Diablo 4 Season 5 Preparation: What To Do at the Endgame of Season 4

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If you're seeing a maintenance message when trying to log into Diablo 4 today, don't worry—this is scheduled maintenance. It will last from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., which means five hours without Diablo. This maintenance is for performance and server improvements. For those in Europe, like myself here in Germany, this will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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What To Do During the Downtime

Since you can't log in and play, here are some productive ways to prepare for Diablo 4 Season 5 during this downtime.

1. Explore New Builds on D4Builds.gg

We've updated the planner on D4Builds.gg with new builds for the upcoming PTR (Public Test Realm). This includes new uniques and a full database update. Here are some highlights:

  • Sorcerer: New Chain Lightning and Vox Staff builds.

  • Barbarian: New "Direct Death Blow" build with every slot featuring a unique item.

You can check out these builds and start planning your Season 5 strategies.

2. Check Out the Preliminary Tier List

We've also started working on a preliminary tier list. Keep in mind, this is a draft and not finalized yet. However, it looks like the Druid is quite strong with the new AK-47 Landslide build and the Earthbreaker ring, which provides tremendous buffs.

3. Utilize the New Planner Features

We've added a new feature to the planner where you can select the weapon for your build. This update should help answer common questions about weapon choices. For example, the Barbarian build features the Rakanishu's Wake boots, which are getting a significant buff.

4. Pre-Download the PTR

The PTR starts tomorrow. You can already start downloading the PTR client through the Battle.net launcher. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Blizzard launcher.

  2. Select Diablo 4.

  3. Click on the small arrow next to the "Play" button and select "Public Test Realm."

Adam Fletcher, one of the community managers, confirmed that you should not delete this client after downloading. When the PTR updates, you’ll only need to download the updates rather than the entire game again.

5. Understand PTR Access

To access the PTR, you need a Diablo 4 PC game license. Unfortunately, it won't work on consoles, phones, or smart devices. The PTR will copy all your characters from a snapshot taken last Thursday, so you can play your existing characters on the PTR.

6. Engage with the Community and Give Feedback

Testing the PTR is crucial for improving the game. You can provide feedback on the PTR forums. The PTR will be up for only 7 days, so make the most of it to help balance the game and enhance the experience for everyone.

7. Try Out New Game Modes and Features

The PTR will feature new game modes like the "Back to Hell" seasonal theme and a new wave-based Arena system. These are perfect for testing out builds like the whirlwind Barbarian. Additionally, there’s a character boost feature, allowing you to experience max-level gameplay with new legendaries right away.

8. Boost New Characters

Even if you have a max-level character, consider boosting a new one to get all the new legendaries. This will help you experience the updates fully and provide valuable feedback.

9. Enjoy the Downtime

Take this downtime to do some real-life activities. Prepare your meals, do some chores, and get ready to dive into the PTR fully prepared. Remember, these 7 days will fly by, and you’ll want to be as ready as possible.

I hope you found this guide helpful. Enjoy the downtime, and get ready to blast through Season 5 with new builds and features. Don’t forget to log in, test the PTR, and provide your feedback. This will help make Diablo 4 even better for all of us.