6 Best Diablo Games: Which One Reigns Supreme in 2025?
The best Diablo games have offered gamers worldwide digital crack since the franchise was released in 1997. All the Diablo games offer hordes of enemies and demons to slay, an explosion of loot, and new classes for you to gear up to take on the high heavens and burning hells alone.
From the claustrophobic depths of Tristram’s cathedral in the original Diablo to the sprawling open world of Diablo IV, the series has evolved while staying true to its addictive, loot-driven formula.
In this article, we’ll look at the legendary franchise that pioneered the ARPG genre and forever changed the game industry. I’ll rank the Diablo games based on their mechanics, key features, and what each game did best.
Whether you’re a veteran who played the second game during its peak or someone jumping in from Diablo IV, let’s descend into hell to see which comes out on top.
6 Best Diablo Games Ranked
Our selection for the Best Diablo Games is based on how it feels to pick up the game in its current state. While we may mention their controversies during their worst time, what’s most important is how Blizzard listened to feedback to fix the game.
For a Diablo title, players expect the build diversity from loot and skills to customize their character classes. While story, graphics, and music help sell the game, it’s the fun endgame content that motivates players to stay with their preferred Diablo title. With that out of the way, check out ranking for the best Diablo game!
1. Diablo II: Resurrected
| Developer | Platforms | Year of release |
| Blizzard Entertainment, Blizzard Albany | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now | 2021 |
Diablo II: Resurrected is a love letter to the most influential game in the ARPG genre. At its core, the game retains the timeless gameplay of the original Diablo II and its Lord of Destruction expansion, but it’s wrapped in a stunning visual overhaul that brings the dark, gothic world of Sanctuary to life like never before.
The remaster features fully rebuilt 3D models on top of the or and enhanced environmental details, allowing players to switch back to the original 2D graphics with a single button for that nostalgic touch.
The remaster focused on improving the visuals and left its gameplay untouched, only adding a few quality-of-life improvements like a shared stash and auto gold pickup. While the game is certainly ahead of its time, it plays like how it was 20 years ago, which will deter players looking for a more modern feel.
It retains the original’s bleak tone and punishing difficulty, perfect for players who want to overcome a challenge like a great strategy game.
Seven distinct classes and intricate skill trees allow for countless build possibilities. There’s the loot system, with its randomized drops, item affixes, and the complex Runeword system to keep players pushing the limits of their characters. If that’s not enough, multiplayer trading, PVP, and seasonal content will keep you satisfied for a long time.
Diablo II: Resurrected is more than just a remaster, it’s a celebration of a game that defined the gaming industry. Honoring the past while embracing modern sensibilities bridges the gap between old-school veterans and a new generation of ARPG fans.
2. Diablo II: Lord of Destruction
| Developer | Platforms | Year of release |
| Blizzard Entertainment, Blizzard North | Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2000 |
The classic game Diablo II and its expansion Lord of Destruction aged well, and it is a fair assumption that a majority of players should move on to Resurrected for its visual and quality of life improvements. However, one of the biggest reasons to boot up the original game is due to its community and established mods.
In this version, you’ll safely have access to game-changing mods like Medial XL, Path of Diablo, and Project Diablo 2, which are unavailable in the modern release. Mods like these are highly recommended for the most part to vastly improve, rebalance, or shake up the original game.
Diablo II: Lord of Destruction remains one of the nicest hack-and-slash games even with its dated graphics. For diehard Diablo fans who want a tailored experience on PC, say, new classes, story, and features that are robust as an excellent expansion, consider looking at the first game.
3. Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
| Developer | Platforms | Year of release |
| Blizzard Entertainment, Blizzard Albany, Team 3 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2023 |
Diablo IV represents a triumphant return to the series’ darker, grittier roots while embracing modern gaming trends.
Set in a sprawling, interconnected open world 50 years after Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, the game introduces a shared-world experience, where players can encounter each other in real-time, team up for world events, or stumble upon hidden procedurally generated dungeons. This blend of MMO elements makes Sanctuary feel like a top-notch adventure game.
Blizzard proves their cinematic team is the best in the gaming industry as Diablo IV’s cutscenes are impressive from art to acting. Bringing the franchise back to its roots, there’s a focus on horror, despair, and violence that harkens back to the original Diablo. This is one of the best Diablo games if we’re going by its base campaign and Vessel of Hatred expansion.
Despite that, Diablo IV is less about the leveling journey and more about its dense endgame, and there’s so much to do in this world. For starters, there are bounties called Grim Favors that push you to explore the world and engage with content like Nightmare Dungeons, Legion Events, World Bosses, Helltide, Seasonal events, reach higher difficulties with the Pit, and kill other players in PvP zones.
The Vessel of Hatred expansion also added The Dark Citadel and it functions as a complex raid meant for groups.
Of course, what would be the point of all this content if isn’t fun? Thankfully, Diablo IV’s moment-to-moment combat is refined and visceral, with a satisfying depth that casuals can enjoy while relaxing on their Xbox and other consoles. Diablo IV’s commitment to live service elements and MMO features will entertain players for years to come.
4. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls
| Developer | Platforms | Year of release |
| Blizzard Entertainment | Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | 2012 |
Diablo III had one of the most tumultuous launches in the series, marred by server issues, a divisive art style, and the infamous real-money auction house. The auction house, which allowed players to buy and sell gear for real currency, was intended to create a player-driven economy but instead undermined the core Diablo experience.
It shifted the focus from earning loot through gameplay to purchasing power, leading to widespread criticism and a sense of betrayal among fans. Combined with the game’s always-online requirement, which caused frustrating connection problems at launch, Diablo III’s initial reception was far from stellar.
However, Blizzard listened to feedback and took significant steps to fix the game’s issues. The removal of the auction house in 2014 was a turning point, followed by everything added in the Reaper of Souls expansion.
Adventure Mode, which replaced the campaign with open-ended bounties and rifts, was a huge success for endgame content. Players were glad to jump back in every Season to fight, kill, and loot for new rewards.
It’s the best Diablo game when it comes to the loot grind. Loot 2.0 or the Smart Drop System revamped its system to reward players with a steady stream of relevant upgrades. Add on the newly introduced Legendary items and Kanai’s Cube to fix your loot, Diablo III becomes a fun game since you’re not frustrated from being unlucky.
At its core, Diablo III is a polished and highly enjoyable ARPG. Its fluid combat and visceral animations make every skill and attack feel impactful, while the streamlined skill system allows for easy experimentation with builds.
Unlike earlier games, It has this arcade feel where you’re clearing rooms of demons in seconds, especially when you’re pushing Nephelem Rifts, perfect for quick runs on the Nintendo Switch and handheld consoles.
Despite its rocky start, Diablo III ultimately redeemed itself, becoming a beloved entry in the franchise and one of the best RPG games. It excels in accessibility and polish, making it an excellent gateway for newcomers to Diablo titles.
5. Diablo: Hellfire
| Developer | Platforms | Year of release |
| Blizzard Entertainment, Sierra Entertainment | Microsoft Windows | 1997 |
The original Diablo deserves immense respect as the groundbreaking game that started it all. Many of its features have become mainstays in the series and formed the foundation for the ARPG genre as a whole.
Its real-time combat system, which replaced the turn-based mechanics common in RPGs at the time, set a new standard for (at the time) fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay.
The game’s randomized dungeons and loot-driven progression created an endlessly replayable experience that didn’t expect you to keep playing forever. Reinforced by its haunting soundtrack and eerie visuals, the dark, gothic atmosphere established the tone that would define the series.
Later entries tried to follow up on it, but none could match Diablo’s horror and oppressiveness.
Even so, it’s difficult to come back to Diablo if you don’t already have fond memories as its dated gameplay isn’t as timeless as the sequel. But Diablo in its simplest form offers an uncomplicated, linear dungeon-crawling experience that’s challenging and rewarding.
What makes the original Diablo worth playing today is its raw, unfiltered charm. The game’s simplicity is its strength, offering a pure, uncomplicated dungeon-crawling experience that isn’t bogged down by live service elements, leaderboards, and an endless endgame. Retro gaming enthusiasts and gamers who grew up with Diablo would have a fun time booting up this classic again.
6. Diablo Immortal
| Developer | Platforms | Year of release |
| Blizzard Entertainment, NetEase Games, Hong Kong NetEase Interactive Entertainment Limited | Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now | 2022 |
Diablo Immortal represents Blizzard’s ambitious foray into the mobile gaming space. Set between the events of Diablo II and Diablo III, you’ll continue your demon-slaying rampage in the world of Sanctuary alongside familiar faces. Designed with touch controls in mind, the game feels intuitive to play for the broader audience.
One of the game’s standout features is its MMO-like structure, which introduces shared open-world zones, group dungeons, and PvP modes. This social aspect adds a new dimension to the Diablo experience, encouraging players to team up for world events or compete in the Cycle of Strife, a faction-based PvP system.This game puts the focus on clans and parties by incentivizing places to group up for endgame PvE and PvP.
However, Diablo Immortal is perhaps best known for its monetization model. The game relies heavily on microtransactions, particularly for legendary gems, which are essential for maximizing character power in the late game.
This pay-to-win approach sparked significant backlash from the community, with many players feeling that the game prioritized profit over fairness.
Despite the controversy, Diablo Immortal has been praised for its smooth gameplay, impressive graphics, and wealth of fun content. It delivers a true Diablo experience on mobile, and it’s definitely a cut above the rest of most games on the platform.
For casual players who needs their Diablo fix on the go, there’s plenty of enjoyment here even if you don’t spend a dime (no matter how much the game pushes you to spend).
FAQs
What is considered the best Diablo game?
The best game according to veterans is Diablo 2 Resurrected. For one, it features deep RPG mechanics with engaging loot, especially with the Runeword system. It also hits the right pace where it’s difficult without having you fly across the map one shotting enemies.
Should I play Diablo 1, 2, 3 before 4?
No. While Diablo attempts to have consistent lore and an ongoing story, it’s only for the campaign, which players will finish before moving on to the endgame content.
Is Diablo 2 better than 3?
Yes, Diablo 2 is better than Diablo 3. However, the two games are wildly different in that they’re only related in name. Play Diablo 3 if you prefer fast-paced action that’s easy to pick up in short bursts.
