EDIT:
I guess they’re addressing this with the next patch
Echo of Malphas has had their Level raised from 85 to 100.
The Health pool of Echo of Malphas has been increased by 30%.
A new item—Igneous Cores—now exists for the purpose of accessing the Uber Vault and Echo of Malphas(confirm player-facing names). This item will replace the usage of Pearls of Warding in providing access.
Igneous Cores have a chance to drop from Vault Heralds and are guaranteed to drop from Son of Malphas in World Tier IV.
Loot Updates
The drop rate of Unique Stones from Malphas increased from .25% to .5%.
Unique Stones now have a 3% chance of dropping from the chest after the boss.
Defeating Echo of Malphas will now reward more Legendary items. Additionally, Item Level 925 items will drop more often.
Why is it level capped at 85 when I’m at player level 100?
Unless the Unique tuning stones can drop from any source other than “Echo of Malphas” as listed on the tooltip… that seems a bit bonkers that a big chunk of the grind gives you a bunch of item power 650-800 stuff. At least I can safely mark everything as junk and use them as materials, but still. Not even Malphas himself drops items worthwhile.
Is the intended gameplay loop to replace NMD runs with Nightmare Vault sigils without using up pearls, then dump pearls on Malphas?