Diablo 3 Ultimate Edition additions - Westmarch, Crusader, Adventure Mode, Paragon system, console exclusives
Everything you need to know about the Ultimate Evil edition of the game, from the new Act and combat class, to the console-exclusive features.
As well as bringing the console version of Diablo 3 largely up to date with the PC's Reaper of Souls equivalent of the game, there are a few new special features included in the Ultimate Evil edition for PS4 and Xbox One.
Here's a quick overview of all the existing and exclusive new content available for the console crowd.
Act 5: Westmarch
The new edition adds Reaper of Souls' fifth Act to the core game, set in the region of Westmarch. Three new bosses, a generous selection of new enemy types, and a variety of new environments are included. If you've been steam-rolling Diablo 3's content to date, rest assured that the final boss Malthael has a surprise or two in store for you when you reach the story's climax.
Tweaked difficulty system
In the previous version of the game you were required to slog your way through a series of rather tame difficulty settings before reaching the meatier end-game. Things are a lot more flexible this time around, however: you can tweak the difficulty of the game on the fly and give yourself a stiffer challenge right from the start. The tougher the enemies, the greater the rewards you'll receive while levelling as well, and the ultimate Torment difficulty will provide you with the most powerful weapons and armour at Level 70.
The Paragon system
The new Paragon system allows you to increase the power of your Diablo 3 characters, even after you've reached Level 70. Once at max level, the creatures you kill and the quests you complete will thereafter contribute experience points towards your Paragon level.
As you progress through the Paragon ranks, you'll receive points to spend in one of four combat categories: Core, Offense, Defense and Utility. Each category contains a number of different options that you can invest in, from a faster base movement speed to more powerful damage.
Handily, the Paragon system is based on activity across your entire account, rather than each character earning its own pool. This means that if you have a well-developed Level 70, but want to try out a new class, you'll be able to dump all of the points you've earned so far into the new character and give them a powerful head start in the game.
We've got advice for allocating Paragon points for every class via the first page of this article.
The Crusader class
As well as a new fifth Act to conquer, the Ultimate Evil edition introduces the new Crusader class. This shield-bearing, plate-wearing powerhouse relies on spells and maces when it comes to clattering through enemies, and so adds a magical flavour to Diablo 3's menagerie of melee characters. Take a look through our Crusader guide if you're just starting out.
Transferable saves
Depending on your specific platform circumstances, you'll be able to take your save from the original console release of Diablo 3 and transfer it across to the Ultimate Evil edition. You can only make the transition from and to the following platforms, however:
- PS3 to PS3
- Xbox 360 to Xbox 360
- PS3 to PS4
- Xbox 360 to Xbox One
- PS3 to Xbox One
- Xbox 360 to PS4
Note that it is not possible to transfer your save from a PS4 to an Xbox One or vice versa. For instructions on how to transfer your save from one platform to another, take a look at Blizzard's official FAQ on the subject.
Adventure mode
The new, optional Adventure mode offers a new way to play the game beyond simply replaying the central story over and over in a linear fashion. Bounties provide a sprinkling of bite-sized missions across the game's five Acts, while Rifts are sprawling, multi-level dungeons which contain powerful bosses triggered after you've killed a certain number of creatures. We've got more details on these new features over at the Adventure mode section of this guide, and advice on how to farm gear more efficiently.
Apprentice mode
The new Apprentice mode allows low-level players to team up with their higher-level friends. The stats of the weaker players get boosted accordingly, but keep in mind that the effect only lasts for as long as the mode is active in a multiplayer game.
Need more Diablo 3 help? Learn how to unlock Zelda outfits like Ganondorf in Diablo 3 Switch, get some Diablo 3 boss strategies, and learn how use the Mystic, Blacksmith, Gambling and Horadric Caches. We also have advice for every class, from the Barbarian to the Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Witch Doctor and Wizard.
Legendary distribution
Another new social feature for the console version of the game concerns the way Legendary equipment is distributed amongst party members. To save players from a little bit of trading fiddliness in the heat of battle, Legendary items are automatically assigned to the party member that can get the most use out of them.
You'll also see special items drop very occasionally that are flagged for people on your friend list. Once you mail the item to your buddy, they'll receive a Legendary tailored to whichever character they choose to accept the item with.
PlayStation exclusive features
PlayStation 3 and 4 owners get a handful of other bonuses with the Ultimate Evil edition of Diablo 3. First of all, there's a chance that the Adventure mode's Nephalem Rifts will be themed around characters from The Last of Us. Secondly, they'll receive a special Transmogrification set of six armours that are themed around Shadow of the Colossus.
Head back to the first page of this article for our Diablo 3 class guides.