Diablo 2: Resurrected - What We Know So Far
When the Diablo series launched in the '90s, it changed the action RPG genre for good. When Diablo 2 launched in 2000, it raised the stakes of the series in a major way. The game picks up where the first left off, as players attempt to prevent the Dark Wanderer from releasing demons into the world of Sanctuary.
The game was described by Time as "arguably the best role-playing game of all time, the best dungeon-crawler of all time and the best PC game of all time," and is considered a classic among gamers and developers alike. The series continued with the expansion Lord of Destruction, as well as the (turbulent) release of Diablo 3 in 2012. However, Diablo 2 has always stuck out as a game-changer.
And now fans are getting what they want: a remastered version of Diablo 2. The remaster was announced during the opening of BlizzCon 2021. Here's everything that fans know so far about Diablo 2: Resurrected.
When will Diablo 2: Resurrected be released?
According to Blizzard President J. Allen Brack, this full HD remaster of both Diablo 2 and the expansion Lord of Destruction will arrive 2021.
With the remaster, Blizzard seems interested in bringing multiple generations of gamers to experience the groundbreaking dungeon crawler that helped define the action role-playing game for years to come. At 20 years old, many of the new players might not have even born during the original game's first release, Brack said. However, the upcoming release hopes to satisfy new and old players alike.
"With the new high-resolution audio and video in Diablo 2: Resurrected, the game is as fun and engrossing today as it was twenty years ago," Brack said in a press release from Blizzard.
Although Blizzard has said that the game will arrive this year, but has not named a specific release date. With two decades of fan expectations to meet, hopefully a firm date will be announced soon.
Is there a trailer for Diablo 2: Resurrected?
The new trailer for Diablo 2: Resurrected opens with brief snatches of dialogue delivered by several of the game's primary characters, all set over an ominous pan over the game's logo. When things kick into high gear, the trailer shows off just how much of a facelift has been given to the classic game. The trailer shifts between footage of the classic action RPG and the newly remastered version, showcasing gorgeous new environments, refined combat, and a glimpse at all of the Diablo 2 character classes: barbarian, necromancer, amazon, sorceress, and paladin, plus the assassin and druid classes that were added in the Lord of Destruction expansion.
Blizzard says that the remaster brings the classic game "into the present with full 3D physically based rendering, dynamic lighting, revamped animations and spell effects — all stunningly delivered in up to 4K resolution." Judging from the footage glimpsed in this trailer, fans may end up with an all-new appreciation for a game that they already know and love.
What platforms will Diablo 2: Resurrected be on?
Developed by Blizzard and Vicarious Visions — hot off the critical success of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 — Diablo 2: Resurrected will be released for Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. However, PC players will be offered a chance to opt-in to play the remastered game first, thanks to an upcoming technical alpha test at the official Diablo 2 website.
"Diablo 2 was a pivotal game for Blizzard and millions of players around the world. With Diablo 2: Resurrected, we're excited to bring this classic back to PC and also to consoles — with cross-progression on supported platforms — so that players can relive their memories, or experience Diablo 2's timeless gameplay for the first time, on their platform of choice," Brack said in a press release.
The game will also continue with the Lord of Destruction expansion, which is also included in the remaster.