Convert LoD Characters to Reign of the Warlock Before Nov 16
From Nov 16, Expansion (LoD) Online characters can no longer be converted to Reign of the Warlock. Offline characters still can. Here is who the cutoff hits, what Blizzard has not said, and how to decide which characters to convert first.
Starting Nov 16, Expansion (LoD) Online characters, ladder and non-ladder, can no longer be converted to Reign of the Warlock. Offline characters can still convert, and Classic to Expansion (LoD) conversion keeps working. If an Online LoD character belongs in RotW, convert it before Nov 16.
That is all Blizzard's Season 16 announcement gives us: a date and a list of who is affected. It names no hour on Nov 16 and no reason for the cutoff, so this post sticks to what is stated and flags every opinion as ours.
Who Can Still Convert After Nov 16
| Character type | After Nov 16 |
|---|
| Expansion (LoD) Online, Ladder | Cannot be converted to Reign of the Warlock |
| Expansion (LoD) Online, Non-Ladder | Cannot be converted to Reign of the Warlock |
| Offline characters | Can still be converted |
| Classic characters, to Expansion (LoD) | Conversion still works |
Two details are easy to miss. First, the cutoff names both Ladder and Non-Ladder Online LoD characters, so an Expansion (LoD) ladder character that moves to the non-ladder group on Nov 9 is still covered. Second, the Classic to Expansion (LoD) step staying open is a different thing from the RotW step, and Blizzard does not say what happens if you take the first step after Nov 16 and then want the second. If you want a Classic character in RotW, the cautious plan is to complete both steps before the cutoff.
If you only play Offline, or you play Classic and have no interest in RotW, this notice does not change anything for you.
Which Characters Are Worth Converting
Reign of the Warlock is the ruleset our community ladder uses, and it is also where Blizzard applies its recent item changes. The Season 15 changes are RotW only, and so are the Patch 3.4 changes. Classic and Lord of Destruction keep the old stats. So conversion is a question about which characters should use the new item rules.
The gain also depends on where the character plays. Online Ladder has the Season 15 changes and gets the Patch 3.4 ones, and Offline gets the Patch 3.4 ones. Online Non-Ladder gets the Season 15 changes from Season 16 on, and not the Patch 3.4 ones. On item changes alone, a character that lives on Non-Ladder gets less out of converting than one that plays ladder. If the pools are fuzzy for you, the ladder vs non-ladder basics cover them.
Here is how we would sort a roster:
- Convert first: the characters you will actually play this season. If you are going to wear Season 15 gear like Bloodletter or Blinkbat's Form, the character needs to be on RotW to see the new stats.
- Convert next: a character you play now and then on Non-Ladder, where you still pick up the Season 15 item changes.
- Think twice: old mules and characters you have not logged into in months. Their value is in what they hold, and a mule does not fight. We would not spend a decision on them yet.
- No rush: Offline characters, because Blizzard says they can still convert after Nov 16.
Ask three questions per character: will I play it this season, is it an Online LoD character, and do I want the RotW item stats on it? Three yeses means convert it before the cutoff.
What Blizzard Has Not Said
The notice leaves several gaps. Plan around them instead of filling them in with forum rumors.
- No hour on Nov 16. We do not know when on that day the cutoff lands, or in which time zone. Treat Sunday, Nov 15 as your real deadline.
- No reason. We have not seen an explanation for why Online LoD conversion closes, and we will not invent one.
- No detail beyond who is affected. Read the in-game prompts carefully before you confirm any conversion.
Convert LoD Character to Reign of the Warlock: A Timeline
- Fri, Nov 6 (today): list every character you care about and sort the list with the three questions above.
- Mon, Nov 9, 11 AM PST: Season 15 ends and Patch 3.4 starts rolling out. Sort your Past stash tabs first, because items from Season 14 are lost at that moment.
- Fri, Nov 13, 5 PM PST: Season 16 opens. You will want your launch weekend for the season, so finish conversions before it.
- Sun, Nov 15: the last day you can be sure of.
- Mon, Nov 16: Online LoD conversion is no longer available, at an hour Blizzard has not given.
Ladder and non-ladder characters also live in separate pools, so our explainer on switching between ladder and non-ladder is worth a skim before you decide.
FAQ
Can I still convert Offline characters after Nov 16?
Yes. Blizzard says Offline characters can still be converted, and the cutoff only covers Expansion (LoD) Online characters. If you play Offline only, there is no deadline to chase.
What is the last day to convert an LoD character to Reign of the Warlock?
Blizzard's date is Nov 16 with no hour given, so Sunday, Nov 15 is the last day you can be certain of. Do not plan to convert in the final hours.
Does the Nov 16 cutoff affect Classic characters?
Classic to Expansion (LoD) conversion still works. The cutoff applies to Online LoD characters going to RotW, so the safe approach for a Classic character headed to RotW is to complete both steps before Nov 16.
Get Your Season 16 Plans Settled
Conversion is one decision, and picking your group is the other. Create an account for our community ladder, check the LFG board for people to run with tonight, or ask in the D2 Hustlers Discord.