Blizzard has officially introduced the remaster of Diablo 2, “Resurrected”. A release date in September is set, along with participation in a beta. Gameplay trailers show you what to expect in 4K and 60 FPS.
The release of Diablo 2: Resurrected is just around the corner. Meanwhile, beta tests have already taken place, we know an exact release date and many details about the game’s launch. Here we summarize the most important information for you.
Update from September 16: We have updated the article with information about the exact start time on release day, more trailers, information on multiplayer, and crossplay.
For which platforms will it be released?
- PC
- PS4, PS5
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Nintendo Switch
When is the release of Diablo 2: Resurrected?
The start date is: The official release date of Diablo 2: Resurrected is September 23, 2021.
What time is the start? If everything goes according to plan, you should be able to start at 5:00 PM German time. This time was confirmed by game producer Rod Fergusson via Twitter.
Changes in the remaster of Diablo 2 – What’s new?
What is included in the remaster? Diablo 2: Resurrected is about the original Diablo II and the Lord of Destruction expansion, which has been remastered.
With this, Blizzard aims to attract veterans who want to play the role-playing classic again in “beautiful” new graphics. Players who have never played Diablo 2 and were deterred by the graphics will have the chance to enjoy the creepy storyline with modern graphics in the remaster.
Early leaks about Diablo 2 mentioned a remake. However, Diablo II: Resurrected is a remaster. A remaster is technically based on the original game’s framework. It is visually improved and brings a few optional comfort features.
A remake, on the other hand, would be a completely new version of the original title.
This is what Blizzard says: While Diablo 2 was based on 2D sprites, Resurrected moves forward with physically-based 3D rendering. Additionally:
- Dynamic lighting
- Overhauled animations
- Enhanced spell effects
- Support for resolutions up to 4K
- All cinematics (totaling 27 minutes) have been completely re-recorded
- The sounds and soundtrack have been revamped to support Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound
What’s inside? In Diablo II: Resurrected you will play Acts 1 to 4 from the original as well as Act 5 from Lord of Destruction.
Things that are improving: Blizzard retains core elements such as gameplay and systems completely. Additionally, a few quality-of-life improvements requested by players are included. These include:
- A shared loot box, allowing all characters to access it
- Easy item comparison: Quickly see how good an item is compared to what is equipped
- Automatic gold collection: As known from Diablo 3, your character will automatically pick up gold from the ground without needing to click
- Improved matchmaking: You can quickly join friends from your friend list
However, if you prefer the old gameplay feeling, you can disable features like automatic gold collection. The remaster does not offer new content such as chapters.
With the port to consoles, Diablo 2 also gains controller support for the first time. This not only changes the controls but even the way you use skills. This feature also resolves a major issue with the PC version. In our advice, you will find the best controllers for gaming:
- These are the ideal controllers for Diablo 2 Resurrected on PS4 and PS5
- All changes in Diablo 2: Resurrected at a glance
What classes are available? You can choose between seven customizable characters.
- Amazons
- Barbarians
- Necromancers
- Paladins
- Sorceress
- Assassins
- and Druids
All can be customized with skills and talent builds. Crafting, socketing, completing sets, farming unique weapons and armor, and rune words are included.
Co-op Gameplay: You can play solo or in co-op with up to 8 players.
Multiplayer: In multiplayer, you have the option for PvP. However, if you are not interested in that, you can also play Diablo 2: Resurrected offline.
Cross-Progression: You can play the remaster of Diablo 2 on PC, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. There is also cross-progression. So you keep your characters and save files when switching between platforms. This requires linking your Battle.net account on each platform. And each platform requires a license for Diablo 2: Resurrected.
Unlike in Diablo 3, the PC and console versions do not differ here. You will receive the exact same content, menus, and balancing changes across all platforms. On the Switch, you will unfortunately have to forgo 4K resolution due to hardware limitations.
You cannot carry over old save files from the original Diablo 2 to the new game.
Do you have to use the new graphics? No. If you want to dive fully into nostalgia, you can switch between the old and modern graphics at any time with a simple button press.
Who is developing this? A few weeks ago, a leak announced the refreshed version of Diablo 2. It said that the team from Vicarious Visions is developing the game.
They are known for their remakes in recent years, such as the remaster of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or the “Crash Bandicoot” trilogy. Both are major titles whose remakes were received with enthusiasm.
Blizzard confirmed that the Resurrected version of Diablo 2 is being developed jointly by Blizzard Entertainment and Vicarious Visions.
As early as 2017, it was rumored that Blizzard was working on a new version of Diablo 2.
Does the addon Lord of Destruction belong to it?
Yes, the D2 expansion “Lord of Destruction” is part of Diablo 2: Resurrected. It also includes the seven classes and all five acts.
How do multiplayer and co-op work?
This is known: If you want, you can play Diablo 2: Resurrected with friends. Blizzard made some improvements to the features specifically for this, adapting them to modern Blizzard games. This means that if you see someone on your friend list playing Diablo 2, you can send them a request. If your friend is willing, they can accept it and you join their game.
Co-op in Diablo 2: Resurrected is possible with up to 8 players. However, couch co-op is not yet available. You will also have to do without crossplay.
Crossplay – What we know
This is what Blizzard says: Cross-play will not be available directly at launch. In an interview with Eurogamer , Rob Gallerani, Principal Designer at Vicarious Visions, explained what is behind it. It simply didn’t fit, also due to the interfaces of the different versions.
However, cross-play could not be completely ruled out. So it is possible that the feature will be added in the future.
Diablo 2 Resurrected Gameplay / Trailer
Have you now developed a taste for more of how the old Diablo appears in its modern guise?
No problem. Blizzard has provided a B-roll video that shows 6 minutes of gameplay from Diablo 2: Resurrected. In it, you will see battles and also the new comfort feature for item comparison.
Update: New gameplay is available from E3 2021. In the trailer, you will get more impressions from the game world of Diablo 2: Resurrected in 4K at 60 FPS:
Diablo 2 Resurrected System Requirements
Below are the requirements for Diablo 2: Resurrected that Blizzard lists on the official game website.
Minimum: According to Blizzard, you should have at least this hardware in or on your computer.
| OS | Windows 10 |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-3250 or AMD FX-4350 |
| GPU | Nvidia GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 30 GB |
| Internet | Broadband connection |
Recommended: Those who want to get more out of the game could be well advised with better hardware. According to Blizzard, these are the recommended requirements.
| OS | Windows 10 |
| CPU | Intel® Core i5-9600k or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| GPU | Nvidia GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Storage | 30 GB |
| Internet | Broadband connection |
Testing Diablo 2 Resurrected as Alpha – Start and Registration
Update: The alpha tests have now concluded.
This is what you can do: If you don’t want to wait for the release of Diablo II Resurrected, you can register for a technical alpha on PC. This is not the finished game, but a kind of test version.
On www.Diablo2.com you can register for a chance to participate in the technical alpha. When the technical alpha will start is still unknown. The well-known “soon” indicates that it should start “soon”.
In an interview, Blizzard announced that there will be two phases for testing Diablo 2. One for single player and one for a multiplayer stress test.
Read here, what testers say about the first alpha of D2R.
Sign up for the Diablo 2 Resurrected Beta
Update: The first beta phase ran from August 13 to August 17. The second and final beta phase ran from August 20 to August 23. No further test phase is announced before the release of the game.
This is how players liked the closed beta of Diablo 2: Resurrected
This is how you can participate: The open beta for Diablo 2 Resurrected is scheduled to take place in August 2021. The starting date is August 20.
Those who pre-order the game will receive early access to the Diablo II: Resurrected beta (this only applies as a pre-order bonus). You can find more about this in our special:
Beta of Diablo 2 Resurrected starts today on PS4, Xbox, PC – Start, Download, Registration
Which classes are available in the beta? You can play with 5 of the total 7 classes there. These are:
- Amazons
- Barbarians
- Druids
- Paladins
- Sorceress
The Assassins and the Necromancers are not part of the open beta.
Purchase Diablo 2 Resurrected – In a bundle with Diablo 3
How does it work in Battle.Net? Diablo 2 Resurrected and the “old” Diablo 2 are treated as two separate games in Battle.Net.
If you want to purchase the game now in pre-order, you will have to pay €39.99. (via Battle.Net.Shop) Some fans still doubt whether they should buy Diablo 2, especially due to the sexism scandal currently surrounding Blizzard. The developers have already commented on this:
Pre-order bundle with Diablo 3: If you want, you can pre-order the “Diablo Prime Evil Collection” on PC. This includes:
- Diablo II: Resurrected
- Diablo III
- The Reaper of Souls Collection for Diablo III
- The Rise of the Necromancer Pack
- and exclusive cosmetic items
The price for this version is €59.99. (via Battle.Net.Shop). If you already own parts of the bundle, this price will be lower (thanks to MeinMMO reader JarzuulTV).
How do you like it? Do you think it’s good that Blizzard is bringing this remaster to Diablo 2 or are you not interested in the old story in a modern guise? Vote in our poll here on MeinMMO whether or not you want to buy Diablo 2: Resurrected.
Feel free to also leave us a comment here about what you are looking forward to in the game or why the remaster doesn’t resonate with you.
By the way, even after the release, it’s not necessarily over, even if the game is considered complete. The development team is already considering what content might be released after the release:
Here’s what’s in store for Diablo 2 Resurrected after the release
