Yes, people still play the original Diablo 2
As one of the most acclaimed ARPGs of all time, Diablo 2 has demonstrated incredible longevity since its 2000 release. Over 20 years later, a loyal community persists in playing the original game. Why does this decades old title still matter?
The game that defies time – By the numbers
Diablo 2 has maintained a remarkably stable playerbase even following the release of its sister titles:
| Game | All-Time Peak Players | Current Avg. Players |
|---|---|---|
| Diablo 2 | 200,000+ (2012) | 50,000-60,000 (Steam, 2023) |
| Diablo 3 | 3.5 million (2012) | 15,000-20,000 (2022) |
| Diablo 2 Resurrected | 1 million (2021) | 25,000-30,000 (2022) |
These figures indicate that the original Diablo 2 boasts comparable current engagement to even its flashy remaster. Clearly, the old stalwart continues to captivate.
The one that got away – Lingering fan loyalty
Veteran Diablo 2 fans on Reddit attribute steadfast loyalty to the original based on its superior itemization, challenging progression, diverse builds and hardcore community. Many feel its magic has never quite been replicated, even by its own sequels.
As one veteran player states: "No other ARPG has captured that perfect storm of randomized gear/levels, punishing difficulty and viable build diversity. Diablo 2 was peak darkness in the genre. I still play the original over any newer ARPG out there."
Such sentiment is echoed widely throughout diehard Diablo 2 fan communities. To them, newer sequels feel intrinsically lacking – making the original still the pinnacle experience.
Mods, Maps and Trades – A bustling ecosystem
Beyond gameplay merits, another pillar upholding Diablo 2‘s lingering relevance is the thriving custom content and trading ecosystem cultivated by its offline singleplayer support. Myriad mods, custom map editors, bots and third party trading sites continue to drive black market engagement.
Comparatively, Diablo 3‘s always online requirement stifled such grassroots community activity. In contrast, Diablo 2 PC mod DB shows over 6,400 mods and counting in active circulation for the original – allowing endless gameplay permutations. Where developers left off, passionate fans carry the torch.
Less is More – Contrasting Diablo 2 and 3
Analyzing differences between Diablo 2 and 3 highlights why many consider the former to be a deeper and more replayable experience:
Progression:
- Diablo 2 – Gradual power growth based on rare item drops. Elite gear takes enormous grind.
- Diablo 3 – Frequent loot showers. Easy power inflation through item level scaling.
Customization:
- Diablo 2 – Vast meaningful build diversity. Careful stat allocation matters.
- Diablo 3 – Streamlined choice through skill overhaul. Few impactful decisions.
Thus Diablo 2 offers a longer and more granular progression slope alongside greater customization breadth. This underscores its strategic depth – explaining enduring favor over Diablo 3‘s more instant-gratification take.
Nostalgic Homecoming – The retro renaissance lifeline
Finally, Diablo 2 has likely weathered the test of time thanks to the retro gaming explosion over the past decade. Gamers yearning to re-experience iconic titles from their youth now have access to the hardware and modems to smoothly play classics online.
For Diablo 2 in particular, its synonymous association with the term "action-RPG" ensures new generations continually rediscover this genre trailblazer. It represents the nostalgic pinnacle of an entire style of game for many.
Like its demonic overlord namesake, Diablo 2 shows no signs of relinquishing its vicious hold over slain ARPG challengers two decades later. Its secret lies in meticulously crafted guts – a product crafted when games valued substance over form.
This rare confluence of considered game design, emergent community passion and nostalgic stature keeps our veneration for Diablo 2 burning eternal. The Lord of Terror may yet claim souls for another 20 years.
