Release of Diablo II

Released on June 29, 2000, Diablo II by Blizzard North became one of the most influential and beloved action RPGs in gaming history. Building on the success of its 1996 predecessor, Diablo II expanded every element—offering five unique character classes, a vast multi-act world, improved loot systems, and an addictive gameplay loop centered on hack-and-slash combat and randomized dungeon crawling. The game’s dark gothic tone, combined with atmospheric sound design and haunting music by Matt Uelmen, created an immersive experience that captivated millions. Diablo II was especially praised for its deep customization, online co-op via Battle.net, and its endgame loot grind, which laid the foundation for modern ARPGs. Its expansion, Lord of Destruction (2001), introduced two new classes and further refined the gameplay. The game's long-term impact is undeniable—its mechanics influenced countless titles in and beyond the ARPG genre. Even decades after release, Diablo II remained popular in online communities, eventually leading to the release of Diablo II: Resurrected in 2021. It’s a defining title in Blizzard’s legacy and a touchstone for any discussion about the evolution of PC gaming.