The Diablo 3 PTR has been updated with the first iteration on the next seasonal update to the game. The 2.7.0 patch will officially open for players to try out starting Thursday, February 25th, and will provide them with a first peek at what they can expect when the next season rolls out.
Many of the changes in the 2.7.0 version of the game are expected and run along the lines of balance adjustments and tweaks to some of the game’s legendary items. However, this iteration of D3 is coming with a long-awaited change to the follower system.
In D3, players have the option to take a follower along on their adventures when playing in solo games. The Templar is a melee tank character. The Enchantress is a ranged magic user while the Scoundrel is a ranged bow user. Up to now, the companions have been able to wear jewelry including a class-specific item, and a weapon. However, after the 2.7.0 update arrives, they will be able to equip 14 different slots: Relic, Helm, Shoulders, Chest, Gloves, Bracers, Belt, 2 Rings, Neck, Pants, Boots, main-hand weapon, and off-hand. But perhaps most interestingly, followers will be given a new passive ability called Emanate “which allows the player to gain the intended effect of certain Legendary Powers and Set Bonuses when equipped on the hired Follower”. The list of items that will provide this bonus is about a dozen items so far.
In addition to the Emanate passive and the new equipment that companions can use, each one has also had his/her abilities overhauled to make them more impactful for the solo player.
Developer’s Note: By reworking and adding Follower skills, expanding the Follower’s equipment set, and introducing Emanate, we believe Followers will be more meaningful and provide greater utility to the single-player experience.
Check out all of the details, including balance adjustments to classes and items, by heading to the Diablo 3 official site.
