Exploring the Existence of a Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4

Secret Cow Levels have become a beloved tradition within the Diablo franchise, but what does the future hold for them in Diablo 4? Fans of earlier titles are eager to know if these iconic levels featuring lethal bovines will make a comeback.

Gamers nostalgic for Diablo 2 undoubtedly recall the infamous Secret Cow Level, accessible via a unique portal that transported players to a domain filled with aggressive Hell Bovines wielding halberds. These bovines engaged in a haunting chant of “moo” and were led by the formidable Cow King, a challenging enemy that could only be defeated by seasoned players.

Though the Secret Cow Level returned in Diablo 3, players have yet to uncover any indication of its presence in Diablo 4. Despite this, there are intriguing hints suggesting that its emergence could be in the cards for future updates. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what we know about the potential for a Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4.

In Diablo 2, Hell Bovines awaited those brave enough to enter their domain.

Is There a Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4?

As of now, Diablo 4 does not include a Secret Cow Level, but this does not preclude its introduction in the future.

Rod Fergusson, general manager of Diablo 4, has affirmed that the game will not have a Secret Cow Level, emphasizing the desire to maintain the game’s darker tone, contrasting with the more whimsical style of Diablo 3. He explained that they aimed for authenticity in depicting the gothic themes consistent with the Diablo lore.

Interestingly, while the original Cow Level emerged within the grim confines of Diablo 2, its existence didn’t detract from the game’s darker atmosphere. The developers seem cautious, possibly deterred by past criticisms regarding Diablo 3’s artistic choices, resulting in the exclusion of the Hell Bovines from Diablo 4.

Fergusson elaborated in a conversation with Kinda Funny:

“We really wanted to ground [Diablo 4] as much as possible. We’ve had some fun, but we wanted to make sure it felt authentic to the gothic, dark themes we had. And because of that, there’s no secret level in Diablo 4 that people might be looking for, as per previous games.”

That said, it’s worth noting that Fergusson might be downplaying possibilities just to keep players speculating.

Original secret cow level — Blizzard Entertainment

The legacy of the Secret Cow Level began with Diablo 2.

Hints of a Secret Cow Level

Although the Secret Cow Level is notably absent in Diablo 4, certain references have emerged, sparking intrigue among fans. The allusion to the “Oxen Gods” and the appearance of specific items are contributing to the buzz surrounding a potential cow-themed update.

For instance, the Bloody Wooden Shard—featuring a distinct “W”marking—seems to be reminiscent of Wirt’s Leg, the iconic peg-leg belonging to a character from Diablo 1, while the Musty Tome likely nods to the Tome of Town Portal. Both items were crucial for accessing the Cow Level in Diablo 2, as they needed to be combined within the Horadric Cube.

Initially, the inclusion of these items might be interpreted merely as an homage to the franchise’s history. However, there’s a compelling precedent; upon its launch, Diablo 3 similarly lacked a Secret Cow Level. The game even featured a loading screen declaring, “There is no Secret Cow Level.”Yet, this message was later removed when the level was eventually included—albeit accessed in a different manner than its predecessors.

Diablo 4 Secret Cow Level Altar — Blizzard Entertainment

Hints are accumulating regarding a potential Secret Cow Level.

Could Diablo 4 Introduce a Secret Cow Level?

While we can definitively say that a Secret Cow Level is currently not part of Diablo 4, there is a strong possibility that it could be introduced in the future, perhaps through downloadable content (DLC). Diablo 3’s previous experience illustrates that Blizzard is open to bringing back fan-favorite elements, even after initially suggesting they wouldn’t exist.

In a discussion with IGN, Associate Game Director Joe Piepiora and Production Developer Tiffany Watt noted, “Sanctuary is not a good place to be, even as a cow. I will say, however, if people have picked up any items from their cow campaign… cow slay-age campaign… they should hang on to them.”

The items in question are likely the Bloody Wooden Shard, Musty Tome, and Metallic Fragment, obtained after defeating 666 cows across Sanctuary. These collectibles are utilized at the Ox Altar in Ked Bardu to summon a key to the Forlorn Hovel, a locale rumored to be inhabited by sinister cows.

While this may be the end of the clues for now, it’s evident that preparations for a potential Secret Cow Level may indeed be underway. If events like The Darkening of Tristram are brought to Diablo 4, this could pave the way for revisiting the Secret Cow Level concept, especially if mechanisms to restore Wirt’s leg are implemented.

To stay updated on this and other exciting developments in the Diablo universe, continue to check in with official announcements and community discussions. Source & Images