Whirlwind Visuals Reduced in PTR Patch 2.2.1

The patch also includes improvements for Diablo III graphic stuttering

Diablo III Public Test Realm
The bug fix Diablo III patch 2.2.1 has been updated with a new build on the Public Test Realm. As outlined in a recent developer discussion, the "visual noise" of Whirlwind - Dust Devils has been reduced, making it easier to see beyond the tornadoes. The latest update also includes improvements for frame rate stuttering issues that popped up in patch 2.2.0. The Diablo III Quality Assurance team is looking for feedback from players dealing with those stutters and freezes.


Patch 2.2.1 PTR Patch Notes
The patch notes have been updated for the latest build of patch 2.2.1 on the Public Test Realm, with the recent additions in red. As detailed when the patch first arrived on the PTR, this is a small bug fix patch for the current Diablo III regions.

Last updated May 7 @ 2:21 p.m. PDT.

Below you'll find the preliminary PTR patch notes for patch 2.2.1. Please note that this isn't the final version of the patch notes and that some changes may not be documented or described in full detail.

PTR PATCH 2.2.1 - v2.2.1.31666

For additional information about the PTR, click here.

Table of Contents:

GENERAL

  • Bug Fixes
    • Fixed an issue that caused some sources of bonus Experience to be added together prior to being multiplied by other Experience bonuses rather than being multiplicative
    • Fixed an issue that prevented some players from receiving the BlizzCon 2014 cosmetic items

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CLASSES

  • Barbarian
    • Whirlwind
      • Skill Rune - Dust Devils
        • Reduced the visual noise caused by these tornadoes
  • Monk
    • Bug Fixes
      • Fixed an issue that prevented Channeling Pylon from removing the cost of Dashing Strike with the Raiment of a Thousand Storms set equipped

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ITEMS

  • Bug Fixes
    • Fixed an issue that prevented belts from being able to roll bonus Armor as an affix
    • Fixed an issue that could sometimes prevent Locust Swarm from refreshing the duration of the Zunimassa's (6) Set bonus
    • Fixed an issue that allowed players to equip and use unidentified Legendary Potions

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MONSTERS

  • Bug Fixes
    • Fixed an issue that prevented Josh Mosqueira (the rift guardian) from dropping loot
    • Fixed an issue that allowed The Butcher and Mancarver's spear attack to be reflected, or slowed
    • Fixed an issue that prevented players with Illusory Boots equipped from passing through walls created by Orlash

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USER INTERFACE

  • The recently added social button will now display how many friends you have online and any clan or communities notifications
  • Bug Fixes
    • Fixed an issue that prevented the Greater Rift Completion screen from being closed using the Close All Windows hotkey
    • Seasonal tabs will no longer incorrectly show up on the Achievement and Leaderboard screens when no season is active

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Improvements for Client Stutter and Freeze
The recent build of the 2.2.1 patch also includes some fixes for the stuttering and freezes that some Diablo III PC players have seen since patch 2.2.0. As noted in the blue posts, players who have those issues in the live game can try out the new PTR and post feedback in the battle.net thread.
Hello,

To update here, we are currently testing some changes on our PTR which should address some performance issues which arose with the implementation of patch 2.2.

Please note though this only covers issues with performance which started with 2.2, if you experienced performance issues prior to this, please do create your own thread and we can try to troubleshoot from there.

Thanks.
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No Client Patching on Mobile
A big technical change went through in with a change to the new CASC file format. This brings useful improvements, but it also changes the patching of the Diablo III PC client. The Diablo III client now uses certain ports that are often disabled in mobile internet connections. Once patched, the game can still be played on those connections, but patching requires a standard connection. Using a VPN to patch is also an option, but players will have to figure that out on their own, since VPN usage is not something that Blizzard technical support can help with.
Torlok,

The new CASC file system that the game uses is not supported on wireless carrier type connections. This is only an issue when new data needs to be downloaded. Once that data is downloaded, you should be able to connect to the game by using your usual wireless carrier connection.

That being said, you have a few options to workaround this. One is to temporarily use a VPN. Switching over to a VPN will allow the download and you can then switch back to your usual settings.

Another option is to take your system to another location where it can use a different network other than the wireless carrier network. Some examples would be a friend's house, a public place that offers free wifi, or maybe a PC Cafe.

Last option would be to copy a friend or family member's patched D3 folder onto some sort of removable media, like a flash drive or external hard drive, and use that copy to replace your D3 folder.
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