Is there a Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4?

Will Diablo 4 include Secret Cow Levels in future updates, following their established presence in previous Diablo games?

Those who have played Diablo 2 will surely recall the Secret Cow Level, a hidden area that could only be accessed through a unique portal. Within this level, players would encounter deadly Hell Bovines wielding Halberds, all of whom could only utter a monotonous “moo”. There was also a formidable Cow King who could be defeated by skilled and strong players.

Despite the Secret Cow Level resurfacing in Diablo 3, it has yet to make an appearance in Diablo 4. However, there are hints of its existence in the game and the possibility of its arrival in the future. Here is everything we currently know about the Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4.

Hell Bovines will attack those who enter their farm in Diablo 2.

Is there a Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4?

No, there is no indication that a Secret Cow Level will be included in Diablo 4. According to general manager Rod Fergusson, the game will not feature this infamous level in order to maintain a darker tone and stay true to the game’s theme, unlike the more lighthearted Diablo 3. However, it is worth noting that the original Secret Cow Level was available in the notoriously grim Diablo 2 without compromising the overall atmosphere.

In an effort to address the criticism of Diablo 3’s art style, it is likely that the developers are attempting to veer away from it. Removing the Hell Bovines may be a deliberate step in this strategy. In a recent interview with Kinda Funny, Fergusson shared the following statement:

“Our main focus was to ground Diablo 4 in authenticity. While we did have some fun with it, it was important for us to stay true to the gothic, dark themes that define the series. As a result, there will not be a secret level in Diablo 4 like in previous games that players may be searching for.”

Nonetheless, it is possible that Fergusson’s intention is to deceive players and lead them astray.

Original secret cow level — Blizzard Entertainment

The Secret Cow level started in Diablo 2.

Evidence for the Secret Cow Level

Despite the Secret Cow Level not being discovered in Diablo 4, the game does contain elements that allude to its existence. The naming of the “Oxen Gods”has sparked curiosity among players, but it’s the presence of specific items that has generated the most discussions among fans.

The W carved into the Bloody Wooden Shard suggests that it may be a remnant of Wirt’s Leg, belonging to the peg-legged boy from Diablo 1 who met his demise in Tristram. Similarly, the Musty Tome is believed to be a nod to the Tome of Town Portal, both of which were essential components for opening the Secret Cow Level portal in Diablo 2 when combined in the Horadric Cube.

While it is possible that their presence in Diablo 4 is simply a nostalgic reference, these items could potentially hold more importance in the future. It should be noted that upon its initial release, Diablo 3 did not have a Secret Cow Level. In fact, a loading screen even stated “There is no Secret Cow Level.”However, this screen was later removed and the level was eventually added. However, it was accessed via a rift rather than using Wirt’s Leg and a Tome of Town portal, despite Wirt’s Leg being present in Diablo 3.

Diablo 4 Secret Cow Level Altar — Blizzard Entertainment

The clues for a Secret Cow Level grow in Diablo 4.

Will there be a Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4?

Despite our confidence in stating that Diablo 4 does not currently have a Secret Cow Level, there is a high possibility that it may be added in the future as part of a DLC expansion. This is not uncommon, as Blizzard has previously added the level to Diablo 3 despite initially denying its existence.

Nevertheless, during an interview with IGN, Associate Game Director Joe Piepiora and Production Developer Tiffany Wat made it clear that even as a cow, Sanctuary is not a safe place to be. They also advised players who have acquired items from their cow slay-age campaign to keep them.

Watt is most likely referring to the Bloody Wooden Shard, Musky Tome, and Metallic Fragment that can be obtained by defeating 666 cows in Sanctuary. These items are necessary for the ritual at the Ox Altar in Ked Bardu to unlock the entrance to the Forlorn Hovel, a place inhabited by malevolent cows.

At the current moment, the clues have come to a halt. However, it is reasonable to believe that a Secret Cow level will eventually be incorporated into Diablo 4 and the developers are merely biding their time for the perfect opportunity to include it.

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