Blizzard decided to share a tad more information about Diablo III's upcoming expansion, Reaper of Souls, but there's good news and bad news for you Diablo fans out there. First the good. According to the Battle.net store, the standard digital edition of the expansion will only cost you $40. For those of you looking for something more, you can opt for the pricier $60 deluxe edition. The bad news? I hope you're patient, because you won't be able to get your hands on this thing until March 25 of next year.
Thos of you willing to spend the extra $20 will get the expansion with "three additional character slots primed for all-new heroes." It also contains additional in-game "to aid you in your crusade against death itself," content in the form of a Spectral Hound Minion: "Charge through Sanctuary with your Spectral Hound minion at your side and transmogrify your gear with a trio of ageless helms and a full complement of Maltheal-inspired weapons."
It also offers bonus content for other Blizzard games like portraits and decals for StarCraft II, and a Treasure Goblin Pet for the MMORPG, World of Warcraft.
During the press conference Blizzard gave at this past summer's Gamescom, Reaper of Souls was revealed as a brand new and first ever expansion for Diablo III. The add-on pack will offer new story content to the game, an additional character class - the Crusader - and a host of tweaks and enhancements.
Reaper of Souls has been described by Blizzard as a dark and terrifying new chapter in Diablo's story that takes place "from the sprawling streets of Westmarch to the ancient walls of the Pandemonium Fortress," and works as a fifth act for Diablo III:
Malthael, the "fallen Archangel of Wisdom," has returned, now with the Black Soulstone, containing the essence of the Prime Evil, in his possession. It now falls to the players to track down and stop Malthael.
Joining Diablo III's classes of Barbarian, Witch Doctor, Wizard, Monk, and Demon Hunter is a new class, the Crusader, one of the "warriors of righteousness who have been hardened through relentless, brutal combat with the foul evils plaguing eastern Sanctuary. In addition to wearing immensely heavy armor and wielding a wide range of cruel and punishing weapons, this new playable class in Reaper of Souls uses battle magic to strengthen allies and weaken foes. A natural walking tank, the Crusader adds power and versatility to any party of adventurers."
"From the beginning, Diablo has always been about the struggle between good and evil, and Reaper of Souls explores the darker notes of that conflict," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "This expansion also represents a big milestone in the ongoing evolution of Diablo III, with key enhancements to the core gameplay, along with a new act to experience, a powerful new character class, tons of new loot, and even more end-game options. We think players will love playing Reaper of Souls, and we can't wait to get it into their hands."
Additionally, the expansion is also meant to highlight the key features of the Diablo franchise, with more emphasis on randomized environments to explore. The enhanced Loot experience allows players to further customize Legendary items, and additional item-crafting options will be available from both the Blacksmith and Jeweler.
An internal testing version of the expansion leaked over the fall, revealing a wealth of information about Reaper of Souls. A closed beta is currently live.
Though the expansion for the game will be releasing separately for PC and Mac, it will arrive alongside the original game on the PS4 with the upcoming Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition.
