Diablo 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Diablo 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Diablo 4’s Next Class Is What You Expect But Isn’t Coming With A Full Expansion
Blizzard Entertainment announced that the next playable class for Diablo 4 will be the Amazon, an iconic class from Diablo 2. This new class will be sold as a separate DLC pack in the first half of next year, rather than being part of a full expansion. Diablo 4 is also confirmed to be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 with its expansions.
BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony live report - all the news and announcements as Blizzard's convention returns
BlizzCon 2026 is set to return with its opening ceremony, promising announcements for Blizzard Entertainment's major franchises. Expected reveals include a new StarCraft shooter, a "Classic Plus" version of World of Warcraft, and updates for Diablo 4 and Overwatch. The convention also takes place against the backdrop of recent industry layoffs by owner Microsoft.
Fourteen Years On, Diablo 3 Remains the Best Diablo — and Nothing Will Change My Mind
Fourteen years after its release, Diablo 3 remains the best entry in the franchise due to its accessible gameplay, fluid build system, and polished combat. While Diablo 2 is often praised for its mood and Diablo 4 for its recency, Diablo 3 offers a more enjoyable and less hardcore experience, especially with its excellent console local co-op implementation.
Ranking the 12 Greatest Blizzard Games of All Time
This article ranks the 12 greatest games developed by Blizzard Entertainment, highlighting titles like Starcraft, Diablo 2, and Overwatch for their lasting impact and innovative gameplay. It discusses Blizzard's history of creating enduring titles, many of which utilize live service models and continue to receive expansions and updates.
Diablo creator says "the worst ending of any game I've ever played" is hidden in a beloved '90s…
Diablo creator David Brevik shared his strong opinion that the 1991 PC game Eye of the Beholder features the worst game ending he has ever encountered. Despite loving the game for its graphics and immersion, Brevik cited the abrupt text box and immediate return to desktop after defeating the final boss as an insultingly unrewarding conclusion.
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.