Diablo 3's patch 1.0.8 wants you to bring some friends

Blizzard have revealed the details of Diablo 3's forthcoming 1.0.8 update. While they've previously hinted at long-term plans , including increased rarity for Legendary and Rare items, the patch will instead concentrate on making the game a better co-op experience. After all, as the old saying goes, "Hell is other people... teaming up to biff their way through for loot."

Here's what they have planned for the update:

Tags to let you specify Questing, Full Act Clear, Keywarden, or PvP based play for server matchmaking
XP buffs - Values are still being tweaked, but Blizzard are currently looking at an extra 10% XP per player
Monster health reduced from 70% extra per player to 50%
An "Identify All", so players spend less time investigating their inventory
Archon duration to be extended by assists
Notifications whenever a player deals or takes damage from an Elite Pack or Treasure Goblins
Players Near You will list anyone on your local network
Private chat for up to 99 friends

While there's no official date for the patch, Blizzard say that the beta should land on the Public Test Realm before the final version goes live. You can find more details at the Diablo blog .

Phil has been writing for PC Gamer for nearly a decade, starting out as a freelance writer covering everything from free games to MMOs. He eventually joined full-time as a news writer, before moving to the magazine to review immersive sims, RPGs and Hitman games. Now he leads PC Gamer's UK team, but still sometimes finds the time to write about his ongoing obsessions with Destiny 2, GTA Online and Apex Legends. When he's not levelling up battle passes, he's checking out the latest tactics game or dipping back into Guild Wars 2. He's largely responsible for the whole Tub Geralt thing, but still isn't sorry.