Diablo IV Update 1.3.0a Patch Notes: Echo of Malphas & The Seneschal Revamped

Blizzard Entertainment has released Patch 1.3.0a for Diablo IV, bringing a series of updates and improvements across all platforms. This patch, identified as Build #49404, was rolled out on January 26, 2024. Here are the key highlights of the update:

Diablo IV Update 1.3.0a Patch Notes

Echo of Malphas Update:

• • The developers noted that players were using Pearls of Warding primarily to fight Echo of Malphas, rather than for Zoltun’s Warding. To address this, a new item, Igneous Cores, has been introduced. This item is used specifically to summon Malphas, allowing players to save their Pearls of Warding for other purposes.
  • Echo of Malphas’s level has been raised from 85 to 100, and its health pool increased by 30%, making the encounter more challenging.
  • Igneous Cores can drop from Vault Heralds and are guaranteed from Son of Malphas in World Tier IV.
  • The update also increases the drop rate of Unique Stones from Malphas and offers better rewards for defeating Echo of Malphas, including more frequent drops of Item Level 925 items.

The Seneschal Update:

• • In response to feedback regarding the power of the Seneschal, Blizzard has implemented changes to make it easier for players to level up their Seneschal and fully utilize its potential.
  • Crafting Governing or Tuning Stones now consistently costs 200 Shattered Stone and 20 Iron Chunks.
  • Max level stones grant more Shattered Stone, and these stones can also be acquired as rewards for completing Whispers.
  • The Son of Malphas will now always drop 2-3 Governing and Tuning Stones, and the number of stones from Seneschal Stone Caches has been increased.
  • Experience requirements for these stones have been reduced, aligning better with player leveling.

Vaults and Arcane Tremors Quality-of-Life Changes:

• • Consuming a Pearl of Warding now grants 10 stacks of Zoltun’s Warding (up from 3), with the maximum stack count increased to 999.
  • A grace period extension has been introduced for losing stacks of Zoltun’s Warding.
  • The Heralds of Malphas now have a guaranteed Legendary item drop starting at Level 26.

Various adjustments have been made to the hazards in these areas, such as removing knockback from Obelisk Hazards and reducing the hitbox and projectile speed of several hazards.

Bug Fixes:

• • • Several issues have been addressed, including a map display issue on PlayStation, interaction problems during the Drums of the Vault quest, and a cosmetic visibility issue for Druid players.
    • The patch also fixed the synchronization of damage and visual effects for floor traps in Vaults.
    • General stability and performance improvements are also part of this update.

These changes reflect Blizzard’s commitment to enhancing the player experience in Diablo IV by balancing gameplay, addressing community feedback, and improving overall game stability. For more detailed information, players can visit the official Diablo IV website or related gaming news outlets.