‘Diablo II: Resurrected’ launches in September
The gates of hell will reopen once again as Blizzard finally reveals the release date for Diablo II: Resurrected.
During Xbox's E3 livestream event early Monday, Blizzard confirmed that the remastered version of the timeless hack-and-slash game will launch on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch on Sept. 23.
As previously announced, the remastered take on the quintessential action role playing game will also include the Lord of Destruction expansion and will feature updated visuals with support for up to 4K resolution. Those who prefer the retro 2D sprite graphics can also choose the original 800x600 resolution on the fly.
And just like in the classic RPG, players will also be able to customize their characters including their preferred skills and talent builds, gear sets and Rune Word combinations. There will be some “quality-of-life” updates too for veteran Diablo players such as larger stash and automatic gold pickup.
“The Lord of Terror has demanded that we remaster Diablo II, and we are excited to do his bidding by bringing Diablo II: Resurrected to PC and console players this September, with cross-progression so everyone can enjoy it on their preferred system,” Blizzard Entertainment president J. Allen Brack said in a statement. “We also look forward to welcoming new and returning Diablo players to our upcoming multiplayer open beta. Their feedback will help us put the finishing touches on a game we hope players will continue to enjoy for many years to come.”
Meanwhile, Blizzard also confirmed that the game’s multiplayer open beta will begin in August on supporting platforms. The upcoming beta will feature five of the game’s seven character classes (Amazon, Barbarian, Paladin, and Sorceress) from the core game along with the Druid from the Lord of Destruction expansion. Players, meanwhile, will be able to use the Necromancer and Assassin classes when the game officially launches in September.
The remastered version will be available as a standalone game ($39.99) or as part of the Diablo Prime Evil Collection ($59.99), which also includes the Diablo III Eternal Collection and the Mephisto pet and Hatred’s Grasp wings for Diablo III.
Those who will preorder Diablo II: Resurrected or the Diablo Prime Evil Collection will receive a Heritage of Arreat transmog for Diablo III, which gives barbarians access to the iconic blue war paint and leather armor of Diablo II's barbarian. Pre-orders also unlock early access to the open beta test slated to begin in August.
(Images from Blizzard)