Season 5 has introduced several changes in Diablo 4. Some changes were anticipated, while others were unexpected. To help you manage your materials effectively, we have compiled a few tips.
Season 5 has recently launched in Diablo 4, bringing new endgame content, a revamped reputation system, and new challenges. These challenges are primarily linked to changes that were not disclosed in the Patch Notes for Patch 1.5.0.
What resources are in short supply? As players progress to World Level 4 and seek to upgrade and enchant their gear, they are currently facing shortages of various materials:
- Rune shards for opening the pit
- Specific materials for crafting
- Seal Powder / Seals for World Level 4 Nightmare Dungeons
The scarcity of these materials is due to their decreased drop rates or complete absence. To help you manage your materials wisely and avoid wastage, we have gathered some tips below.
Diablo 4: The gameplay trailer for Season 5, the season of the infernal hordes
More videos
Autoplay
No rune shards in Nightmare Dungeons
In a YouTube video, Diablo expert wudijo discusses that Nightmare Dungeons are not currently dropping rune shards as expected. Rune shards are essential to open the pit in Diablo 4, where players can obtain important materials for the Crafting System “Masterworking” (Completion). Wudijo states that the pit is currently not functioning in the game.
Tip: While rune shards can be acquired from other sources, their availability is limited. Therefore, if you plan to run the pit, take this into account. Otherwise, it may be wise to wait for a hotfix.
Lack of Nightmare Seals at World Tier 4
As a result of the changes to World Level 4, many players are engaging in Nightmare Dungeons to quickly level up and enhance their glyphs. However, there currently seems to be a shortage of seals for this purpose. Previously, players could obtain these from chests associated with the Tree of Whispers, but that no longer seems to be the case.
Tip: If you plan to open a Nightmare Dungeon, you may have to craft a seal yourself. For this, you will need seal powder, which can be obtained by dismantling seals. Currently, it is advisable to farm seals and seal powder at World Level 3 to create seals for World Level 4. Wudijo even suggests avoiding Nightmare Dungeons for the time being unless absolutely necessary until this issue is resolved.
New bottleneck: Legendary crafting materials
While players faced gold shortages in Season 4, there now appears to be a fresh bottleneck: crafting materials. This shortage is particularly felt at World Level 4 when players attempt to upgrade and enchant their gear.
With Season 5, the developers have adjusted the crafting systems: angel’s breath is no longer required to enchant. However, it remains challenging to enchant affixes on items, as players now primarily experience a depletion of crafting materials instead of gold.
Tip: Avoid wasting materials by constantly rerolling affixes. If in doubt, wait until you find an item that fits your build. Initially, the lack of materials may not be very noticeable if you accumulate and dismantle a lot of loot. However, the issue will become more apparent later, especially if you frequently change, improve, and enchant your gear.
For crafting, you need a variety of rare and legendary materials.
Are there any positive changes? While there are several issues and unfavorable changes that players were not prepared for, there are also some positive developments:
- The introduction of Hell Hordes in Diablo 4 offers a great opportunity to effectively farm gold. If you’re low on gold, consider spending your “Burning Aether” only on gold chests after completing a run.
- Additionally, world bosses have increased damage thresholds, making encounters feel more satisfying and preventing them from ending in mere seconds.
- Season 5 has also introduced a new reputation system, featuring 20 levels, with the option to continue grinding for rewards after reaching the cap.
What does Blizzard say regarding these issues? It remains uncertain when or if Blizzard will address these bottlenecks. The absence of rune shards is particularly problematic for many players, as these are essential for accessing the pit. While they typically drop in Nightmare Dungeons, that is not happening at present. On X, Community Manager Adam Fletcher stated on August 12: “The rune shards don’t have that much impact, since materials for mastering in the Infernal Hordes are still available.”
It is still unclear if changes will be made to the drop rates in the Hell Hordes once players can access the pit again. Currently, the new endgame activity offers a solid way to farm loot, gold, and materials. For more information, visit: Diablo 4: New content in Season 5 makes the hardest dungeons unnecessary, drops everything you need
Diablo 4 Season 5: Avoiding Resource Scarcity and Maximizing Your Gameplay
Season 5 of Diablo 4 has introduced notable changes, some of which were anticipated, while others have caught players off-guard. To prevent squandering your valuable materials, we’ve compiled essential tips for resource management.
With Season 5 now live, Diablo 4 has expanded its endgame content and introduced a new reputation system, but players are facing newfound challenges. These include bottlenecks in resources that weren’t covered in the Patch Notes for Patch 1.5.0.
Identifying Scarce Resources in Diablo 4 Season 5
As players ascend to World Level 4 to enhance and enchant their gear, they are noticing a shortage of various materials:
- Rune shards needed for opening the Pit
- Specific materials required for crafting
- Nighmare Dungeon seals and Seal Powder at World Level 4
The scarcity of these resources stems from their decreased drop rates or complete unavailability. To make efficient use of your materials, here are some expert tips.
No Rune Shards Dropping in Nightmare Dungeons
Diablo expert wudijo sheds light on the current situation with Nightmare Dungeons, explaining that they aren’t yielding rune shards as expected. These rune shards are crucial for opening the Pit in Diablo 4, which in turn provides important materials for the crafting system.
Tip: While rune shards can be acquired from other sources, these options are limited. If you plan to explore the Pit, consider holding off until a hotfix has been issued.
Lack of Nightmare Seals at World Tier 4
Players have been relying on Nightmare Dungeons to quickly surpass levels and enhance glyphs, but there’s a noticeable absence of seals. Previously obtainable from the Tree of Whispers’ chests, seals have become harder to come by.
Tip: Crafting seals may be necessary, which requires seal powder derived from dismantling excess seals. It’s wise to farm for seals and seal powder at World Level 3, enabling you to create the necessary seals for World Level 4 dungeons. If possible, delay entering Nightmare Dungeons until a fix is in place.
New Bottleneck: Legendary Crafting Materials
While players faced gold shortages in Season 4, Season 5 has introduced a new bottleneck—crafting materials. The difficulties manifest particularly at World Level 4 when attempting to upgrade and enchant gear.
Recent patches mean that enchanting no longer requires angel’s breath but have intensified the strain on crafting resources. Previously, gold was more accessible, but now, players find themselves short on essential materials.
Tip: Avoid excessive rerolling of affixes on gear. Wait until you find an item that aligns with your build. Initially, you might overlook material scarcity if you’re active in collecting and dismantling loot. However, the material shortage will become much more apparent over time, especially if you frequently change and upgrade your gear.
Crafting Materials Overview
| Material Type | Usage | Location | Drop Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rune Shards | Open the Pit | Nightmare Dungeons | Reduced |
| Seal Powder | Crafting Seals | Dismantling Seals | Stable |
| Legendary Crafting Materials | Enchant Gear | Various Locations | Variable |
Positive Changes in Diablo 4 Season 5
Despite the challenges posed by resource scarcity, Season 5 isn’t devoid of positive developments:
- The Hell Hordes feature offers a solid gold farming opportunity. If you’re low on gold, consider spending your “Burning Aether” on gold chests post-run.
- World bosses are now more robust, leading to more engaging and longer fights.
- A revamped reputation system with 20 levels allows players to grind for rewards, keeping the gameplay fresh and dynamic.
Community Insights and Developer Response
In the face of ongoing resource challenges, many players express concerns about the lack of available rune shards, which directly affects access to the Pit. Community Manager Adam Fletcher addressed this on X, stating that rune shards’ absence might not significantly impact gameplay since mastering materials in the Infernal Hordes remain obtainable.
Uncertainty lingers surrounding potential adjustments to loot drops in Hell Hordes following the resolution of the Pit’s accessibility issues. Meanwhile, new endgame activities provide valuable opportunities for looting, gold acquisition, and material farming. For more information, check out this detailed guide: Diablo 4: New content in Season 5 makes the hardest dungeons unnecessary, drops everything you need.
