Diablo III’s new zones are a great reason to get back into the game

Patch 2.4

I still can’t believe that Blizzard is updating Diablo III as often as they are, nearly four years later. I always enjoyed the game quite a bit, but it wasn’t until they eliminated their Auction House and added Loot 2.0 that it got to a truly masterful level. Since then, the Reaper of Souls♛ expansion added on top of all of that greatness.

is the latest of the bunch, and it’s a doozy.

The biggest addition is definitely Greyhollow Island, a brand new map that can only be accessed directly from adventure mode, by way of the top right-hand corner of Act V. It’s one of the most robust add-ons in some time for Diablo III, sporting expanded enemy types (including my personal favorite, the Naga-like Abyssal Protectors) as well as quests, and its own lore, partially told through diary voiceovers. After a few scant minutes it’s clear that Blizzard didn’t half ass this update, and it reminds me of some of the best parts of Diablo II‘s Act III.

In addition, two existing areas have been expanded. This includes the Eternal Woods (located in the Ruins of Sescheron in Act III), and the Royal Quarters in Leoric’s Manner in Act I. The latter is a bit disappointing as it essentially boils down to a small, familiar map filled with skeletons, but Eternal Woods is a pretty massive addition, filled with fun enemies and quests. It’s such a small thing, to be able to go through these extensions, but each subsequent playthrough will reap the benefits.

A ton of other updates have arrived along with patch 2.4, including enhanced class armor sets, “set dungeons” (trials of sorts that are accessible after earning sets), a complete overhaul of the Season system (as well as the ability to bring over characters to new Seasons), more stash space, and a lot more. It’s a perfect time to dive back into the game.