Question about 1.09

[Scionotic]

I was looking to play a patch of D2 pre synergies and after some research I found out that 1.09 is probably the best patch to do so (For balance and bug reasons). I also heard 1.07 is interesting, but Im not really interested in exploits and stuff like that... After getting Diablo2 patched to 1.09 I realised that there are actually quite a few versions of this patch (1.09a,b,c,d). So my question was which is the best/most popular version and why (for Hardcore)?

I am not looking to transfer bugged items to 1.13 or anything. Im just trying to find a nice patch to play the game without synergies to try different character builds.

Thanks for the help

 

[NoisemakerArrow]

d

 

[TheNix]

1.09b and 109d are them most popular. I play 1.09b because I can go up to players64.

 

[Scionotic]

Oh yeah I heard of players64. That sounds quite interesting since Im planning on making a sorc. Are there any other reason why these patches are the most popular ones or its just minor things?

 

[helvete]

In short, 1.07 is popular for the challenge and insanely overpowered items. 1.08 isn't played much, but can have 6 affix jewels (only patch where that's possible). 1.09b and 1.09d are for those who prefer old style without synergies, and really REALLY good leveling possibilities.
--------------
Then there's always 1.10a with its +2 BK rings, 1.10s with its overpowered runewords, 1.10 final with the charges bug, 1.11 and 1.12 with rare runes (a 1.12 enigma is an achievement much, much greater than a 1.13 one) and finally 1.13 as we know the game today.

 

[RobbyD]

1.09b has working CtC and players64 - but the XP returns after players8 are greatly diminished.

1.09d had broken CtC and caps at players8 (e.g. a Sorc with an Occy will never 'port when hit).

I humbly defer you to my 1.09 guide.

 

[fearedbliss]

I agree with RobbyD, and personally recommend going with 1.09d.

 

[Scionotic]

Alright thanks a lot! I will be trying 1.09b to at least take a look at how p64 works. My guess is that my characters will still probably be compatible with 1.09d if I ever wanted to try it.. right? Also very nice guide RobbyD it shall be very useful

 

[fearedbliss]

Yes, characters are compatible between 1.09 [a-d], however, the SPF only allows a forward progression. So if you make a 1.09b character and then move it to 1.09d, you aren't allowed (If you want to trade in the SPF) to take that character and bring it back to 1.09b (Even though there is no technical limitations preventing this). If you aren't going to trade, well then you can do what you will (It's your computer after all ;D).

 

[thefranklin]

I am an oddball who stayed in 1.09b. I stayed solely to run cowzon at greater than p8 levels. It is a lot of fun having a never ending difficulty scale.

 

[NoisemakerArrow]

How long did it take to get to 99, and did you use WF, Buriza or Titan's?

 

[RobbyD]

99 in 1.09 is not automatic (usually Mat/Pat at 83/84 if you do the whole game P8), but can definitely be done. I've done it with a MeteOrb Sorc, Buriza Zon, WF Zon, Hybrid LF/GA Zon, Nova Sorc, FanaZealot, WW Barb, and Frenzy Barb. Basically any char that can handle P8 cows. You can do it on Baal runs too, but you need to be able to handle MSLE Bartuc, and PI Lister. Amp and Decrep don't break PI in 1.09.

 

[NoisemakerArrow]

I got a char to 96 in 1.09 and before I could get higher 1.10 came along. It was a Buriza zon. She could handle /p8 cows. Hehe, Cleglaw's Pincers...