Diablo 2: Resurrected will receive a Ladder, just like the main game. MeinMMO tells you what you can find in the new game mode, when it starts, and how to participate.
When does the Ladder start? On January 25, 2022, Patch 2.4 will start on the PTR of Diablo 2: Resurrected, where the content of the Ladder will be tested – at least on PC. There is not a proper leaderboard yet, but new features will already be playable.
The actual launch is in the future from then on. There is still no concrete date. Depending on the amount of feedback and what needs to be adjusted, it could take longer. We expect about 4 weeks until release, if the tests last as long as usual.
According to this calculation, the Ladder would officially start at the end of February 2022. How long it lasts, we cannot tell yet. In the past, Ladders lasted 6 months, in Resurrected they are supposed to change more quickly.
How can I participate? To play the Ladder, you must create a new character. This must be marked as a “Ladder character” with a checkbox, similar to the Seasons in Diablo 3. There are 4 different Ladders:
- Standard/Softcore for Diablo 2 without Lord of Destruction
- Hardcore for Diablo without Lord of Destruction
- Standard/Softcore for Diablo 2 with expansion
- Hardcore for Diablo with expansion
If you want to play on the PTR beforehand, you have to install the PTR server separately. This only works on PC via the Battle.net client. Navigate to Diablo 2: Resurrected and select the option: “Diablo II: Resurrected PTR” in the dropdown above the “Play” button.
New Rune Words and Horadric Recipes
This is in the Ladder: The Ladder is about reaching the maximum level 99 as quickly as possible. With your new character, you climb the leaderboard and compete with other players.
A Ladder character has access to special content that standard players do not have. The most important of these are new rune words that you can create yourself. On MeinMMO you can find all new rune words from the Ladder and what they bring.
Additionally, the recipe list of the Horadric Cube will be expanded to add sets. We will have the new recipes ready for you soon.
What happens to my items after the Ladder? Once the Ladder is over, your character will be converted to a “standard” character. You can keep your items, but cannot create them anymore – at least if it stays like it was before.
Only Ladder and offline characters have access to the special items. If you want to gain them again, you need to create a new Ladder character upon reset.
If and how the Ladder content will change with each reset, we cannot say yet.
Balance Changes and Patch Notes for Patch 2.4
What is changing? The Ladder is set to come with Patch 2.4, which contains numerous changes. Among other things, for the first time in over 20 years, the balance of classes will be adjusted. All classes will receive buffs and should play better.
At least one class, however, is said to remain “unplayable” according to fans. The Whirlwind Barbarian is plagued by bugs that are supposed to have existed since the Alpha of Diablo 2: Resurrected. These apparently will not be fixed, and the popular build is likely to lag behind the others.
Nevertheless, there are numerous bug fixes and some adjustments to tooltips and sets. You can find the complete patch notes in German on the official website. However, keep in mind that everything is still being tested on the PTR. Changes may still occur.
What happens after the Ladder? The Ladder is supposed to reset regularly to bring fresh air. This has worked for Diablo 2 for 21 years and will continue in Resurrected. When the resets take place is still to be determined. If the game follows Diablo 3, a new ladder should start approximately every 3 months.
The developers have already mentioned that Diablo 2: Resurrected will receive new content. This likely refers to the rune words and Horadric recipes. Whether there will be Act 6, i.e. an expansion, is still open – but a small slip of the tongue raises hope:
Big Twitch streamer slips, hints at expansion for Diablo 2: Resurrected
