Diablo 2: Resurrected To Release On 23 September

Blizzard confirmed the existence of Diablo 2: Resurrected back in February this year. It is to be a remaster of the game that defined a generation of gamers. Now, the title has a release date. And at the same time, the publisher has announced what exactly the remaster will entail.

Among the things you can expect from Diablo 2: Resurrected includes the expected 4K resolution and 600 fps gameplay. Sound has been given a touch up too, being remastered with 7.1 Dolby Surround audio.

In terms of gameplay, the only thing that Blizzard noted that has been changed are the quality-of-life improvements. One example is the larger stash. For those who want to see the change in graphics between the original and the remaster on the fly, the option is there too. And this is done with a single button press.

Diablo 2: Resurrected will release on 23 September on PC, both console generations, and the Nintendo Switch. Blizzard say there’s cross progression, which is great. Though crossplay, while available on PC and consoles, is not available on the Nintendo Switch.

The game is also available for pre-order. Those who do will be able to access its multiplayer open beta in August. During which five of the seven classes – Amazon, Barbarian, Paladin, Sorceress and Druid – will be available. Not sure if you can muck about with your old save file during this period.

Diablo 2: Resurrected Can Load Save Files From The Original

When Diablo 2: Resurrected was announced, series lead Rod Feragusson said that it will be completely separate from the original. Now, we learn that it’s not entirely true, but surprisingly in a good way. This is because the remaster will allow you to use the save files from the original.

In an interview with IGN Middle East, game producer Matthew Cederquist said that the team wondered if the old save files will work with the new game. The team “shoved it in and it worked”. And it became the best accidental feature of Diablo 2: Resurrected.

On the face of it, this is possible because the remaster is built upon the original. It may have been given a graphical face lift, the insides are still mostly the same. It’s still very amazing in its own way. This means that gamers who are still playing the 21-year old game can instantly import their progress to the remaster when it releases this year.

Adding this to the fact that cross-saves will be a thing for Diablo 2: Resurrected, and you can basically play the game on the go when it comes out. Still no word on cross-play though. The remaster is set to be released sometime this year, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Diablo 2: Resurrected Is Coming This Year; Won’t Affect Original Game

Diablo 2 was a game that defined its genre. And Diablo 2: Resurrected is the remake of that 21-year old game. This announcement confirms a previous report on a possible remake of the classic dungeon crawler ARPG.  And it will be doing so sometime this year.

The trailer for Diablo 2: Resurrected shows what looks to be a very faithful recreation of the classic title. Graphics have been given a new 3D coat of paint, while the gameplay remains very recognisable. According to PC Gamer, the remake will also include the Lord of Destruction expansion.

Though if you remember Warcraft III: Reforged, a Blizzard remake may be the last thing that you want. The new person overseeing the Diablo series, Rod Fergusson, tells PC Gamer that while the Diablo 2: Resurrected is built on the original’s code, it will exist as a separate entity. This means that you can continue to do things on the original that the remake may not necessarily support.

Which is good news, but it doesn’t end there. In addition to PC, Diablo 2: Resurrected is also making its way to the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X. No mention of cross platform play, but there will be cross platform progression saves. The game will be out sometime this year, but no exact date just yet.