Introduction to Season 5
Sorcerers and druids have had a challenging time keeping up with the other classes in Diablo 4. Despite Blizzard’s improvements to the game overall, these two classes have lagged in terms of raw power. Their most effective builds also tend to be less enjoyable. However, Season 5, which kicks off next week, promises significant changes aimed at leveling the playing field. Before Blizzard takes a comprehensive look at these classes after the expansion release in October, some important buffs are being introduced.
Addressing the Boss Problem
One of the significant issues being tackled in Season 5 is the boss encounters. Endgame bosses will have considerably reduced health, making fights more manageable. Those in the Pit, a series of brutal dungeons designed to test your builds to the limit, will see their damage reduced by a massive 66%. While these changes will benefit all classes, sorcerers and druids will no longer feel pigeonholed into specific builds to survive the hardest fights in the game.
Impact of Reworked Unique Items
Another crucial update involves unique items, which have almost all been reworked to feel essential for the builds they are designed to enable. For instance, the renewed Flameweaver Gloves expand the size of a sorcerer’s Firewall, making it easier to shoot fire bolts through them and split the bolts into three for double damage. Instead of offering multiple small damage boosts, these unique items reinforce a specific playstyle, making gameplay feel fresh and distinct.
Specific Buffs for Sorcerers and Druids
Among the most exciting changes are the specific buffs for sorcerers and druids. Sorcerers’ core and mastery skills are now 15% to 20% stronger. They are also encouraged to blend different elements to trigger a significant 80% damage buff with a newly revamped unique ring. Druids also receive noteworthy improvements. They no longer need a full item to make their ultimate’s lightning strikes target enemies, and their shred-focused unique now features a stat that allows its effect to work against bosses.
Looking Ahead
Although these adjustments are substantial, Blizzard plans further tweaks as they prepare for the expansion. Players can expect to discover many more clever builds as they experiment with these reworked uniques. Season 5 could have been just a quiet precursor to the expansion in October, but Blizzard’s efforts to address player feedback have made it an exciting and impactful update. Along with a new wave-based endgame mode called Infernal Hordes and an accelerated leveling process, Season 5 feels like a continuation of the successful overhaul seen in Season 4.
