General Information
You remember the original Diablo II. The hours spent exploring dungeons, slaying demons, and hunting for loot. The thrill of unlocking new skills and leveling up your character. It's been over 20 years, but Diablo II still holds a special place in the hearts of ARPG fans. Now Blizzard has released Diablo II: Resurrected, a full remaster of the classic action RPG. The question is, does it hold up after all this time? In short, yes. Resurrected is a faithful recreation of Diablo II that scratches the nostalgic itch while updating the visuals for modern hardware. The core gameplay still shines through as you hack, slash and blast your way through Sanctuary on a quest to stop the Lord of Terror. Some parts feel dated, but the addictive loop of fighting and looting remains intact. Diablo II: Resurrected is a trip down memory lane, rekindling the joy of playing one of the all-time great ARPGs with a fresh coat of paint. The Prime Evils have returned, and it's time to gear up your Necromancer, Barbarian or Sorceress for some demon-slaying action.
Released in 2000, the original Diablo II captivated gamers with its gothic settings, loot-driven gameplay, and hack-and-slash combat. In Resurrected, you can choose from 7 character classes - like the lightning-wielding Sorceress or shape-shifting Druid - to hack and blast your way through demons and undead.
The core game remains the same, but the visuals have been overhauled. Sanctuary and its dungeons look stunning with dynamic lighting, shadow effects, and other modern touches. The hand-painted 2D sprites are replaced with 3D character models that move fluidly and naturally. Cinematic scenes and in-game cutscenes have also been remade to boost immersion.
While the enhanced graphics are appealing, Diablo II: Resurrected is still all about the thrill of the hunt for new gear and greater power. Killing enemies - either alone or with friends online - rewards you with gold and randomly generated weapons, armor, and accessories to strengthen your hero. The variety of loot - and the possibility of discovering a rare, powerful item - keeps you coming back for more.
For both new adventurers and nostalgic veterans, Diablo II: Resurrected succeeds in rekindling the demon-slaying passion of the original while giving it a fresh coat of paint. The trip down memory lane in 4K is one hack-and-slash fans shouldn't miss.
In Diablo II: Resurrected, you'll need to pick from one of 7 character classes to battle the forces of evil. Each class has unique skills and abilities, so choose wisely!
The Amazon is an expert with spears and bows. She's fast and deadly, perfect if you like ranged combat.
The Barbarian is a brute who wields massive weapons like axes and swords. He dishes out major damage in close quarters.
The Necromancer uses magic to raise the dead and inflict curses. If you prefer spellcasting over weapons, he's your guy.
The Paladin is a holy warrior who uses auras and combat skills to vanquish undead and demons. He provides a balance of melee and magic.
The Sorceress controls the elements to destroy her foes from a distance. She's ideal if you want to devastate enemies with fireballs and lightning.
The Assassin employs stealth, traps and martial arts. She's swift, nimble, and lethal, perfect for hit-and-run tactics.
Finally, the Druid harnesses nature-based magic and beastly shapeshifting abilities. He offers a versatile playstyle for the environmentally-minded.
With 7 unique heroes to pick from, Diablo II: Resurrected has a character class for every playstyle. Whether you prefer might, magic, faith or stealth, there's a hero waiting to be unleashed upon the denizens of Hell. The choice is yours, champion - now get out there and show those demons what you're made of!
One of the most exciting parts of Diablo II is hunting for rare and powerful items to equip your character. The loot in this game is truly legendary, with some unique items becoming iconic. As you slay demons and monsters, they'll drop various weapons, armor, and other gear for you to use or sell.
The thrill of not knowing what unique loot might drop from each enemy you defeat keeps you pushing forward into more dangerous areas. While most items you find will be basic, when a set or unique item appears it's a rush. Building up your character by equipping only the most powerful gear is highly satisfying. The Diablo series is all about the loot, and Diablo II delivers some of the best items in the franchise's history. Keep those magic find stats high and happy hunting!
Diablo II: Resurrected gives you the flexibility to develop a character build tailored to your preferred playstyle. With practice, you'll be vanquishing the forces of evil in no time! Let me know if you have any other questions about skills, abilities or gearing up in Diablo II: Resurrected.
Once you've geared up your character and battled through the dungeons of Diablo II, it's time to test your mettle against other players in the Arena. This PVP mode lets you duel with friends or battle random opponents for glory and gold.
Some other tips for success:
One of the best parts of Diablo II: Resurrected is the ability to play couch co-op with friends. There's nothing quite like battling the forces of Hell side by side in the same room.
Couch co-op is a rare feature these days, so take advantage of it in Diablo II: Resurrected. Call over some friends, order a pizza and prepare for an epic evening of demon-slaying adventure together in the same room. The chaos and laughs that ensue will create lasting memories of teamwork and triumph over the darkness.
The visuals and sound in Diablo II: Resurrected are a dark fantasy brought to life. ###Graphics
Diablo II was a 2D isometric game, but Resurrected has been rebuilt from the ground up in 3D. The graphics are stunning while still retaining the gothic feel of the original. You'll explore dimly-lit caverns, misty jungles, and crumbling cathedrals, all oozing with atmosphere.
The cinematics have also been remade and look incredibly cinematic. You'll see your character up close, watching their reactions and expressions as the story unfolds. The 3D models and textures breathe new life into enemies and NPCs alike. Lumbering demons like the Butcher look positively menacing with their hulking frames and glowing eyes.
Combat sounds are impactful, from the twang of a ranger's bow to the meaty thwack of a barbarian's ax finding its mark. Enemies shriek, growl, and roar with aggression as they descend upon you, keeping you on edge during fights.
Diablo II: Resurrected is a feast for the senses, using modern technology to plunge you into a dark world of gothic fantasy. Every visual and audio detail works in concert to craft an atmospheric journey into the bowels of Hell, where untold dangers and rewards await the hero. The game looks, sounds, and feels like the stuff of legends.
Characters of the original 5 classes can only access content from the original Diablo II. Expansion characters (Assassin and Druid) can access all content from both the original game and the expansion. They also have access to some additional skills and items specific to the expansion.
If you're unsure whether you'll play the expansion, it may be best to start with one of the original 5 classes. You can always create an Expansion character later if you upgrade to the expansion.
Don't rush into higher difficulties before your character is adequately prepared. If enemies start to feel too easy, move up to the next difficulty. But if you're dying frequently, go back to lower areas to level up and improve your gear before progressing. Take your time exploring each difficulty - the journey is half the fun!
Whether you're a grizzled veteran looking to relive nostalgic memories or a new player ready to dive into Sanctuary for the first time, Diablo II: Resurrected has something to offer. The timeless hack-and-slash gameplay still holds up and will keep you clicking for hours on end. Grab your Horadric Cube and get questing - evil awaits, and the Lord of Terror must be vanquished once more. The Prime Evils may be eternal, but so too is the thrill of the hunt. Stay awhile, and listen...there are demons to slay.
Diablo II: Resurrected - A Legend Reborn
Diablo II: Resurrected takes you back to the dark fantasy world of Sanctuary. This remastered version of the iconic action RPG lets you relive the epic quest to defeat Diablo, Lord of Terror, in updated 4K graphics.Released in 2000, the original Diablo II captivated gamers with its gothic settings, loot-driven gameplay, and hack-and-slash combat. In Resurrected, you can choose from 7 character classes - like the lightning-wielding Sorceress or shape-shifting Druid - to hack and blast your way through demons and undead.
The core game remains the same, but the visuals have been overhauled. Sanctuary and its dungeons look stunning with dynamic lighting, shadow effects, and other modern touches. The hand-painted 2D sprites are replaced with 3D character models that move fluidly and naturally. Cinematic scenes and in-game cutscenes have also been remade to boost immersion.
While the enhanced graphics are appealing, Diablo II: Resurrected is still all about the thrill of the hunt for new gear and greater power. Killing enemies - either alone or with friends online - rewards you with gold and randomly generated weapons, armor, and accessories to strengthen your hero. The variety of loot - and the possibility of discovering a rare, powerful item - keeps you coming back for more.
For both new adventurers and nostalgic veterans, Diablo II: Resurrected succeeds in rekindling the demon-slaying passion of the original while giving it a fresh coat of paint. The trip down memory lane in 4K is one hack-and-slash fans shouldn't miss.
Choose Your Hero: The 7 Character Classes
In Diablo II: Resurrected, you'll need to pick from one of 7 character classes to battle the forces of evil. Each class has unique skills and abilities, so choose wisely!
The Amazon is an expert with spears and bows. She's fast and deadly, perfect if you like ranged combat.
The Barbarian is a brute who wields massive weapons like axes and swords. He dishes out major damage in close quarters.
The Necromancer uses magic to raise the dead and inflict curses. If you prefer spellcasting over weapons, he's your guy.
The Paladin is a holy warrior who uses auras and combat skills to vanquish undead and demons. He provides a balance of melee and magic.
The Sorceress controls the elements to destroy her foes from a distance. She's ideal if you want to devastate enemies with fireballs and lightning.
The Assassin employs stealth, traps and martial arts. She's swift, nimble, and lethal, perfect for hit-and-run tactics.
Finally, the Druid harnesses nature-based magic and beastly shapeshifting abilities. He offers a versatile playstyle for the environmentally-minded.
With 7 unique heroes to pick from, Diablo II: Resurrected has a character class for every playstyle. Whether you prefer might, magic, faith or stealth, there's a hero waiting to be unleashed upon the denizens of Hell. The choice is yours, champion - now get out there and show those demons what you're made of!
Journey Through Sanctuary: The 5 Acts
Act I: The Rogue Encampment
Once you've created your character, the adventure begins in the Rogue Encampment, a refuge for outcasts in the shadow of Mount Arreat. Talk to Warriv to travel between acts. The first quests involve wiping out the Corrupt Rogue and defeating Blood Raven.Act II: The Lut Gholein Desert
Journey to the desert city of Lut Gholein. Explore the sewers, catacombs and tombs beneath the city to find the Horadric Cube and defeat Radament. Head into the desert canyon and jungle to battle Duriel, then face the Summoner to gain access to the Arcane Sanctuary.Act III: Kurast Docks
Travel through the Great Marsh and Spider Forest to find Kurast Docks, once a bustling port now in ruins and overrun by monsters. Battle the Council in Travincal and Mephisto in the Durance of Hate. With Mephisto defeated, move on to Act IV.Act IV: The Burning Hells
Take the portal into Hell itself. Fight through River of Flame and Chaos Sanctuary, then defeat Diablo in his lair. Your final quest is to destroy the Compelling Orb, which holds the portal to Hell open.Act V: Mount Arreat
Return to Mount Arreat to find it under siege by Baal's minions. Climb the snowy mountain, navigating icy caverns and defeating dangerous creatures. At Worldstone Keep, face Baal, the final Prime Evil, to complete your epic quest. With the defeat of the last of the Prime Evils, you have saved Sanctuary...for now.- Proceed through 5 acts, facing greater challenges in each
- Complete quests to advance the story and gain access to new areas
- Fight bosses like Andariel, Duriel, Mephisto, Diablo and Baal
- Explore forests, deserts, jungles, tombs, sewers, caverns & hell itself
- Find loot and level up your character to face increasingly difficult enemies
Items and Equipment: Looting for Legendary Gear
One of the most exciting parts of Diablo II is hunting for rare and powerful items to equip your character. The loot in this game is truly legendary, with some unique items becoming iconic. As you slay demons and monsters, they'll drop various weapons, armor, and other gear for you to use or sell.
Weapons
You'll find swords, axes, bows, staves, and more to dispatch your foes. Rare items like the Phase Blade or Colossus Sword do high damage, while legendary weapons like Windforce or Grandfather are highly sought after for their unique stats and appearance. Keep an eye out for socketed weapons you can fill with magical gems and runes to enhance their power.Armor
Armor comes in various types like plate mail, shrouds, and pelts that provide defense and sometimes skill bonuses. Exceptional and elite armors offer enhanced protection and stats. Legendary pieces like Skullder's Ire, Ormus' Robes or M'avina's Battle Hymn are rare but provide huge defensive and offensive boosts for the lucky player who finds them.Charms and Jewels
Charms are portable items that provide skill bonuses, resistances, and other stats. Grand charms offer the highest bonuses. Jewels can be inserted into socketed gear to increase damage, stats, and resistances. Higher level jewels like rubies, diamonds and emeralds provide the biggest boosts.The thrill of not knowing what unique loot might drop from each enemy you defeat keeps you pushing forward into more dangerous areas. While most items you find will be basic, when a set or unique item appears it's a rush. Building up your character by equipping only the most powerful gear is highly satisfying. The Diablo series is all about the loot, and Diablo II delivers some of the best items in the franchise's history. Keep those magic find stats high and happy hunting!
Skills and Abilities: Build Your Perfect Character
Choose Your Class
In Diablo II: Resurrected, you'll start by selecting one of seven character classes: Amazon, Barbarian, Necromancer, Paladin, Sorceress, Druid or Assassin. Each class has unique skills, abilities and fighting styles to master. Want to hack and slash through demons? Go Barbarian. Prefer to blast enemies from afar with magic? Pick Sorceress. Can't decide? Check out the hybrid Druid class which shapeshifts and casts spells.Develop Your Build
As you level up, you'll gain skill points to distribute among your class's skill trees. This allows you to customize your character build around different playstyles. For example, you might focus the Sorceress on fire spells vs ice spells, or build an Assassin adept at setting traps vs martial arts. Carefully choose which skills to improve, as you can't reassign points later on.- Combat skills directly improve your attacks, spells and abilities in battle. Prioritize these.
- Passive skills provide bonuses like faster cast/attack rates or extra health. They support your combat skills.
- Synergies are skills that boost each other when points are added to both. Look for these to maximize your power.
Gear Up
The loot you find throughout Sanctuary will determine your character's power. Equip armor, weapons and jewelry that boost skills and abilities you're focusing on. For example, if building a 'Summoning' Necromancer, look for gear that enhances minion health, damage or gives you the ability to summon more minions. Swap out gear whenever you find better, stronger equipment.Diablo II: Resurrected gives you the flexibility to develop a character build tailored to your preferred playstyle. With practice, you'll be vanquishing the forces of evil in no time! Let me know if you have any other questions about skills, abilities or gearing up in Diablo II: Resurrected.
PVP in the Arena: Test Your Mettle Against Other Players
Once you've geared up your character and battled through the dungeons of Diablo II, it's time to test your mettle against other players in the Arena. This PVP mode lets you duel with friends or battle random opponents for glory and gold.
Finding a Match
Head to the Act 1 town square in Battle.net and look for the Arena entrance. Queue up for a match and you'll be automatically matched with another player or party looking for a fight. Matches are 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, or free-for-all with up to 8 players. You can set level caps to find opponents with characters at or below a certain level.Preparing for Battle
While waiting to join a game, use the time to buff your character and stock up on potions. Cast Oak Sage or Battle Orders to boost your stats. Drink thawing and antidote potions to protect from cold and poison damage. Equip gear with high resistances and +skills for your class. A high-damage weapon will serve you well, like an ax for a Barbarian or spear for an Amazon.Tactics and Strategy
Once in the Arena, the fighting begins immediately. Use the layout to your advantage, hiding behind walls or pillars to avoid ranged attacks. Circle around opponents to dodge their blows while landing your own. Lead enemies into tight corridors where their numbers won't matter.Some other tips for success:
- Focus fire with your teammate(s) to quickly defeat enemies one at a time.
- Use hit and run attacks, especially for ranged characters. Shoot arrows or fireballs then retreat to a safe distance.
- Set traps like Blizzard or Frozen Orb to control the movement of enemies.
- Keep healing potions on your belt for quick access. Drink them frequently as you take damage.
- Don't be afraid to flee the fight if outmatched. You can always find a new opponent!
Couch Co-Op: Share the Adventure With Friends
One of the best parts of Diablo II: Resurrected is the ability to play couch co-op with friends. There's nothing quite like battling the forces of Hell side by side in the same room.
Local Multiplayer
Diablo II: Resurrected supports up to 4 players for couch co-op on console. Simply connect additional controllers and have your friends press Start to join the game. On PC, up to 8 players can join on the same screen using gamepads or the keyboard and mouse.- Play together from the start. Create new characters and complete the full campaign together in one sitting.
- Try different class combinations. A Barbarian, Sorceress, Necromancer and Paladin team has a nice balance of melee, magic and support skills.
- Share loot drops. Decide together what gear is best for each character and trade items on the spot.
- Revive and heal each other. Work as a team to overcome dangerous enemies and bosses.
- Experience the nostalgia. For veteran players, couch co-op is a throwback to the original multiplayer experience. Share memories of past battles and epic loot finds!
Adjust the Difficulty
With more players, the game becomes easier as you can attack from multiple angles and divide enemy aggro. You may want to bump up the difficulty to Normal or Nightmare to keep things challenging. On the flip side, if you have newer players in the group, stick to Normal or Easy until everyone gets the hang of it. The most important thing is that you're enjoying quality time together, not competing to see who does the most damage!Couch co-op is a rare feature these days, so take advantage of it in Diablo II: Resurrected. Call over some friends, order a pizza and prepare for an epic evening of demon-slaying adventure together in the same room. The chaos and laughs that ensue will create lasting memories of teamwork and triumph over the darkness.
Visuals and Sound: A Dark Fantasy Come to Life
The visuals and sound in Diablo II: Resurrected are a dark fantasy brought to life. ###Graphics
Diablo II was a 2D isometric game, but Resurrected has been rebuilt from the ground up in 3D. The graphics are stunning while still retaining the gothic feel of the original. You'll explore dimly-lit caverns, misty jungles, and crumbling cathedrals, all oozing with atmosphere.
The cinematics have also been remade and look incredibly cinematic. You'll see your character up close, watching their reactions and expressions as the story unfolds. The 3D models and textures breathe new life into enemies and NPCs alike. Lumbering demons like the Butcher look positively menacing with their hulking frames and glowing eyes.
Sound design
The soundtrack has been re-recorded with a live orchestra, creating music that swells at just the right moments to build tension and excitement. Environmental sounds like crackling torches, howling wind, and dripping water create an immersive ambiance.Combat sounds are impactful, from the twang of a ranger's bow to the meaty thwack of a barbarian's ax finding its mark. Enemies shriek, growl, and roar with aggression as they descend upon you, keeping you on edge during fights.
Accessibility
Options like colorblind modes, subtitle sizes, and UI scaling allow people with a variety of needs to enjoy the game. The vivid graphics and spatialized 3D audio, combined with these accessibility features, make for an engrossing experience regardless of ability.Diablo II: Resurrected is a feast for the senses, using modern technology to plunge you into a dark world of gothic fantasy. Every visual and audio detail works in concert to craft an atmospheric journey into the bowels of Hell, where untold dangers and rewards await the hero. The game looks, sounds, and feels like the stuff of legends.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Diablo II: Resurrected
What class should I play?
With 7 classes to choose from, picking the right one for your playstyle can be tough. Think about how you like to play:- Do you prefer fighting up close and personal as a melee character? Consider the Barbarian, Paladin or Assassin.
- Do you like casting spells and staying at a distance? Then the Sorceress, Necromancer or Druid may be for you.
- Want a balance of melee and magic? The Amazon incorporates both bow skills and spear skills.
What's the difference between Expansion Characters and Non-Expansion Characters?
The original Diablo II game released in 2000 included the Amazon, Barbarian, Sorceress, Paladin and Necromancer classes. The Lord of Destruction expansion pack released in 2001 added the Assassin and Druid classes.Characters of the original 5 classes can only access content from the original Diablo II. Expansion characters (Assassin and Druid) can access all content from both the original game and the expansion. They also have access to some additional skills and items specific to the expansion.
If you're unsure whether you'll play the expansion, it may be best to start with one of the original 5 classes. You can always create an Expansion character later if you upgrade to the expansion.
What difficulty should I play on?
Diablo II: Resurrected offers 4 difficulty levels: Normal, Nightmare, Hell and Inferno. Start on Normal for your first playthrough. This allows you to complete quests, gain levels and acquire basic gear. Nightmare and Hell increase the challenge by making enemies stronger and more resistant to damage. Inferno is an endless end-game difficulty with random enemy attributes and extra tough bosses.Don't rush into higher difficulties before your character is adequately prepared. If enemies start to feel too easy, move up to the next difficulty. But if you're dying frequently, go back to lower areas to level up and improve your gear before progressing. Take your time exploring each difficulty - the journey is half the fun!
Verdict
Diablo II: Resurrected is a faithful remaster of a legendary action RPG classic. While the core experience remains largely unchanged, the visual upgrades are stunning and transport you back to the early 2000s in high definition. The buttery smooth framerates and reimagined cutscenes are a treat for the eyes.Whether you're a grizzled veteran looking to relive nostalgic memories or a new player ready to dive into Sanctuary for the first time, Diablo II: Resurrected has something to offer. The timeless hack-and-slash gameplay still holds up and will keep you clicking for hours on end. Grab your Horadric Cube and get questing - evil awaits, and the Lord of Terror must be vanquished once more. The Prime Evils may be eternal, but so too is the thrill of the hunt. Stay awhile, and listen...there are demons to slay.
