While the closed beta test for Diablo 3’s Necromancer has gone live, Blizzard also had patch 2.6.0 available for testing alongside it. Preliminary patch notes for the same have been released.

The patch will bring quite a bit of new content to the game including Challenge Rifts, a special weekly dungeon which you must complete using a random player’s build; two new zones in the form of The Moors and The Temple of the Firstborn which can be explored through a waypoint in Act 2; and four new waypoints in Act 4 with different bounties to complete among other things.

It should be noted that these are only the preliminary patch notes and that the final patch could change significantly when it’s finally ready. You also shouldn’t take this as a sign that the patch will be out anytime soon since extensive testing is usually done for Diablo 3 patches.

Regardless, what do you think of the preliminary patch notes? Let us know in the comments. Check out the full notes below.

GENERAL

• New Feature: Challenge Rifts
  • Explore new builds created by fellow players in a weekly static dungeon. You can access these through the main screen, similar to Adventure Mode and Campaign Mode.
    • Note: New Challenge Rifts may be available more frequently during the beta.

CLASSES

• New Class: Necromancer
  • As a master of the dark arts, you wield the powers of life and death necessary to restore the Balance! Necromancers are powerful spell casters who lay waste to their enemies using curses and reanimation—along with an obedient cadre of pets. This new class employs a controlled gameplay style using the raw materials of life: blood and bone.

ADVENTURE MODE

• New Zones: The Moors & The Temple of the Firstborn
  • The fog-enshrouded Moors and the darkened Temple of the Firstborn can be explored in Adventure Mode through a new waypoint on the Act 2 map.
• Set Dungeons
  • The user interface has been updated to better explain tier completion requirements.
  • With this, the basic completion tier must be finished within the given time limit.
• Bounties
  • Four new Waypoints have appeared in Act IV. Each one has bounties to complete. These Realms of Fate are the unintended consequences of the battle between the nephalem and Diablo in the High Heavens.

Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch isn’t the only game receiving a significant update. For those who have been selected, Diablo 3’s Necromancer has gone live with its closed beta.

The Necromancer Best Test will be available in the launcher from the drop-down menu – if you’ve been selected for the closed beta after opting in that is. It should be noted that if you want to bring your normal Diablo 3 characters into the closed beta, then it’s very much possible. Head here for more information on the same.

The Necromancer was announced at BlizzCon 2016 and is essentially a spell caster that makes use of summons, curses and his or her own health pool to hurt enemies. It’s an interesting play-style and we can’t wait to see how it meshes with the other classes in Diablo 3.

If you’ve already gotten into the closed beta test, then what are your thoughts on the Necromancer? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

Want to try out the deathly powers of Diablo 3’s upcoming Necromancer class? You may have a chance as Blizzard has announced that closed beta test invites will be sent out globally soon.

To participate, you need to opt in for beta testing which can be done by going to the Beta Profile Settings in Account Management and checking the box for Diablo Beta Tests. An active Diablo 3 license is necessary and your account shouldn’t be banned or suspended. It’s also important to note that opting in won’t guarantee you access due to invites being “extremely limited.”

Also, content surrounding the Necromancer and Patch 2.6.0 may change in the final version of the product from the closed beta. Keep that in mind while managing expectations. Unfortunately, there won’t be an open beta for the Necromancer anytime soon.

What are your thoughts on the Necromancer and the upcoming closed beta? Let us know below.