Diablo 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Diablo 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Minecraft has been transformed into a full ARPG, with endgame maps and bosses inspired by Path of Exile 2
The Minecraft mod 'Craft to Exile 2' has received a major 2.0 update, transforming the sandbox game into a full action RPG inspired by Path of Exile and Diablo 2. The update introduces endgame maps, pinnacle bosses, a passive skill tree, new classes, and overhauled combat mechanics, offering a deep progression system and challenging content.
Shack Chat: What is your favorite piece of physical video game media?
Shacknews staff members share their favorite pieces of physical video game media, ranging from classic console re-releases and collector's editions to rare cartridges and fightsticks. The discussion highlights the sentimental value and importance of physical media for game preservation and personal memories, especially in an era of increasing digital-only releases and subscription services.
Diablo 4 Season 15 will let you grab its rarest items much earlier, and you can finally bring old characters along too
Blizzard Entertainment has detailed upcoming changes for Diablo 4 Season 15, focusing on making the rarest 'mythic' items more accessible through various crafting and upgrade systems. The update also introduces new mechanics like 'Soul Splinters,' 'challenge dungeons,' and 'overland ambushes,' alongside a 'Rebirth' feature allowing players to bring old characters into the new season.
Diablo 4 Will Finally Let You Play The Same Character Each Season
Blizzard Entertainment is introducing a new 'Rebirth' feature in Diablo 4 Season 15, allowing players to transfer existing Eternal Realm characters to the seasonal realm. While characters will reset to level one, their class, appearance, and cosmetics will be preserved, though equipped gear will be lost. The season will also include iconic items from Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, new activities, and socketable items.
Diablo 4 Season 15 Is Adding Stone Of Jordan And Other Iconic Items From Diablo’s Past
Diablo 4 Season 15 will reintroduce iconic items from the franchise's past, including the Stone of Jordan and Ring of Royal Grandeur, as permanent additions. A public test realm will be available from August 4-11, showcasing new systems and 10 returning 'Legacy Uniques' from Diablo, Diablo 2, and Diablo 3. Season 15 will also feature new overland activities, a 'Rebirth' feature for characters, and the 'Soul Splinters' power system.
The next game on GOG's preservation list would be your favourite ARPG if it hadn't released the same year as…
GOG has announced that the 2000 action RPG NOX will be inducted into its Preservation Program after winning a patron poll. This initiative ensures that NOX will be supported and kept easily playable on modern PCs. NOX won the poll against other classic titles like Lands of Lore 1 + 2 and Might and Magic 7: For Blood and Honor, with GOG committing to similar preservation efforts as seen with Thief.
A crossover between Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft has leaked
A crossover between Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft has reportedly leaked ahead of the Gen Con event. The leak suggests a setting book for D&D 5th edition based on the Warcraft universe, similar to previous Magic: The Gathering collaborations. This would not be the first time Blizzard and D&D have partnered, with past collaborations including a World of Warcraft RPG.
Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson says hardcore Diablo 2 players want "arbitrary" speed breakpoints because they can't resist ARPG optimization
Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson explains that hardcore Diablo 2 players enjoy optimizing characters around 'arbitrary' speed breakpoints in action RPGs. He argues that these specific thresholds for attack speed, cast speed, and hit recovery are a key part of the genre's appeal for dedicated players, who often create spreadsheets to maximize their builds.
In the age of AI and layoffs, playing old games in 2026 is about more than nostalgia
In 2026, the author finds solace in playing older video games as a coping mechanism against the backdrop of AI advancements and widespread layoffs in the industry. This retreat into retro titles like Pokemon Leaf Green and Diablo 2 offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, providing a temporary escape from the anxieties surrounding the current state of game development and corporate practices. Despite the industry's challenges, the author finds a glimmer of optimism in the progress made regarding representation, workplace conditions, and unionization.
2026's best RPG might look like Disco Elysium, but it was heavily inspired by Deus Ex, and its creator wants 'to do a first-person game at some point'
Developer Christoffer Bodegård discusses his journey into PC gaming, highlighting influential titles like Dragon Age: Origins and Deus Ex. His recently released CRPG, Esoteric Ebb, was inspired by tabletop RPGs and aims to replicate their unpredictability. Bodegård is exploring ideas for his next project, potentially a first-person game, and shares his current gaming habits, including extensive play of Paradox Interactive's grand strategy titles like Victoria 3 and Europa Universalis IV.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?
Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past proves that older games are just as relevant as new ones
The upcoming 2027 expansion for The Witcher 3, 'Songs of the Past,' highlights a growing trend of developers revisiting older games with new content. This phenomenon is driven by a plateau in technological advancement, making older titles still feel relevant, and a rising sentimentality within the industry, with studios paying homage to classics that inspired them.
Chris Wilson's new ARPG won't be as big as Path of Exile, making him worry fans will say "'all this…
Grinding Gear Games co-founder Chris Wilson stated that his new action-RPG, developed by his studio Light Pattern, will be significantly smaller in scope than Path of Exile. Wilson expressed concern that fans might be disappointed by the smaller scale, especially given the studio's small team size and his self-funding of the project. The game is still years away from announcement and will be developed in stealth.
Nobody needs to grind for 100 hours to see how Path of Exile 2 has redefined the action RPG loot hunt
Path of Exile 2 is redefining the action RPG loot hunt with an ambitious design that blends Diablo 2's worldbuilding and Elden Ring's challenging combat. Despite being in early access, the game offers a compelling campaign and an endgame loot grind that feels less like a chore. Developer Grinding Gear Games has improved pacing and item acquisition, making the experience more accessible for both new and returning players.
Warlock ‘n’ load: First impressions of Diablo Immortal’s 5.0, Lut Gholein, and the new Warlock
This preview covers Diablo Immortal's 5.0 update, introducing the new Warlock class and the Lut Gholein combat zone. While the Warlock is considered the least favorite iteration compared to Diablo II and Diablo IV, the update offers a welcome addition of content for the mobile Action RPG. The Lut Gholein zone faithfully recreates the Diablo II location and provides good loot, making it a potential grind spot for players.
Diablo 2's biggest fan, Grim Dawn, gets its final and "largest expansion ever" in July, adding a new region that's almost as big as the base RPG
Crate Entertainment announced that Grim Dawn's final and largest expansion, Fangs of Asterkarn, will be released on July 23. The expansion adds a new region that expands the game world by over 30%, new roguelike dungeons, and a Berserker mastery. A free v1.3 update will also accompany the expansion, bringing quality-of-life improvements.
Diablo creators worried "RPGs were so overwrought with statistics that the genre had shrunk to a tiny audience," so they wanted it to be like "how we'd played Dungeons & Dragons as kids"
Max Schaefer, co-founder of Condor (later Blizzard North), discussed the early design philosophy of Diablo, aiming to simplify RPGs by focusing on core mechanics like hitting monsters and gaining loot, inspired by childhood Dungeons & Dragons experiences. This approach was intended to counter the overly complex statistics and penalties found in many contemporary RPGs, making the genre more accessible and rewarding for players.
Engagement Ring
In a single month, nearly 2 million warlocks were created by Diablo 2 players on PC. This surge in character creation highlights significant player engagement with the game's class options.
Diablo 2 players made nearly 2 million warlocks in a single month
Blizzard Entertainment's 26-year-old game Diablo 2 saw a surge in popularity following the addition of the warlock class in its first expansion in 25 years. Between February 11 and March 11, players created nearly 2 million warlocks and collectively played the expansion for over 93 million hours. Lead producer Matthew Cederquist noted the rapid player engagement with new builds and guides.
Diablo 4 Cow Level Seemingly Found, but There Could Be More
Players have reportedly discovered and completed Diablo 4's secret cow level, which requires the new Lord of Hatred expansion. The Cow King boss within the level drops an item called 'Prime Rib,' leading to speculation about further secrets. Diablo 4 and its Lord of Hatred expansion are available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
