Summary
Blizzard has released the patch notes forDiablo 4’s 1.4.0 update for the game’s Public Test Realm (PTR). The PTR patch, which releases on April 2, aims to test features coming withDiablo 4’s Season 4 update that will be released on May 14.
Diablo’s PTR program allows PC users to try outnew features well before they are released to the general public. To participate in the PTR, users can use the Blizzard.net App and selectDiablo 4from their games list, then select “Public Test Realm” in the drop-down menu that opens after clicking the button above the Play symbol. However, users need to create a fresh character and installDiablo 4’s PTR client before proceeding. Game Pass PC users can also join the PTR by accessing the Battle Net client through the Xbox app.
It’s a tempting time to join the beta program becauseDiablo 4’s approaching PTR patch is massive. The update is playable from April 2 to April 9 and introduces significant changes to class builds, itemization, Helltide, endgame content, and more. The class build changes affect all classes, and while these changes are too numerous to cover in one article, Blizzard tried to sum them up in a couple of points. First, the changes aim to truly updateDiablo 4’s gameplay systems instead of simply increasing or reducing character health. Blizzard also aims to make flat-damage Legendaries more viable in Season 4 by scaling them with weapon damage. Furthermore, the developer intends to open up class builds by allowing more connections between different options. For example, using Dust Devils on a Barbarian is much more practical in Season 4.
The PTR patch also includes Helltide Reborn, a revamped version ofDiablo 4’s Helltidesthat introduces new features like Threat Tiers and the Accursed Ritual, which is a new encounter that ends in a boss fight with the Blood Maiden. Since PTR players have to start with a new character, they will see slightly reduced difficulty in Helltide Reborn to help them test out the feature earlier in their journey.
Update 1.4.0adds toDiablo 4’s endgameby introducing the Pit of Artificers after reaching World Tier 4 and collecting enough Runeshard. In the Pit, users must slay enough monsters to open a portal to a boss arena. Defeating the boss rewards users with Masterworking materials and unlocks the Pit’s next tier, which there are hundreds of.
Additionally, the PTR’s Update 1.4.0 changesDiablo 4’s bossesby adding the Echo of Andariel to the boss ladder. Also, Tormented Echoes of all ladder bosses can be summoned with Stygian Stones, which are found in the Pit. A new crafting system called Tempering is also introduced that allows users to add affixes to items at the Blacksmith by using reusable Temper Manuals.
Patch Notes for Diablo 4’s PTR Update 1.4.0
Change is coming, wanderer. Do you dare immerse yourself in what lies ahead for all of Sanctuary?
The first Public Test Realm (PTR) for Diablo IV is on the horizon, offering you the chance to test upcoming changes and features for Season 4! PTR will be availablefrom April 2 through April 9for players with aPC Battle.net account.
The purpose of the PTR is to test updates and features alongside you before the launch of Season 4. Then we’ll take your feedback from PTR to make adjustments to Season 4 before it goes live for everyone. Your experience in Sanctuary is shaking up in a big way: here’s an overview of what you need to know.
ITEMIZATION
We have three guiding pillars for our itemization updates: quality over quantity, the best items having a journey of power and improvement that you can work toward, and of course, having items feel satisfying and exciting to use.
For a full list of what’s new or adjusted for Classes,check out the Class Update patch notes here, but here’s a summary of the itemization changes:
New crafting system: Tempering
Codex of Power updates
HELLTIDE REBORN
A tide so nice we made it twice, here’s what’s new in the revamped Helltide event to bring the depths of Hell to the surface of Sanctuary:
World Tier I and II adjustments
THE PIT OF ARTIFICERS
There are rumors that deep within the network of dungeons crisscrossing the north of Sanctuary, there are strange varieties of ore, perfect for crafting exceptionally crafted armor with secret Horadric techniques.
FEATURES OFFERED FOR TESTING
We will have servers for PTR in our largest regions: North America, Europe, Korea and Japan, South-East Asia, and Australia. Once you log-in through Battle Net, your account will carry over the following account-based progress:
As so many of the changes apply to the endgame, the following features will be offered:
Some things will be missing intentionally so we can test the flows we want to keep an eye on, and the Codex of Power won’t be fully unlocked.
HOW TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK
Your feedback on the changes you will see and experience on the PTR is incredibly important to us, and is vital in ensuring that these changes for Season 4 are the best they can be when they go live in Diablo IV proper. If you participate in the PTR, please let us know what you think!
You can provide feedback through the in-game feedback tool or theDiablo IV PTR forums. Pressing the ‘Esc’ key while in the in-game menu will bring up the ‘Report a Bug’ menu. You can select the dropdown filter and select the ‘In-game feedback tool’ to provide feedback without leaving the game.
Here are the steps to join the PTR:
If you’re a PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate user, you’ll be able to access the PTR through the same flow as other Battle Net users. Access the Battle Net client through the Xbox App, then continue to access the PTR through Battle Net.
CLASS UPDATES AND FULL PATCH NOTES
There area lotof changes coming. For a full rundown, you may see our full updates below, but if you’re looking for a tl;dr, you can expect three high-level concepts for Season 4, which will be reflected in the PTR:
1.4.0 PTR Build #51678 (PC)- June 13, 2025
Call of the Ancients
Call of the Wild
Army of the Dead
Book of the Dead
of the Damned
Vengeful
Of Arrow Storms
Developer’s Note:The maximum number of active Arrows storms remains at 5, we are just removing this from the tooltip to make it more succinct.
Frost Bolt Enchantment
Flame Shield Enchantment
Developer’s Note:We’ve received feedback from players that “Cheat Death” mechanics are not desired. The Flame Shield enchantment has been changed to not react to fatal damage, but instead react to taking 100% of your health within a 30 second window.
Winter Glyph
Loot Updates
Developer’s Note:This is to give players time to focus on their affixes before the power of gear increases again.
Elixir Updates
Existing Elixirs
All weak, strong, and potent Elixirs have been removed and replaced with the following, more powerful versions which are available at Level 50.
User Interface and User Experience
Trials
Nightmare Dungeon Rotation
The following Dungeons will be available as Nightmare Dungeons throughout our next season.
Quests and Dungeons
Diablo 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or explore an expansive end game and shared world where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle world bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play, cross-progression, and couch co-op on Xbox.This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.
