Patch 2.2.0 Heads to the Public Test Realm
The next content patch is available for download on the PTR
Patch 2.2.0 is Prepared for the PTR
Patch 2.2.0 includes a number of technical updates, including an overhaul of the file format used for the Diablo III data files. The PTR data can be currently downloaded, but more work is being done before the test server is ready to go. The many new features and changes in patch 2.2.0 can be tested soon, once the PTR is up.
Post by Blizzard (Blue Tracker, Official Forum)
Updated 2/25 @ 3:37 PM PST:
The PTR servers are now live and patch notes are available here. Happy testing!
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We are preparing to launch patch 2.2.0 on the PTR. You may notice that the PTR is currently available for download in the Battle.net launcher.
At this time, the PTR is not yet live, and you will receive an error if you attempt to log in.
Patch 2.2.0 includes migration to a new file system called CASC (which you can read more about here). As a result, the installation may take longer than you've previously experienced. We're also running additional internal tests before opening up the PTR to the public. Once the the PTR servers are available for testing, we'll update this thread accordingly and post patch notes. Keep an eye on our front page for more information.
We're excited to share our latest patch and thank you for your patience as we make our final preparations.
The PTR servers are now live and patch notes are available here. Happy testing!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are preparing to launch patch 2.2.0 on the PTR. You may notice that the PTR is currently available for download in the Battle.net launcher.
At this time, the PTR is not yet live, and you will receive an error if you attempt to log in.
Patch 2.2.0 includes migration to a new file system called CASC (which you can read more about here). As a result, the installation may take longer than you've previously experienced. We're also running additional internal tests before opening up the PTR to the public. Once the the PTR servers are available for testing, we'll update this thread accordingly and post patch notes. Keep an eye on our front page for more information.
We're excited to share our latest patch and thank you for your patience as we make our final preparations.
Ruins of Sescheron Not in Patch 2.2
The Ruins of Sescheron is a new Adventure Mode area previewed at BlizzCon 2014. The new area isn't ready for patch 2.2.0, and will arrive in a later patch.
Post by Blizzard (Blue Tracker, Official Forum)
from tyvalir:
@luk: Good question! We're working to ensure that the Ruins of Sescheron is at the same level of quality as other areas of Adventure Mode. While it won't make it into patch 2.2.0, we hope to have it out to you in the near future.
The Ruins of Sescheron will indeed be coming to Adventure Mode in a later patch, as I mentioned in the comments for our First Look: Patch 2.2.0 post. We're continuing to flesh out the environments we showed at BlizzCon for the area, and we can't wait to dig deeper into the "twisted nature" vibe the dev team mentioned.
On a related note, did you know there's a term for "fear of objects with irregular patterns of holes?" (Trigger warning for trypophobics!) The Rat King abides!
While we're on the subject, is there anything in particular that you guys are looking forward to about Sescheron? Is it the new environments, new enemies, or the chance to learn more about a location we only got a glimpse of in Diablo II?
New Sets Aren't Seasonal
There will be three new class Sets added in patch 2.2. Earlier this month it was still undecided whether or not those Set items would be Seasonal upon release. The current plan is for the Sets to not be Seasonal items, so all heroes will be able to obtain them once patch 2.2.0 lands.
Post by Blizzard (Blue Tracker, Official Forum)
Will the new sets be available in season only?
We don't have plans right now to make the three new Sets (Delsere’s Magnum Opus, Wrath of the Wastes, and Unhallowed Essence) coming in patch 2.2.0 exclusive to Season 3. That said, we're still determining which of the new Legendary items will be Seasonal to start.
Assuming the above is still the case when patch 2.2.0 goes live (which we're aiming to do between Season 2 and Season 3), then you'll be able to find the new Set items regardless of whether you're playing a Seasonal character.
Ramaladni's Gift Stackable in Patch 2.2
The very useful Ramaladni's Gift is handy to have, but some lucky players are ending up with multiple copies sitting around in their stash. That will be fixed in the upcoming patch, as the consumable will become stackable.
Post by Blizzard (Blue Tracker, Official Forum)
If they can make rift stones, trial stones and ramaladni's stack higher then that would save a few more slots. Additionally, letting crafting mats stack higher would also be a big help (yes 5k is not enough when crafting ancient gear is involvolved).
We've heard from people who play the game frequently and have accumulated more Ramaladni's Gifts that these items are starting to take up more space in their stash, so starting in patch 2.2.0, we will be allowing them to stack up to 100.
Although we don't have plans right now to increase the stack size of the other items you mentioned, it would be helpful to hear from you all about any scenarios in particular that are causing you to run out of space more frequently.
Is it when you mass salvage items after running a series of Rifts, or when you don’t have items you want to enchant or craft items for a long period of time? Something else in specific?
Season 3 After Patch 2.2.0 is Live
The first Season ran for 5 months, but this second one is expected to not last as long. The new planned schedule for patches and Seasons involves ending the current Season, pushing the content patch live, and then starting the next Season.
Post by Blizzard (Blue Tracker, Official Forum)
I'm pretty sure I heard one of the devs say something about not doing big content patches during a season, instead they would do that in between seasons. Am I mistaken?
You are not mistaken! We discussed this during the Tavern Talk last week. :)
The plan from here on forward is to (1) end a season, (2) patch, then (3) launch the new season. However, there may still be cases where a small patch for a critical bug fix or something similar is necessary.
Last season was 5 month, and I thought they said in Tavern's talk that they are trying to make it shorter.
This is also true. We do want this season to be shorter than the previous, as we recognize Season 1 lasted a little long for some players. When we are ready to announce an end date for Season 2, we'll provide a heads up.
Hotfix Improvements with CASC in Patch 2.2
Blizzard has developed a new file system for their games, and it is coming to Diablo III in patch 2.2.0. The CASC file format first arrived in World of Warcraft with the most recent expansion to that game. As seen in the extensive WoW hotfix list, the new file system has increased the speed and breadth of the hotfixes that update World of Warcraft. While Diablo III does not require as many regular changes as World of Warcraft, the new CASC file format will make it easier to apply any needed hotfixes.
Post by Blizzard (Blue Tracker, Official Forum)
Is it possible to give examples of benefits besides "bad installs"?
What "technical limitations" does it over come?
What type of things will now be "hot patchable" that weren't previously?
In our preview blog for the patch 2.2.0 PTR, we mentioned some of the benefits of switching Diablo III over to the CASC file system. For those of you who geek out about file systems as much as you do about games, here are a few others:
- It allows the game client to finds assets more quickly due to its non-redundant file structure, improving real-world game performance
- It means patches no longer require double the installation size on-disk when patching (one of the drawbacks of the old file system)
- It lets us easily integrate new technologies for patching as we develop them
While I don't have a specific list of the kinds of data that can be “hot patched,†the main takeaway should be that adopting this file system will ideally lead to a better, more seamless experience - both when the game client is being patched and while you play the game. It can also give us the opportunity to implement some changes more quickly than in the past.
Wizard Set in Patch 2.2
The new Wizard set Delsere's Magnum Opus is coming in the new patch. It is one of the ways the developers are looking to increase diversity in the end-game beyond the standard Firebird's Finery set that dominates the Wizard Most Popular Items.
Post by Blizzard (Blue Tracker, Official Forum)
Let's hope the set make Wiz competitive in terms of dps
We've heard several players express the desire for Wizards to have more build possibilities, in both solo and group play, especially for higher Greater Rifts.
With the PTR for patch 2.2.0 coming up, and players trying out new Set items (such as Delsere's Magnum Opus), we're hoping to see some engaging and (ultimately) high-end viable builds for that class. With our community's helpful theorycrafters pitching in, the new builds people discover are bound to become even better.
Even so, our goal of providing items that will increase build diversity is never truly done. After all, Diablo III is an ever-evolving game, and (to that end) we intend to keep adding items that will encourage players to explore new builds.
As Wyatt mentioned early in our most recent Tavern Talk livestream, the class currently considered the best can change, even multiple times, in the span of a single Season. Regardless of which class is currently considered best, our goal remains the same: create more fun and engaging play styles for players of every class to enjoy.
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