Is 2.7.7 the final balance patch?

General Discussion
1

Hi,

In one of their latest videos about Diablo 3, both Raxx and Wudijo (whose work I really appreciate) said that 2.7.7 is going to be the final balance patch, but they did not explain why they think so.

I suppose that their reason lies in the patch notes. Or maybe in other news about 2.7.7 that I have missed…

As for the patch notes, here is what they say:

On September, 8, 2023, the patch notes for 2.7.6 read:

“Season 30 will bring fresh gameplay balances and bug fixes to reinvigorate your adventures but introduce no new theme.”

=> No mention of a final balance balance patch here. Season 29 Visions of Enmity – Now Live — Diablo III — Blizzard News

On January, 5, 2024, the patch notes for 2.7.7 read:

“The below Class balances changes were made to ensure each Class remains both fun and balanced as powerful Season themes return to Diablo III. […] We believe to have found a good avenue for each build to perform in and have improved Sets across each class to work towards this goal.”

=> At this point, the devs “believe” to have found a good avenue for each build. One “believe” something when they are not sure about it, right? And no mention of a final balance patch here either. Season 30 The Lords of Hell - Preview — Diablo III — Blizzard News

To me, there is a chance that the devs will keep doing minor balance changes (i.e. not mechanical, but number changes) until they “know” that builds are in the avenue they did intend.

But I may have misread the patch notes or missed some other news…

What do you guys think?

2

It was mentioned in one of the past campfire chats that S29’s patch would be the last patch with any new content in it.

From S30 onwards, past season themes would be rotated through, that development would focus on D4, and given this state of the game, it’s been widely accepted that there would be no need for new patches.

3

Yeah, I expect only minor number tuning going forward (most likely in %dmg numbers on sets/legs) - no changes in how sets or items work anymore.

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4

2.7.7 is the last one that touches gameplay mechanics by adding Fissures and the Altar as permanent additions. That requires some development to be done.

A simple balancing patch requires very little, just altering some numbers. Since the builds still aren’t completely balanced, there’s a decent chance there’ll be more (smaller) patches in the future.

4 Likes
5

I certainly hope so… there’s still tinkering they can do here. I’m not very hopeful though.

6

I would appreciate more tweaks, but have no hope left for future balance adjustments

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7

They sorely… I mean surely “balanced” the Altar… :grin:

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8

Nothing more new to be added to the game. But bugs, severely outlier performing builds should still be patched minorly. There’s likely not going to be PTR but no one knows for sure.

9

That’s a good point. Each PTR requires a lot of man hours.

10

I hope this is not the last patch. I hope that once a season the developers will run PTR test for one week with brand new legaffixes.

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11

Someone didn’t get the memo.

12

Does anyone know what time the patch is released? today

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13

I’m also think so as this guys due to a very less efforts to the diablo 3 some recent time. So them took 4 months just to change the numbers on the sets. I think with such intensinity of developing where is no chance to any patches.

14

I also think they will fine tune numbers depending on which theme is getting recycled.

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15

It’s around 10 AM to 12 PM PST typically.

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16

I am hoping they use these opportunities to close gaps between builds within each class.

Wiz for example, every set and lod (not every lod build) has 150 from 2.7.7 PTR, but vyr is a 120 record of 5:49, sure vyr has higher potential, but status of the build doesnt attract push incentives.

17

Please buff witch doctors. Its one of the least played class.

18

Right they meant no new content patches which is correct however I do think they’ll continue to tune passes on the sets. They don’t need to but I see no reason why not strive for near perfect balancing.

19

when is the patch droping?

2 Likes
20

Soon.

Blizzard soon.

3 Likes