<noinclude>'''Patches''' are released by Blizzard to fix bugs and remedy issues with game balance and gameplay issues.

'''Hotfixes''' are also applied to Diablo 3. Hotfixes are updates Blizzard make on their end without requiring you to download a new patch. Some hotfixes go live the moment they are implemented, while others may require your realm to be restarted to go into effect.</noinclude>