Tempering Archives

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows 11 growth slows as millions stick with Windows 10

By November 2025, Windows 11 held 53.7 percent of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 had 42.7 percent. Statcounter's data is based on a sample of around 1.5 million websites. Many consumers have devices incompatible with upgrades or prefer not to change functioning systems. In the EU, consumers benefit from free Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU). Businesses face slow change management processes due to poor planning and resource challenges. Organizations use ESUs to maintain security during transitions, but costs can be burdensome for unprepared businesses. Consumers often retain older Windows 10 machines for secondary tasks, affecting usage statistics. Organizations strategically leverage ESUs for mission-critical systems and budget constraints. The cost of ESUs is often less than the potential disruptions from migration. Windows 11 lacks compelling features to prompt enterprises to upgrade, and adoption is slower than previous operating systems, lagging by 10-12 points according to Dell's COO.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Diablo 4’s new enemy rework is what will win me back, not Blizzard’s latest loot overhaul

Blizzard has announced Diablo 4 Season 11, featuring patch 2.5.0 for testing on the Public Test Realm (PTR). This update includes significant changes to itemization, referred to as 'Loot 3.0,' and an overhaul of monster combat. Key updates include non-unique items gaining four base affixes, a more predictable tempering process, and a quality system for masterworking that allows for re-rolling affix upgrades. Players can 'sanctify' items at peak potential for powerful boosts. Season 11 will introduce new challenges, including the Lesser Evils and Azmodan as a new world boss. The Tower, a multi-stage timed dungeon, will be added for elite players, with leaderboards for competitive play. Monster encounters will see a significant overhaul, with clearer roles and dynamic behaviors for enemies. Elite encounters will be less frequent but more challenging, with new modifiers introduced. Defensive mechanics are being reworked to enhance survivability, and changes to armor and damage reduction will provide greater control over defensive scaling. The patch 2.5.0 PTR will be available from October 21 to October 28.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Avowed is a jack-of-all-trades action RPG with a rare attention for the little details

Obsidian Entertainment is developing the fantasy RPG Avowed, which is not an expansive open-world game like Skyrim. The game features firearms, diverging from traditional fantasy tropes. Director Carrie Patel highlights the series' blend of political intrigue with philosophical and metaphysical elements. The game aims for a scope similar to The Outer Worlds while focusing on expansive role-playing and action-heavy combat. Players can purchase firearms and use a classless system to combine melee and magic, which is uncommon in RPGs. Combat includes a responsive dodge mechanic and a stun meter for special attacks, with a balance between agility and weight. The game encourages exploration with climbable surfaces and hidden rewards, and player agency is emphasized. Avowed includes tutorials and customizable user interface controls. While the gameplay is engaging, some elements feel artificial, and the writing may not resonate as deeply as other titles.

AppWizard

June 26, 2024

Diablo 4 Season 4 dragged me back despite the rampant overgrowth of currencies to keep track of

Diablo 4 introduces multiple currencies with names like Aberrant Cinders, Baneful Hearts, and Exquisite Blood. Season 4 of the game, titled Loot Reborn, focuses on giving players more rewards and speeding up leveling. The update also includes changes such as adding manuals with affixes, new crafting materials, pets, and a questline involving Andariel as a summonable boss. The game features intense events called Helltides, which were previously only available in World Tier 3 but are now accessible in every World Tier.

Winsage

May 11, 2024

How to level up FAST in Diablo 4

Diablo 4 Season 4 Loot Reborn will begin on May 14 at 1 p.m. EDT, 10 a.m. PDT, and 6 p.m. BST, with Patch 1.4.0 introducing extensive balance and itemization overhauls.

Winsage

May 10, 2024

Diablo 4: Everything you need to know about Masterworking

- Diablo 4 introduces two new endgame crafting systems: Tempering and Masterworking. - Masterworking enhances existing affixes of an item across 12 upgrade ranks. - Players can reset an item if they are not satisfied with the outcome of Masterworking. - Masterworking is only available for items of Ancestral rarity that have two Tempered affixes. - The Blacksmith in any town holds the key to unlocking the Masterworking ability. - Specific materials are required for Masterworking, with different tiers associated with different materials. - Tempering adds new affixes to gear, while Masterworking focuses on escalating the value of affixes, including those from Tempering.