The pre-load for Diablo 4 is up now with early access kicking off later today, and seemingly, the Diablo 4 patch 1.0.2 release client includes numerous changes compared to the server slam build that became available some weeks ago.

　　Diablo 4's Server Slam version already included several gameplay tweaks, and going by the unofficial patch notes for the game's release client (thank you Wowhead), the Blizzard team has made some additional changes and tweaks to skills and talents as well as in-game elixirs. In addition, the team has made a change to critical strikes for core attacks. Prior to this change, the attack speed was increased for 3 seconds, whereas in patch 1.0.2 the duration is 5 seconds.

　　As said, there are various changes to talents and skills for Barbarians, Rogues, Necromancers, and Druids. Going by these notes, the most notable changes are for Druids and the Golem skill for Necromancers. We've included the changes to the Golem skill below:

　　Passive: You are protected by a Golem with X Life that attacks for 17% 21% damage. The Golem sheds Corpses as it takes damage absorbs 15% of damage you would take, and recovers Life when attacking.

　　Active: Your Golem becomes Unstoppable and Taunts Nearby enemies and takes 30% reduced damage for the next 6 seconds drains the blood of enemies in the area, dealing 40% damage and healing 4% of its Life for each enemy drained. Damage and healing received are tripled if only one enemy is drained.

　　When your Golem dies, it respawns after 20 seconds.

　　Diablo 4 launches globally on June 6 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. Those who pre-ordered the digital deluxe and ultimate editions of the game can start playing in a few hours on June 2nd. Here's what Alessio Palumbo wrote in his launch review:

　　"Diablo IV is a return to form at a much-needed time for Blizzard. It delivers incredibly fun hack-and-slash action combat, a greatly improved skill system, and a ton of things to do, not to mention the best story told in the franchise yet", he wrote. "It also looks awesome, sounds great, and runs well (except for rare instances of traversal stuttering). That said, it sticks a little bit too closely to the rulebook, which works against it in a few areas. The open world is not as dynamic as one could have hoped, with events getting repetitive rather quickly. The side content doesn't provide any real narrative juice, and the endgame replayability may not be as deep as needed due to limited randomization and lack of certain features."