Blizzard Makes Drastic Changes to Diablo III

Even if you’ve been playing the Diablo III Beta, you probably will want to read this. Blizzard is making quite a few big changes to the game, but most seem actually like good ideas. Some will be implemented in the next patch, and others will take longer. All but a few secret changes should be in the game by the last beta patch, however. I’ll list the short version of the changes, but you can read the in-depth version here.

• Scrolls of Identification will be replaced by a spell to reduce inventory clutter.
• Fifth quick slot will be turned into a potion button, allowing you to use potions faster. Chugging potions is still not allowed, but it is meant to help if you are in a long period of combat.
• Mystic artesian will be removed from the game. Item customization looks like it will come after the game is released in order to not prolong the release even more.
• Cauldron of Jordan and Nephalem Cube, which allow for salvaging and selling when you’re outside of a town, will be removed. Before you get up in arms, they are including a town portal button to bring you back to town where you can do your selling and salvaging. In towns, the blacksmith will do the salvaging.
• Salvaging common (white) items will be taken out of the game.
• Core character attributes will change to: Strength, Dexterity, Intellect, and Vitality. Strength will cover Barbarian damage and Armor. Dexterity will cover Demon Hunter Damage, Monk Damage, and Dodge. Intellect will cover Wizard Damage, With Doctor Damage, and Health from globes. Vitality will cover Health.
• Stats will be brought into the inventory UI.
• Big changes to skill and rune system will come out in the final release of the game, not in Beta.