I've burned an embarrassing number of nights in Sanctuary, so I'm usually ready for the seasonal loop. Farm, upgrade, repeat. Season 11 doesn't let you sleepwalk through it, though, and that's the point. The open world finally feels like it's got teeth again, and if you're still sorting your diablo 4 gear like it's just another checklist, you're gonna get jolted awake mid-ride.
Azmodan Shows Up and Ruins Your Comfort Zone
My first run-in with Azmodan wasn't some cinematic moment I paused to admire. I was in a Helltide, half paying attention, scooping cinders and thinking about my next reroll. Then the screen starts to feel crowded in a bad way. He doesn't "spawn," he arrives. Big body, bigger presence. And he punishes bad habits. Those dark pools spread faster than you'd expect, so if you plant your feet and try to outheal it, you'll get clipped, then clipped again, and suddenly your potion's on cooldown and you're doing that awful panic kite. His summons matter too. Ignore them and you get boxed in, simple as that.
Smarter Mobs Make the Walk Between Fights a Fight
What really messes with your rhythm, though, is the everyday stuff. The reworked enemy AI isn't flashy, but you feel it. Ranged enemies don't politely stand in your damage zone anymore. They drift out, they split, they make you chase. Shield guys actually play bodyguard. And the little Fallen? They aren't just sprinting straight into your AoE like it's their job. You'll notice them swing wide, nibble at your sides, and force you to burn movement skills on trash you used to delete without thinking. If you're out of position, you'll pay for it.
Randoms Start Looking Like Teammates Again
That shift changes how you move through the map. I caught myself grouping with strangers for reasons that weren't "extra XP, why not." It was more like, alright, this pack is ugly and I'd rather not eat dirt because I got greedy. There's this quiet understanding when another player drifts over: no chat, no plan, just two people thinking the same thing. You'll feel strong one minute, then you're kiting elites while someone else tries to peel adds off you. It's messy. It's fun.
It's Not Perfect, but It's Dangerous in a Good Way
Balance is still gonna wobble, and players will absolutely find cheesy setups, because we always do. But right now the season has a bite that's been missing. You can't autopilot, and that alone makes the loot chase feel better. If you're jumping in soon, don't just show up undercooked; get sorted, pace your fights, and treat upgrades like they matter, because a clean diablo 4 gear buy plan can be the difference between a close call and a long jog back from the waypoint.