Diablo IV's mid-season hotfix Patch 2.3.1, released on July 15, 2025, has buffed all classes. However, only one class’s performance has significantly improved: the Druid, especially the Pulverize-centric build, which has gained notable synergy with high-performing Diablo 4 Items and new gear mechanics.

While Barbarians received multiple buffs—such as Double Swing, Hammer of the Ancients, Upheaval, Rend, Whirlwind, and Barbed Carapace—these enhancements, although considerable, have not reshaped the overall meta. This is partly due to a lack of game-changing items that would elevate these abilities to the level of the Druid build's power spike.

Spiritborn, while viable, received only minor enhancements and was already regarded as a top-tier option before the patch. However, its reliance on specific rare items and complex synergy requirements limits its accessibility to a narrower group of players. Other classes—Rogue, Sorcerer, and Necromancer—received slight aspect buffs, but none have the same level of impact without the perfect Diablo 4 items that are often challenging to acquire.

The Pulverize build now performs exceptionally well, with fast clear speeds, minimal downtime, and significant AoE burst, establishing it as the new benchmark for Tier 4 Nightmare Dungeons and high-scaling Pit runs. When combined with the right items that enhance Earth and Core skills, farming Mythic gear and Forgotten Souls has become much more efficient for Druid players.

Performance metrics indicate that the number of Druid picks has doubled in high-end sessions compared to levels before the patch, which aligns with the increased demand for Pulverize-compatible Diablo 4 items in trading circles and loot tables. Streamers and content creators quickly embraced the Pulverize Druid, with videos showcasing 30–40 billion damage output or glitch-free clears using optimized items going viral post-patch, influencing broader player behavior.

In online discussions on Reddit and forums, the Druid's rise has become a central topic, with many critics labeling it “an update-triggered monster build.” These improvements, along with better access to synergistic items, elevate the Druid beyond just strength—it becomes smoother to play and easier to optimize for most builds.

As Season 9 approaches its conclusion in the coming months, all attention turns to Season 10, where developers will evaluate how far such a meta-dominant build should persist. So far, Blizzard’s patch philosophy appears to favor broad buffs and gameplay fluidity—particularly in how classes interact with S9 best items —rather than curbing class dominance, though this may change based on community feedback.