If you have been running around Sanctuary for a good while, you probably remember the old mindset – pile on as much armour as possible and you could shrug off nearly anything. Well, that is not going to cut it anymore. Season 11 is shaking things up in a big way. Armour now only shields you from physical damage – and nothing else. So all that hidden protection you used to get against elemental hits like poison clouds or fire bursts is gone. Endgame fights in high-tier Nightmare Dungeons often hit you with elemental attacks back-to-back, so if you keep relying on armour alone, you are gonna feel it hard. Better start thinking beyond just stacking that number, because you will need smarter gear choices. That extra awareness of what actually stops incoming pain is as important as grabbing the right Diablo 4 Items before a run.

This change puts elemental resistances straight into the spotlight. For years, they were the stat you might notice but never chase. Now they are your lifeline against non-physical punishment. Fire, Cold, Lightning, Poison, Shadow – you will want them all in balance. +All Resistance and single-element boosts will be showing up on gear more often, so it is worth checking affixes instead of just eyeing the armour value.

Think about how gear works together: you want a mix that suits your enemies. Going into a dungeon full of flame-spewing monsters? Better get your fire res high even if it means swapping out a higher-armour piece for something else.

This shift also makes every other defensive source more important than before. Gems, for instance – Skulls in jewellery still give you some solid armour, but Diamonds with +All Resistance might just be your new best friend depending on your build. Even your Paragon board deserves another look. Some resistance nodes that you probably ignored in the past could now make the difference between staying up or going down mid-pack.

You will find yourself making real trade-offs now. Picture this – a chest piece with less armour but a hefty shadow resistance boost. Is it worth it? Depends on the fight coming up. The point is, you can no longer lazily kit out your character just by maxing armour and calling it a day. You are creating a whole defensive profile: armour for physical threats, resistances for elemental burns, shocks, and toxins. When Season 11 drops, take the time to check your stats and patch up the gaps.

In the end, this is a healthy change because it forces us to engage with gearing in a way that actually feels dynamic. It is about staying alive by knowing what is hitting you, not just throwing on the biggest numbers.

First thing you should do when the new season lands is go through your resistances and make sure they are in good shape. Otherwise, the only thing you will be seeing more often than loot is the “You are dead” screen. Gear up smart, mix your defences, and you will be glad you did – especially when you are sitting on enough Diablo 4 gold buy to grab the upgrades you really need.