Here’s what you need to know about Diablo 2: Resurrected
Diablo 2 is a masterpiece of the action roleplaying game (ARPG) genre, and many longtime fans of the series are no doubt thrilled with confirmation, after many years of rumors and disappointments, of Diablo 2: Resurrected. Yes, this time it’s actually happening. Here’s everything we know so far about Diablo 2: Resurrected.
What’s new with Diablo 2: Resurrected?
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
This is apparently only the first of a number of tests planned for the game. It will provide singleplayer action spread out over the game’s first two acts (Rogue Encampment and Lut Gholein). The Amazon, Sorceress, and Barbarian will be playable. There’s no level cap, so players will technically be able to grind as long as they want.
Blizzard has laid out a few reminders as we head into the test weekend. Your characters and progress won’t be carried over to the full game, original cinematics are still being used, you can use a controller on PC (though support is still in progress), and all content can be shared. This is a PC-only test.
Check out our guide on how to sign up for the Diablo 2: Resurrected technical alpha if you haven’t already received an invite.
Diablo 2: Resurrected is announced
Originally released all those years ago on PC, Diablo 2: Resurrected is also now coming to consoles. Yes, it looks like you’ll be able to play on Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch along with PC and carry your progression across platforms.
If the new 3D graphics aren’t really your style, you will be able to switch back to the original look. The original game remains untouched, which bodes well for the modding community. Sound effects and soundtrack have been touched up, and there will now be 7.1 surround sound support. And don’t worry about those crusty old cinematics; they’ve been remade from the ground up to match the rest of the game.
Diablo 2: Resurrected is pegged for an expected 2021 release date.
What is Diablo 2: Resurrected?
Source: Windows Central
Development studio Vicarious Visions recently merged with Blizzard Entertainment, following ownership by Activision since 2005. Vicarious Visions worked on the stellar remakes of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, which we awarded a perfect score in our review.
While Blizzard’s own “Team 1” mishandled Warcraft 3: Reforged and was reportedly working on Diablo 2: Resurrected, the group has been dismantled following the merger with Vicarious Visions. Vicarious Visions is now confirmed to be in charge of the remaster.
Diablo 2: Resurrected gameplay and features
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo 2: Resurrected has broadened its character stats page among other UI redraws, and there’s likewise an expanded stash that is shared across warriors (split for ladder and non-ladder). Automatic gold pickup will be a toggleable setting, something most people will no doubt enable and never look back at, and quick movement of items between stash and character should make life a whole lot easier.
The camera in-game can zoom in and out, which could make for some interesting screenshots with the new lighting and models. It looks like all armor and weapons will show up on your character this time, rather than recycled looks for armor classes. In the menu screen, separate characters will get a closeup, just like in Diablo 3.
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
Original Diablo 2 is still very popular, whether playing the vanilla version or with the best Diablo 2 mods installed. It looks like the original game will remain intact, though a move a move to Battle.net full time means there’s no guarantee existing mods will work without further … modification.
Can Diablo 2: Resurrected be played offline?
Yes, Diablo 2: Resurrected should be able to be played offline once you’ve verified your game and account. Offline and online characters will remain separate, just like it was in Diablo 2 and closed Battle.net.
You can also still choose to play a non-expansion character (without runewords, etc.) for a pre-expansion experience. If you do choose to play online, the standard eight-player rooms will still be around. Diablo 2: Resurrected will have a seasonal rotation like Diablo 2, though seasons will likely be shorter.
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
Is Diablo 2: Resurrected coming to Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch?
Yes, Diablo 2: Resurrected is coming to Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch alongside a PC release. Best part? Cross-progression for all systems means you don’t have to pick a platform and stick with it. This is great news, as we’ve already seen how well Diablo 3 works on Switch (and the other consoles). Controller support is understandably in.
Diablo 2: Resurrected system specifications
Blizzard has listed some minimum and recommended PC specs on the preorder page. It looks as though the remastered version will be relatively system heavy, recommending at least an Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 5500 XT GPU.
The minimum specs are significantly lower, with an Intel Core i3-3250 or AMD FX-4350 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GTX 660 or Radeon HD 7850.
When is the Diablo 2: Resurrected release date?
There’s no definitive answer for when Diablo 2: Resurrected will release other than in 2021. Expect more news to come out of BlizzConline as the weekend progresses.
If you’d like to get an early look at the game, be sure to opt into the tech Alpha at Blizzard’s website.
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