" will make it far easier for players to get their mitts on armor, weapons, and other rare loot specific to their character type, negating the need for the game's divisive auction houses in the process. To check out Loot 2.0, Alexander Sliwinski (@Sliwinski) and Richard Mitchell (@TheRichardM) dive into its infernal guts to check out the changes. This crew reflects a variety of different experience levels. Richard has yet to play the PC version of the game. Alexander, meanwhile, has never played Diablo 3 at all. It's all happening on the Joystiq Twitch channel at 4PM EST. Come and hang out with us. [Images: Blizzard]
Blizzard reveals new Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls pre-order items
Blizzard has revealed a pair of new Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls pre-order incentives, sweetening the deal for players who plan to delve into the upcoming expansion during its first week of release. Players who pre-purchase or redeem a Reaper of Souls key via their Battle.net accounts before March 31 will receive the Wings of Valor in-game costume artifact, along with other previously announced bonuses. Pre-order buyers will also get access to Valla the Demon Hunter, an additional playable character in Blizzard's upcoming free-to-play MOBA Heroes of the Storm. Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls launches on March 25, giving players a week to redeem their pre-order goodies before the offer expires on March 31. [Image: Blizzard]
How social slaying works in Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls will serve social slayers by giving them formal and more casual options to band together and go a-lootin' in Blizzard's popular role-playing game. Clans, which are invite-only, have a 120-person maximum and were designed for smaller, more tight-knit groups of players to coordinate schedules and gameplay goals. Anyone can create or request to join a clan, but players may only be enrolled in one clan at a time. Communities, on the other hand, are a more casual means to essentially the same end. They can be open or closed, and players can be members of multiple communities at the same time. There are also no player caps on communities, so they can be as small or as large as players see fit. Both features are live in the ongoing Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls closed beta and will be unlocked in the full game prior to the expansion's launch next month, on March 25. Custom tabs in the user interface of Diablo 3 will keep clan and community members up to date by displaying news, recent Legendary Item drops found by members (which you can ogle from within the menu) and a dedicated chat channel for direct lines of communication. Good hunting! [Image: Activision-Blizzard]
Joystiq Streams: Looting through the Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls beta [UPDATE: Relive the stream!]
[UPDATE: While we tested the Reaper of Souls beta literally minutes before starting the stream and everything was working fine, the beta servers went down shortly thereafter when a new update was issued. As a result, we streamed the original Diablo 3. Turned out to be a fun time anyway!] Two years on from its tumultuous release, Diablo 3 is a very different beast. Blizzard's divisive dungeon crawler has been patched, rebalanced, and brought to consoles in the intervening months. Soon it will even be stripped of the auction houses that many thought distracted from the game's primary charms of loot hunting and clicking on stuff. Now that it's leaner and meaner, Diablo 3 is shorn and ready for Reaper of Souls, its first major expansion. Joystiq's own Xav de Matos is willing to brave the depths of hell to bring you a stream of the Reaper beta. Anthony John Agnello will be hanging out in the chat feeding your questions to Xav as he clicks on monsters then clicks on the piles of goodies they drop. It's all going down on the Joystiq Twitch channel at 4p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 6. Come on down and hang with us.
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Collector's Edition content revealed
With all the talk of Warlords of Draenor and Hearthstone around here, you might have forgotten about Blizzard's other expansion release next month. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls makes it debut on March 25, and the contents of the physical Collector's Edition were finally revealed earlier this week for all to see. Purchasers of the Collector's Edition will receive several digital items, including the Treasure Goblin Pet for World of Warcraft, StarCraft II character portraits and Malthael Decals, and a Spectral Hound minion with a set of aesthetic artifacts -- helms and weapons -- to be used with Diablo III's new transmogrification feature. Of course, this is all available with the Digital Deluxe version of the game as well, so why would you want a physical Collector's Edition? In addition to the digital goodies found in the Digital Deluxe edition, those purchasing the Collector's Edition will get a Behind-the-Scenes DVD and Blu-Ray two-disc set featuring interviews, round-table discussions and behind-the-scenes commentary on the game's development, the official Reaper of Souls soundtrack, The Art of Reaper of Souls -- a gorgeous hardcover book featuring early sketches, artwork, and 3D renders from the game, as well as a Malthael mouse pad. The Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Collector's Edition is available for pre-order on Amazon for $79.99, as well as at a variety of other retailers. As with all Collector's Editions, supplies are limited -- if you want the physical version and all the bonuses it has to offer, you may want to pre-order your copy sooner rather than later.
Here's what lies in wait within the Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls 'Collector's Edition'
The first expansion for Diablo 3, which ushers in an era free of auction houses, is set to launch on March 25, digitally and in store. Today, Blizzard has revealed the contents of the Reaper of Souls expansion, retail-exclusive Collector's Edition box set, featuring a variety of the company's typical special offerings. Like previous special editions of its games, the collection will include a soundtrack, behind-the-scenes DVD (and Blu-Ray), art book, themed mouse pad and in-game content for its library of software. The in-game content includes a "Spectral Hound minion" and aesthetic artifacts, which allow players to "transmogrify" player gear with a thematic visual flair in Diablo 3; a "treasure goblin pet" which explores World of Warcraft's Azeroth through a series of portals; and special player portraits and decals in StarCraft 2. Blizzard notes "Reaper of Souls Collector's Edition is available in limited quantities" and only at select retailers.
Create your own papercraft Treasure Goblin from Diablo III
The folks on the Diablo III team have decided to wish everyone a happy holiday with a fun gift -- a papercraft Treasure Goblin complete with treasure bag. This delightful and kind of creepy little guy, appropriately dubbed Lewt, is free to download on the Diablo III site. Included along with the printable sheets are step by step directions to putting both Lewt and his treasure bag together, just in time for the holidays. Once construction is complete, you can fill Lewt's treasure bag with whatever bits of treasure you think the little guy would appreciate. And once you've done that, be sure to take some pictures of Lewt in action. Tweet your photos @Diablo with the hashtag #WHERESMYLEWT to show off your photos, and you could find yourself on the official Twitter or Facebook -- Blizzard will be sharing submitted photos, as well as photos of their own, throughout the rest of the holidays. For more information, the downloadable printout, and instructions, visit the official website.
Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls releases March 25, pre-orders detailed
Death walks when Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls is unleashed on March 25. Blizzard announced today the launch will kick off on PC and Mac, as well as revealing a ton of pre-order loot to get players click, click, clicking away. The Standard Edition will grant access to the game for $39.99, while the Digital Deluxe Edition at $59.99 includes spectral hound minion for Diablo 3, a treasure goblin pet for World of Warcraft and portraits for StarCraft 2. Finally, the Collector's Edition includes everything from Digital Deluxe, plus an Angel of Death mouse pad, art book and behind the scenes Blu-ray/DVD. Oh wait, there's one more edition, the Soul Asylum edition... but that'll only cost your soul*! *No, there isn't a Soul Asylum edition. It involves a runaway train that's never coming back.
