Diablo III: What We Know So Far, Post-BlizzCon

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Written by BuckGB on October 14th, 2008

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• A Skill Rune system has been added to the game.
  
  • Skill Runes will drop randomly from monsters like any other loot.
    
  • Each talent/spell has a single Skill Rune slot. Once socketed, the runes add various effects to the skills.
    
  • The runes can be swapped in and out--they do not bind.
    
  • Blizzard has created around 8 runes so far, with varying degrees of power--minor, major, etc.
    
  • Confirmed Rune Types:
    
    • Multistrike: Multiplies the effect of the spell. Example: Adds extra fireballs to Magic Missile, chain lightning to Electrocute, or multiple player copies with Mirror Image.
      
    • Lethality: Adds critical hit chance to the spell. Example: Adds explosion effects to spells like Electrocute or Disintegrate.
      
    • Power: Enhances the power of the spell. Example: Skull of Flame fireballs leave burning areas on the ground.
      
    • Striking: Adds a damage effect. Can turn a spell like Teleport into a damage-dealing warp.
• Passive skils and the Skill Runes have replaced the Diablo II synergy system.
  
• 12 item slots: weapon, shield, helm, medallion, chest, sash, two rings, boots, pants, shoulders, and gloves.
  
• Weapons will include offhands such as wands and crystal balls/orbs.
  
• Inventory space can be expanded via extra bags, along the lines of World of Warcraft.
  
• Items all take up one inventory slot--no more shuffling that giant spear around.
  
• Color-coded items, uniques, runes, gems, and other conventions return, in addition to identification scrolls.
  
• Loot is now generated per player. You only see the loot that you can pick up. Blizzard hopes this will help to foster a spirit of cooperation.
  
• Damage-per-second statistics on all weapons.
  
• Trading will be improved over the ad-hoc Diablo II experience, but nothing like an "auction house" system has been confirmed.
  
• Less focus on potions in order to emphasize skill use. Monsters can drop instant health regen orbs which heal anybody nearby in your party.

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