First released on the PC in 2000, Diablo II is one of the older games in Blizzard Entertainment’s catalogue which still has a loyal fanbase to this day. During Blizzcon 2021 earlier today, the studio announced that a ‘Resurrected’ version will be released this year for both fans and newcomers alike to enjoy on the PC and Consoles. In development for the Windows PC, Nintendo Switch and both active generations of Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Here’s hoping that this serves as a better “remaster” than the ill-fated Warcraft III remake last year.
Under the title Diablo II Resurrected, the development team are transitioning the 2D sprite-based original game into a fully 3D world with physically-based rendering, dynamic lighting, revamped animations and spell effects. These will all be available in 4K resolution, unimaginable in 2000, including the game’s 27 minutes of cinematics which are being remade shot-for-shot. Of course, those who enjoy the game’s original graphical style can still opt to play with it.
Diablo II: Resurrected features seven customisable character classes for players to choose from— the Amazon, Barbarian, Necromancer, Paladin, and Sorceress from the core game, as well as the Assassin and Druid from the included Lord of Destruction expansion. Players will be able to make each character their own by selecting skills and talent builds, crafting and socketing items, collecting complete gear sets, acquiring unique arms and armour, assembling Rune Word combinations, and much more.
Diablo II: Resurrected is an all-inclusive package containing a lifetime of adventures. It will take players to the deadly world of Sanctuary, where they will face Diablo, the Lord of Terror, and the forces of Hell through all four thrilling Acts of the original Diablo II campaign. They’ll meet beloved mentor and scholar Deckard Cain, fight alongside the Archangel Tyrael, and encounter other pantheonic characters who have
become an indelible part of gaming history. This edition also includes all of the content from the Lord of Destruction expansion, with the journey continuing into Act V, where players will brave the dangers of Mount Arreat before facing Baal, the eponymous Lord of Destruction.
An alpha technical-oriented test for Diablo II Resurrected is planned for a later date on the PC, with interested parties able to express their interest in the near future.
Promoted Features of Diablo II: Resurrected
- This is an all-encompassing Diablo II experience featuring remastered versions of Diablo II, the Lord of Destruction expansion, and countless hours of demon-slaying adventure.
- Explore the Sanctuary of players’ nightmares, now in stunning 4K resolution.
- Original 2D sprite-based models are reborn with full 3D physically-based rendering. Upgraded visuals also include new animations, dynamic lighting, new textures, and updated visual effects.
- Remastered graphics can be toggled back-and-forth for a nostalgic “original” experience with the press of a button.
- All 27 minutes of cinematics have been remade, shot-for-shot, from the ground up.
- Audio remastered in Dolby Surround 7.1 sound.
- Choose your own adventure(r) — Seven of Sanctuary’s greatest champions await at the iconic campfire screen—the Amazon, Assassin, Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Paladin, and Sorceress. Each is highly customisable with countless build and gear options for players to explore.
- Rekindle your relationships with old friends like Deckard Cain and Tyrael, the Archangel of Justice.
- Genre-defining Diablo gameplay featuring robust RPG character progression, incredibly deep itemisation, and visceral hack-and-slash combat.
- Expanding to a new generation — The dark legacy comes to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation® 4, and Nintendo Switch for the first time, with cross-progression support across Windows PC and participating platforms.
- Diablo II: Resurrected can be played as a solo experience, or grab some friends on your preferred platform and enjoy up to 8-player co-op. Then blow off some steam and claim a few ears by engaging in thrilling PvP duels outside of town.
- Ascend the Forgotten Tower, blaze a trail through the jungles of Kurast, and storm the gates of Hell to defeat Diablo himself. Then, scale the peak of Mount Arreat to face Baal, the Lord of Destruction, in Worldstone Keep.
- Available for pre-purchase on Windows PC — The Diablo Prime Evil Collection includes Diablo II: Resurrected, Diablo® III, the Reaper of Souls expansion, the Rise of the Necromancer pack, and exclusive cosmetic items.
