The originalDiablo 2launched in 2000, nearly 22 years ago. The game remains played, and successful, to this day. That’s in no small part due to continued support forDiablo 2’s competitive ladder, of which there have been 28 full seasons (and a 29th ongoing). Suffice to say, it’s a highly anticipated feature forDiablo 2: Resurrected, as well, one that’s unfortunately been delayed so far. That changes today, however. Blizzard’s now confirmed thatDiablo 2: Resurrected’s first ladder is now live.For those unfamiliar with whatDiablo 2: Resurrected’s ladder system will deliver, it’s a fun competitive game mode for those looking for a new way to play the game. Those who participate in the ladder will create entirely new characters based onDiablo 2: Resurrected’s newest patch, 2.4. They’ll then progress through the game, gaining levels and having the opportunity to earn loot exclusive to the ladder. All ladder participants will be compared to each other on a leaderboard based on experience earned. At the end of the season, ladder characters get shifted over to standard servers.RELATED:Diablo Immortal Trailer Reveals Launch Date for Mobile and PCDiablo 2: Resurrected’s ladder will offer four unique modes to play through. There will be both a Classic and Hardcore Classic ladder, which are played on the base four acts onDiablo 2: Resurrected. The remaining two are the Expansion Ladder and the Hardcore Expansion ladder, which include the fifth act from theLord of Destructionexpansion. Hardcore, for those unfamiliar, means that characters permanently die on death, for the ultimate challenge.
There’s no official word regarding whenDiablo 2: Resurrected’s first ladder season will end. The originalDiablo 2’s ladder seasons settled into a rhythm of around 180 days per season, but there’s no guaranteeDiablo 2: Resurrectedwill match that.Blizzardmay attempt to do faster seasons for the new game. It could also do slower seasons, to ensure new content arrives with each ladder’s end. Time will tell.
Part of whyDiablofans have been so excited about the first ladder is the release of patch 2.4, the first major update forDiablo 2since March 2010.Diablo 2: Resurrected’s first ladder seasoncaught a short delay, however, so patch 2.4 arrived two weeks ago. It makes the occasion a little less exciting, butDiablofans aren’t likely to let that stymie their hype.
This has been a dayDiablofans have been anticipating for a long time. It’s a variety of all-new content, a new way to experience the leveling experience ofDiablo 2never seen before. And it’s a competitive experience experienced with all ofDiablo 2: Resurrected’s updated visuals and features. Maybe today’s ladder update will be the first step toward anewDiablo 2: Resurrectedexpansion, too.
Diablo 2: Resurrectedis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
