With Diablo 4’s new season now fully unveiled and Path of Exile 2 early access well underway, it’s a perfect time to return to the game that started it all. The original Diablo remains one of the most important ARPGs to grace the PC, and while it was Blizzard’s sequel that truly set the mold in stone, the first game established its foundations. Now, following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Diablo has come to PC Game Pass, and it’s well worth trying if you missed out on this classic.
First launched in 1997, Diablo established the formula that would go on to give us some of the best RPGs of all time – both within its series and outside of it. Pick your class, dive into the dungeons beneath Tristram, descend into Hell, and take on the Lord of Terror, all the while learning spells and gathering plenty of loot to strengthen your character. As Blizzard unveils Diablo 4 Season 7 in full, it celebrates with the launch of the original on PC Game Pass.
The Game Pass release also includes the expansion, Diablo: Hellfire, meaning you’ll get access to four character classes, with the Monk joining the Warrior, Rogue, and Sorcerer to round out the lineup. The first Diablo is much more singular in its focus, centered around a long series of randomized dungeons. You’ll recognize most of the fundamentals, such as the white, blue, and yellow item tiers, if you’ve played any other ARPGs of late.
While it might be dated by modern standards, the first Diablo is still incredibly playable and there’s a pleasing simplicity to its design. Much like Path of Exile, your spells and skills aren’t restricted by class, although the stats you lean into will define what you’re capable of making use of. With its arrival on Game Pass, I’d certainly recommend that anyone who’s never played this foundational entry in the series gives it a try.
Diablo is now playable for subscribers to PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. You’ll find it right here.
If you need even more of the best games like Diablo, we’ve got you covered. Alternatively, get nostalgic with us and revisit some of the best old games you can still play today.
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