Hotfix

A hotfix is a change made to the game deemed critical enough that it cannot be held off until a regular content patch. Hotfixes require only a server-side change with no download and can be implemented with no downtime or with a short restart of the realms. Because there is no download component to a hotfix, there are no downloadable patch notes. Instead, Blizzard announces hotfix information through the forums, the in-game message of the day, and in the Server Alert window on the login screen.