Diablo 3 Darkening of Tristram Guide: Obtaining the Royal Calf and Wirt’s Leg

Diablo 3’s The Darkening of Tristram event is an exciting opportunity for fans to experience a nostalgic throwback to the series’ origins, with new and returning rewards that celebrate its rich history. Among the unique items you can obtain are special tokens that echo the legacy of the franchise.

This event reintroduces classic elements from the original Diablo game within the Diablo 3 environment. Notably, players can pursue exclusive loot and fan-favorite treasures that have made their mark over the years.

One of the standout items from this nostalgic celebration is Wirt’s Leg, a notoriously ineffective weapon that has nonetheless become famous among players. In Diablo 2, Wirt’s Leg acted as the key to accessing the elusive Secret Cow Level. It returns in Diablo 3, accompanied by various other intriguing rewards for players to discover.

To obtain Wirt’s Leg, along with its cosmetic transmog and the Royal Calf pet, players must first embark on a hidden quest. This quest allows you to unlock these coveted items, but be advised: obtaining Wirt’s Leg is essential for getting the Royal Calf.

Unlocking the Hidden Quest

Your journey to acquire Wirt’s Leg, its transmog, and the Royal Calf begins with finding a hidden quest. Here’s how to get started:

First, locate the Rotten Mushroom. This can be found within the Black Mushroom curio located in Level 9 of the Labyrinth.
It’s essential to raid the depths of the Cathedral until you reach the Caves area to acquire this item.
Once in possession of the Rotten Mushroom, make your way back to town to continue your quest.

Wirt's dead body — Wirt’s unfortunate fate.

Obtaining Wirt’s Leg and Its Transmog

Here’s a step-by-step guide to acquiring Wirt’s Leg during The Darkening of Tristram event:

With the Rotten Mushroom in hand and the hidden quest activated, return to Tristram and use it at Adria’s Cauldron to create the Witch’s Brew.
Deliver the Witch’s Brew to the deceased town drunk, Farnham, to receive the Drunkard’s Debt.
Next, bring the Drunkard’s Debt to Ogden’s body (the innkeeper) to obtain Garda’s Letter.
Then proceed to Pepin’s corpse with Garda’s Letter for the Healer’s Prescription.
Finally, take the Healer’s Prescription to the late blacksmith, Griswold, to claim Wirt’s Leg.

Wirt’s Leg is classified as a legendary mace and also unlocks a unique transmog option, making it a worthwhile item for players to acquire. Historically, Wirt’s Leg has been a recurring symbol in the Diablo universe, tying into the lore behind the Hidden Cow Level from Diablo 2. In the context of Diablo 3, it serves both nostalgic and practical purposes.

Who was Wirt?

Wirt was an NPC in the original Diablo, known for selling overpriced weapons and armor to players, but he also served a greater purpose as a source of lore. His character revealed secrets that the other townsfolk feared to discuss. Unfortunately, Wirt lost his leg to the infamous Butcher when demons overran Tristram Cathedral. Although he managed to survive thanks to the town’s blacksmith, Griswold, he ultimately met his demise during the events that unfolded in Diablo 2, where players could loot his leg.

Wirt’s Leg continues to have special connections to the world of Diablo, including its role in the creation of the Royal Calf pet.

royal calf in-game — The Royal Calf in-game.

How to Unlock the Royal Calf Pet

The Royal Calf is a delightful baby Hell Bovine that you can add to your collection, serving as a cute companion during your adventures. Unlike the hostile bovines found in Diablo 2, this one is charming and will help you gather gold during battles.

To unlock the Royal Calf during The Darkening of Tristram event, follow these steps:

First, ensure you have Wirt’s Leg by following the steps mentioned earlier and salvage it for additional benefits.
Salvaging Wirt’s Leg will yield an item called the Map of the Stars marked with the sequence ‘2-1-3′.
Take the Map of the Stars to Adria’s Hut and approach the nearby dead cows.
Interact with the cows in the specific order denoted by the Map of the Stars: middle, left, right.
Upon successful interaction, this will open the entrance to the Abandoned Farmstead.
Enter and investigate Wirt’s Stash, a chest containing some gold and the Royal Calf pet.

While the Royal Calf, like other pets in Diablo 3, does not engage in combat, it adds a cosmetic flair to your adventures and assists in collecting gold that might otherwise go unnoticed. Plus, who wouldn’t want a little royal companion by their side?

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