If you’ve been religiously following Diablo 3 beta, news and update then you might be aware that Blizzard has announced that a new patch is coming on Feb 18, 2011.

Here’s a summary of some of the major game play changes introduced with Diablo 3 beta patch 13. To begin with, I’ll highlight the most important ones first.

Diablo 3 Beta Patch 13 – Skills System Change

This is the first most significant change. The skills system is more tightly integrated with the slots you assign them to. Instead of picking 6 skills and assigning them wherever you wanted to, now skills are rather fixed for skill slots and selection.

For example, you will be only allowed to pick certain skills to fit in your Primary slot (left click) and same goes for Secondary slot (right click). This is even applicable to your skill slots for Keys 1-4.

While I think this makes it more easier for new players to learn the skill system, I some how feel that it takes away the degree of flexibility in customization we’d have otherwise. But not to worry as Blizzard has us covered on that part. Go to settings and set the options to Elective mode to assign skills freely as you did before.

No major changes in skills themselves but the UI and the way players would pick these skills and slot them.

Diablo 3 Beta Patch 13 – Rune System Change, Now called Skill Runes

Another major change is the Rune System Change. To begin with, they’re no longer called Rune System and instead called Skill Runes as they’re no longer physical items. They are now directly tied to the skill system. This was sooner or later expected as you could literally have to manage thousands of Runes to be able to try out all the possible skill-rune combinations – a sure shot formula for disaster.

As you can see now Runes will be tied to the skill itself and unlocked over time as you level up. This makes it more easier for players to test out these rune effects as they progress through the game play. I’m personally very excited about this new skill system as a whole.

Diablo 3 Beta Patch 13 – Other notable changes

• For dual wielding certain skills will be only applicable to primary weapon or main hand weapon. Cyclone Strike, for example.
• Players will be restricted to only 10 Active auctions per auction house.
• Skill unlock levels are updated
• A lot of Wizard and Witch Doctor skills are now nerfed

You can read the complete details that are already posted on the official Beta patch 13 forum posting.

You can read the entire blog entry on the new Skill System by Diablo 3 Game Directory Jay Wilson and what inspired these changes. Blizzard is taking long to announce the release of Diablo 3 but if they’re working on such changes – then sure I’d be happy to play it when the entire game system is at its best!

Have you gotten a chance to play the Beta yet? What do you think about these changes? Drop in a line in comments box and tell us your thoughts!