Diablo is considered one of the top loot chasing hack and slash franchises in gaming. However, when comparing the different games in the series, where do they each stand in terms of ranking?
Over the years, Diablo games have undergone significant changes, transitioning from a simple isometric dungeon crawler to a vast open world supported by a variety of live service elements and MMO elements.
Since then, the Diablo series has continued to grow in popularity, with its most recent release, Diablo 4, receiving much praise and anticipation for its upcoming expansion, Vessel of Hatred, set to be released in late 2024. Despite this success, many fans wonder how the
At Gamescom, we have chosen to rank all the Diablo games to determine which one is the most delightfully devilish.
Diablo
Diablo 1 featured the first confrontation with the Butcher.
It is uncommon for the first installment of a franchise to be deemed the weakest, but in the case of the Diablo series, this is a valid evaluation. It is not that Diablo 1 is a poor game, it is just that all subsequent versions have exceeded it in every aspect. The initial game depicted a tale of a cathedral overrun by demons, prompting three heroes to embark on a journey to halt the invasion from the depths of Hell. The adventurers ventured deep into the catacombs and caverns below until they reached the entrance of Hell itself.
The game required players to regularly revisit the town of Tristram for trading, rest, and conversations with the fearful residents who shared rumors of demonic possession, insanity, and killings. This game laid the foundation for a successful series that eventually became a popular franchise. However, Diablo 1 has not aged well, which may be the reason why Blizzard has not re-released or remastered it.
Despite this, an unofficial expansion for the game was released under the name Diablo: Hellfire, which added new classes that were later included in the sequels.
Upcoming Release: Diablo Immortal
Diablo Immortal is a mobile game that can also be played on PC.
Diablo Immortal, a PC and mobile game in the Diablo franchise, has been facing difficulties in overcoming its initial negative reception. When it was initially released, the game received backlash for its perceived pay-to-win model and heavy use of microtransactions. While some of this criticism may have been exaggerated by the community, there were valid concerns raised. Additionally, the game’s announcement at BlizzCon instead of a highly anticipated Diablo 4 only added to the resentment from fans.
Despite initial skepticism, it has become clear over time that Diablo Immortal actually has a great game hidden within. As the developers continue to listen to feedback and make improvements, fans are starting to warm up to the idea of a mobile Diablo game. While it may not be flawless, Diablo Immortal serves as a complimentary addition to Diablo 4 and it is worth giving it a chance.
Diablo 3 (Reaper of Souls)
Diablo 3 wasn’t as dark as earlier games, and this was met with mixed reception.
Diablo 3, along with its highly praised expansion, Reaper of Souls, marked a shift in the series from the dark and somber atmosphere of Diablo 1 and 2 to a more vibrant and colorful one. The game also incorporated live service elements, a decision that was met with mixed reactions from fans due to the updated art style. Despite these alterations, Diablo 3 was a massive success and its ongoing seasonal content, now revamped, continues to thrive alongside the upcoming release of Diablo 4.
The story of Diablo 3 is set a few years after the defeat of Diablo in the second game. The Lord of Terror makes a comeback with a new scheme to conquer not only Sanctuary, but also the High Heavens. Surprisingly, humanity is the chosen savior to the once distant Angels. The main characters are Nephalem, a mix of Angels and Demons, and they utilize their newfound abilities to battle both the forces of Hell and any enemies from Heaven.
The game introduced a variety of unique classes, including the Witch Doctor, Monk, Demon Hunter, and Crusader, as well as exciting features like companions and pets. It also improved upon Diablo 2’s five-act system, placing a greater focus on multiplayer and post-game content. As a launch title for both the PS4 and Xbox One, Diablo 3 successfully introduced the series to a new audience.
Diablo 4
Diablo 4 is now in its fifth season.
Despite being in its early stages, Diablo 4 has already proven to be a success, continuously improving with each season. The upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion and addition of the new Spiritborn class have us eagerly anticipating the game’s future. Diablo 4 marks the first time the franchise has fully embraced live service elements, bringing a modern and current-generation version to fans. This aligns with the approach seen in many of Blizzard’s other successful franchises.
The game presents a unique storytelling approach, featuring the aftermath of Diablo’s destructive attack on the world of Sanctuary in the third game and an even fiercer assault from the Angel of Death. Although Diablo has been vanquished, his brothers and the Lesser Evils are starting to emerge once more. In addition, Lilith, Diablo’s niece and the creator of Sanctuary, makes a comeback and offers to safeguard humanity from Diablo’s reign – but only if they submit to her authority.
Diablo 4 departs from the animated art style of Diablo 3 and Immortal and reverts back to a darker depiction of Sanctuary. The most exciting aspect is that Blizzard has committed to releasing an annual story expansion, introducing new character classes, and providing seasonal story expansions every few months, solidifying Diablo 4 as the largest and most daring game in the franchise thus far. However, it falls short of being the top-performing game.
Diablo 2: Resurrected
Despite the release of its 2021 remaster, Diablo 2 and its remarkable expansion, The Lord of Destruction, continue to hold the title of the most acclaimed game in the Diablo series, serving as an influential model for all subsequent releases. Prior to its remaster, Diablo 2 was already revered as the pinnacle of the franchise.
Following the events of Diablo 1, the Lord of Terror successfully takes control of the heroes who had vanquished him in the depths of the cathedral. He then breaks free into the world, freeing his siblings and unleashing a horde of demons to wage war against humanity. However, a new group of heroes emerges to confront him, racing against the clock to prevent the demon king from achieving his ultimate triumph.
Diablo 2 built upon its predecessor and greatly expanded the game, bringing forth the addition of iconic character classes such as the Barbarian and the Necromancer. It also took players on an epic journey throughout the world of Sanctuary, delving into desert tombs, jungle temples, the High Heavens, and even the depths of Hell.
Despite the fact that later Diablo games have been larger, more extravagant, and packed with content, Diablo 2, particularly in its Resurrected version, still stands as the ultimate installment in the series. Many who played it prior to Diablo 3 and 4 hold it in great esteem, and its remastered version revitalized the beloved classic, allowing a whole new group of gamers to partake in this RPG adventure masterpiece.
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