Diablo II: Lord of Destruction is the action-packed expansion that takes you back to Sanctuary, where you must face Baal, the last Prime Evil. Choose from new character classes, conquer chilling challenges, and wield the power of Rune Words. Unleash your hero's might and protect the Worldstone from destruction in this unforgettable ARPG adventure.

Plot

Having triumphed over Diablo in Act IV, your journey takes a momentous turn as you return to the Pandemonium Fortress. There, you encounter the Archangel Tyrael, who urgently summons you. A portal opens, leading to Harrogath, a mighty stronghold nestled in the frigid Barbarian Highlands on Mount Arreat's northern slopes.

As the Act IV finale revealed, while Diablo and Mephisto, two of the Prime Evils of Hell, were defeated and their Soulstones destroyed at the Hellforge, their cunning brother, Baal, had retrieved his own Soulstone from Marius, the narrator. With the Soulstone in his possession, Baal raised an unholy army and launched a merciless assault on Mount Arreat, aiming to seize control of the Worldstone, a source of immense power and pivotal to the fate of Sanctuary.

Now, the resilient Barbarian inhabitants of Mount Arreat stand as the last line of defense, charged with the sacred duty of protecting the Worldstone from Baal's malevolent grasp. The stage is set for an epic battle between the forces of good and evil, where the player's heroic intervention will be paramount in deciding the destiny of Sanctuary. Prepare for an intense and unforgettable quest to thwart the diabolical machinations of Baal and safeguard the very essence of existence itself!

Diablo II and Diablo II: Lord of Destruction are the original versions of Diablo II: Resurrected.

Gameplay

Classes: Experience a diverse array of character classes, each boasting unique abilities and playstyles. Unleash the strength of the mighty Barbarian, harness the dark arts as the Necromancer, wield divine powers as the Paladin, rain down elemental fury as the Sorceress, or master the art of archery as the Amazon. Your heroic destiny awaits, so choose your champion and embark on an epic journey through the world of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction!
Two new character classes: Unleash the power of the Assassin, a deadly martial artist skilled in the arts of shadow and traps, and the Barbarian, a mighty warrior who wields unparalleled strength and fury. These new heroes bring fresh gameplay experiences and abilities to master.
Skill trees: The skill trees are a key aspect of character progression, offering a wealth of customization options for each character class. As your character levels up, you earn skill points that can be invested in various skills within the skill trees.

Expansive acts: Embark on a thrilling journey across two new acts, introducing new environments, challenging quests, and a cast of formidable foes to vanquish. Brace yourself for the unexpected as you traverse the desert city of Lut Gholein and the frozen tundra of Harrogath.
Diverse rune words: Delve deeper into the Rune system with an expanded pool of runes and powerful new Rune Words to discover. Experiment with combinations to unlock devastating enhancements for your gear and amplify your character's might.
Many new items: Expand your crafting capabilities with a multitude of new hundreds of Horadric Cube recipes. Create powerful new items, transmute rare resources, and unravel the secrets of powerful artifacts. All the new weapons and pieces of armor will transform your experience.
Hireling enhancements: Strengthen your companions with the ability to equip them with armor and weapons. Tailor your mercenaries to complement your playstyle and turn them into formidable allies.

Graphics and sound

The game presents an atmospheric isometric 2D graphics style, enveloping players in a dark and captivating world. Detailed sprite-based animations bring characters and monsters to life while meticulously designed environments further enhance the immersion. Although not cutting-edge by today's standards, the graphics remain visually engaging and create a lasting impact.

In terms of sound, the game's haunting soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of dark fantasy. From eerie dungeon melodies to heart-pounding battle themes, the music seamlessly complements the gameplay, heightening the overall experience. Moreover, atmospheric sound effects breathe life into the game world, adding depth and realism and immersing players deeper into the treacherous realm of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction.

Duration and game modes

Diablo II: Lord of Destruction offers several captivating game modes that cater to various playstyles and preferences, providing you with diverse and thrilling experiences. It extends the main game's duration by about 19 hours, making the whole package last around 50 hours if you only focus on the main quests.

Single-player: Venture forth on a solo adventure, immersing yourself in the dark and atmospheric world of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. In this mode, you can tackle challenging quests, explore vast landscapes, and battle the demonic forces of evil at your own pace.
Multiplayer: Team up with friends or join forces with players from around the globe in the engaging online multiplayer mode. In multiplayer, you can cooperate with others to tackle challenging quests, venture into dangerous dungeons, trade powerful items, and experience the true camaraderie of adventuring together.
PVP (Player versus Player): Prove your prowess in combat and engage in intense PVP battles against other players. Test your skills, build the most powerful character, and rise to the top of the PVP ranks as you face off against other heroes in adrenaline-pumping duels.
Hardcore: For those seeking the ultimate challenge and thrill, Hardcore Mode is the way to go. In this mode, death is permanent, adding a sense of danger and excitement as you must tread carefully and make every decision count. Only the most daring and skilled adventurers can survive in Hardcore Mode.

What do the reviews say?

Diablo II: Lord of Destruction has a Metacritic score of 87/100 and is considered, like Diablo II, a masterpiece striving for excellence and innovation.