The Diablo series has captured the hearts of gamers over the years with its immersive gameplay, loot system, and action. With multiple entries in the franchise, it’s time to take a closer look and rank each Diablo game. This list is based on its impact, gameplay, and overall quality. Prepare to descend into the depths of hell as we unveil the definitive ranking of every Diablo game and expansion.
Best and Worst Diablo Game and Expansion
The Diablo franchise is a series of action role-playing games developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Over the years, the franchise has received numerous updates and expansions, each with its own unique features and gameplay. With each new game release and expansion, Blizzard has continued to push the boundaries of Diablo’s best, introducing new gameplay mechanics, characters, and storylines that keep fans coming back for more.
9) Diablo Immortal (2022)
Immortal has sparked mixed reactions from the community as a mobile game set in the Diablo universe. While it promises to bring the Diablo experience to a wider audience, some fans are concerned about shifting to a mobile platform and potential microtransactions. Its ultimate ranking will depend on the execution and how well it captures the essence of the franchise in the long term.
8) Diablo (1996)
The original Diablo, the game that started it all, is a testament to the series’ dark and gothic roots. Although it lacks the depth and complexity of its successors, it laid the foundation for the franchise and established the core gameplay mechanics that would shape the series. Diablo’s eerie atmosphere and intense boss battles make it an unforgettable experience.
Diablo revolutionized the action RPG genre with its atmospheric graphics, intense gameplay, and loot-driven mechanics. Its dark and immersive world and innovative multiplayer feature captivated gamers worldwide and laid the foundation for the beloved Diablo franchise that continues to thrive today.
7) Diablo: Hellfire (1997)
Hellfire is an expansion pack for the iconic action role-playing game Diablo, released in 1997. Developed by Synergistic Software and published by Sierra On-Line, Hellfire introduced new content and features that expanded upon Diablo’s dark and immersive world. Set in the Kingdom of Khanduras, players once again embarked on a treacherous journey to confront Diablo, the Lord of Terror.
Players can explore the depths of the demon-infested Na-Krul’s Lair, facing even more treacherous challenges. With the addition of two new character classes, the Monk and the Barbarian, Hellfire provided players with fresh gameplay options and enhanced replayability
6) Diablo III (2012)
Diablo III had a tumultuous launch with server issues and a controversial real-money auction house, which tainted its initial reception. However, post-launch updates, including removing the auction house and introducing the Paragon leveling system, significantly improved the game. Diablo III may not have lived up to its predecessors, but it still offers a solid action RPG experience.
5) Diablo III: Reaper of Souls (2014)
Reaper of Souls is the expansion pack. It continues the game’s epic storyline, introducing a new act, character class, and many exciting features. In Reaper of Souls, players confront the Angel of Death, Malthael, who seeks to claim the Black Soulstone and unleash its dark power upon the world.
As Nephalem, the player’s character, embarks on a perilous journey through the haunted streets of Westmarch, delves into the ancient ruins of Pandemonium, and faces off against terrifying new enemies. With the addition of the Crusader class, players can wield powerful weapons and armor, channel divine powers, and crush their foes with righteous fury.
4) Diablo III: Rise Of The Necromancer (2017)
Rise of the Necromancer is a DLC expansion pack released in 2017. This expansion focuses on introducing the Necromancer class. With the Rise of the Necromancer pack, players can harness the dark arts and command the power of death itself. Players can access various devastating spells and abilities as a Necromancer, including raising the dead, summoning skeletal minions, and unleashing curses upon their enemies.
This expansion also includes a new in-game pet, cosmetic wings, two additional character slots, and more, providing players with a wealth of new content to explore and conquer in Sanctuary. Diablo III: Rise of the Necromancer is a must-have for fans of the series, offering a fresh and exciting gameplay experience focusing on the macabre and the mastery of death.
3) Diablo II (2000)
Diablo II took us beyond the confines of claustrophobic dungeons and into lush jungles and barren deserts. Unlike the third game, the game’s brighter color palette was generally well-received, which sparked controversy. Diablo II provided a more enjoyable experience and offered greater diversity in many aspects, pleasing the player base.
Diablo II received critical acclaim upon its release and is often regarded as one of the greatest ARPGs ever. It is praised for its atmospheric graphics, addictive gameplay, deep character customization, and engrossing multiplayer experience.
2) Diablo II: Lord of Destruction (2001)
Considered by many fans as the pinnacle of the series, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction expanded upon the success of the original game and delivered a truly exceptional experience. This expansion pack set the bar for the action RPG genre with its engaging storyline, diverse character classes, vast skill trees, and the introduction of the immensely popular rune words.
The gameplay involves exploring various environments, completing quests, and engaging in combat with various monsters. Diablo II: Lord of Destruction received critical acclaim upon its release and is widely regarded as one of the greatest action role-playing games of all time.
1) Diablo 4 (2023)
With a return to the dark and gritty aesthetic of the earlier games, an open-world setting, and the promise of a deep and immersive story, Diablo 4 has the potential to become one of the best entries in the series. The game promises to build on the franchise’s legacy of intense, fast-paced gameplay while introducing new features and mechanics to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
The developers have also revealed that Diablo 4 will receive new story content approximately every three months. This implies that the game’s story will evolve alongside the free and premium Battle Passes, with minor story progression occurring during the seasonal updates. Diablo 4‘s release has generated immense excitement among gamers worldwide.
