Where to Start · Diablo
Where to Start with Diablo
Diablo is Blizzard's action RPG franchise running since 1996 — the series that defined the dungeon crawler genre with randomised loot, clickable enemies, and the compulsive loop of killing demons to get better gear to kill bigger demons. The town of Tristram, the Prime Evils, and the eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell run through every entry.
Each game is a complete standalone experience with its own story, but the lore and mythology build across all four mainline entries. The franchise invented the endgame loop that live service games have been chasing ever since.
If you only play one Diablo game
Play Diablo II: Resurrected (2021). It is the remaster of the game that defined the genre for 20 years — five acts across a world ravaged by the Lord of Terror, seven character classes each with completely different skill trees, and an endgame of Rune Words, Set Items, and Ladder seasons that consumed thousands of hours for millions of players. Resurrected rebuilds the original with modern visuals while preserving the 2000 gameplay completely. Available on PS4/PS5/Xbox/Switch/PC. If you want to understand why Diablo matters, Diablo II is the answer.
Diablo III — the accessible modern entry
Diablo III (2012) is the most accessible entry — streamlined systems, better pacing, and the Adventure Mode endgame (added in the Reaper of Souls expansion) that replaced the campaign grind with Bounties and Nephalem Rifts. Diablo III had a controversial launch with the real-money auction house (since removed) but the current version — Eternal Collection including Reaper of Souls and Rise of the Necromancer — is an excellent game. Available on PS4/Xbox/Switch/PC. The Switch version is particularly strong for couch co-op. No prior Diablo knowledge required.
Diablo IV — the modern era
Diablo IV (2023) is the most recent entry — an open world Sanctuary, darker tone, and a seasonal live service model with new content every three months. It is mechanically closer to Diablo II than III in terms of build complexity and itemisation depth. Diablo IV requires no prior series knowledge and is the recommended starting point for players who want the most modern experience. Available on PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC and on Xbox Game Pass.
The original Diablo
Diablo (1996) is the foundation — 16 levels beneath Tristram, three character classes, and the gothic atmosphere that defined the series. The original is available via GOG and Battle.net but shows its age significantly. Worth playing for historical context after experiencing the modern entries. Diablo + Hellfire (the official expansion) completes the original experience.
Classes and build depth
Diablo's defining feature beyond the loot is the class system. Each game offers completely different class archetypes — Diablo II has the Necromancer, Sorceress, Paladin, Amazon, Barbarian, Druid, and Assassin across its base game and expansion. Diablo IV launched with Barbarian, Sorceress, Druid, Necromancer, and Rogue with more added seasonally. The right class dramatically affects your enjoyment — try several builds before committing.
Seasonal play
Diablo II, III, and IV all have seasonal ladder/season systems — fresh characters, temporary power modifiers, and exclusive rewards. Seasons are the intended long-term play mode and reset every three months. Starting a new season is the recommended way to experience the endgame loop. Non-seasonal play exists but misses the communal seasonal experience.
What platforms you need
Diablo IV — PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC (Game Pass). Diablo II Resurrected — PS4/PS5/Xbox/Switch/PC. Diablo III Eternal Collection — PS4/Xbox/Switch/PC. Original Diablo — PC via GOG/Battle.net.
Recommended order
Diablo IV for the most modern experience. Diablo II Resurrected for the genre-defining classic. Diablo III Eternal Collection for the most accessible middle ground. Original Diablo last for historical context.