Diablo II is the strongest all-round Diablo, with Diablo IV close behind for its modern combat and presentation. This ranking covers the five released mainline and spin-off games, counting Diablo II: Resurrected as the modern edition of Diablo II rather than a separate game. Expansions are folded into their base-game entries where they materially shape the package; Hellfire is not ranked separately. Diablo Immortal is included because it is a full story-driven Diablo game, even though its mobile-first, free-to-play design makes it a different fit from the premium PC and console entries.
The order is editorial, not an objective score or a consensus ranking. It weighs combat and loot, build choice and progression, campaign atmosphere, endgame replayability, and platform accessibility. If you are choosing where to start, pick Diablo II: Resurrected for the series’ classic action-RPG loop, or Diablo IV for the most current-feeling presentation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
![Diablo IV | Age of Hatred Collection | Nintendo Switch 2 [Code in a Box]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316PBtvThiL._SL160_.jpg)
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Diablo IV | Age of Hatred Collection | Nintendo Switch 2 [Code in a Box] | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Diablo III Eternal Collection (PS4) | $24.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![DIABLO III: ETERNAL COLLECTION - [PlayStation 4]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51F8YuoN5nL._SL160_.jpg)
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DIABLO III: ETERNAL COLLECTION - [PlayStation 4] | $23.35 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Diablo 3 Eternal Collection - Nintendo Switch | $36.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Funko POP! Games: Diablo 4 - Mephisto | $12.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Every Diablo game ranked
- Diablo II (including Diablo II: Resurrected)
- Diablo IV
- Diablo III
- Diablo
- Diablo Immortal
Blizzard’s current catalog lists Diablo IV, Diablo Immortal, Diablo II: Resurrected, and Diablo III; its broader catalog also identifies the original Diablo. The ranking below focuses on those five distinct game experiences, rather than treating the Resurrected remaster as a sixth entry. The ranking criteria are applied consistently, but the games emphasize different strengths: a slower campaign can be more atmospheric, while a more accessible entry can be easier to recommend to newcomers.
1. Diablo II
Why it ranks first
Diablo II remains the series’ most compelling blend of combat, loot, and long-term character investment. Its appeal is less about constant novelty than the satisfaction of shaping a character, finding a meaningful upgrade, and deciding whether to push deeper into dangerous territory. The loot loop and deliberate progression make each improvement feel consequential.
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- COMPLETE DIABLO IV COLLECTION – Includes the Diablo IV base game plus the Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred expansions in one action RPG bundle for Nintendo Switch 2.
- SWEEPING DARK FANTASY CAMPAIGN – Unlikely heroes arise, ancient foes stir, and no soul is safe as Mephisto, the Prime Evil of Hatred, spreads his corruption across Sanctuary.
- 8 PLAYABLE CLASSES – Master eight distinct Diablo IV classes, including the all-new Paladin and Warlock, and build the hero you want to play.
- EXPLORE NAHANTU – Take up the Spiritborn class and become the apex predator of the jungles of Nahantu in the Vessel of Hatred expansion.
- JOURNEY TO THE ISLES OF SKOVOS – Adventure to the never-before-seen region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
Builds, campaign, and replayability
Class identity and skill choices give characters a strong sense of specialization. The campaign’s dark, episodic journey across distinct regions is a defining part of the game’s atmosphere, and its expansion content extends that package. Replaying with another build or character keeps the core loop engaging, though its older structure and pace can feel less forgiving than later games.
Where Resurrected fits
Diablo II: Resurrected is the modern edition used for this entry, not a separate numbered game. Blizzard’s launch guide describes rebuilt 3D graphics, remastered audio, new cinematics, quality-of-life changes, and cross-progression support. Its launch-era platform list included Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch; Blizzard said there was no physical game version. Those details describe the launch guide, not a guarantee of current storefront availability.
For a first playthrough, Resurrected makes the original experience easier to approach visually while preserving its underlying character and combat design. It still asks more patience of players than the later entries.
Rank #2
- The Diablo III: Eternal Collection is an unparalleled action role-playing experience and contains Diablo III, the Reaper of Souls expansion set, and the Necromancer class together in one definitive volume
- Rise as one of humanity's last defenders -Crusader, Barbarian, Witch Doctor, Demon Hunter, Monk, Wizard, or Necromancer-and level up with devastating powers and legendary loot
- Diablo III Signs of the end times draw powerful heroes from all over Sanctuary to rise up and defeat an evil reborn
- Diablo III Reaper of Souls Challenge Death itself as Malthael-Angel of Death-attempts to harness the infernal powers of the Black Soulstone
- Rise of the Necromancer Commanding the powers of blood, bone, and armies of undead, the Necromancer joins the fight*
2. Diablo IV
Why it ranks second
Diablo IV is the best entry for players who want the series’ dark tone with modern action and a broad world to explore. Its combat feels forceful, and its presentation gives the campaign a scale and polish that the older games cannot match. The result is the most immediately inviting premium Diablo for many newcomers.
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Class-based character building gives players room to shape how they fight, while gear remains central to progression. The open-world structure changes the feel of exploration: Sanctuary is less a sequence of isolated journeys than a connected place with activities beyond the main story. That breadth supports ongoing play, though players looking for the lean, focused campaign of the first two games may prefer their tighter structure.
Blizzard’s June 2023 launch announcement places Diablo IV 50 years after Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. The same launch announcement reported 93 million hours of play during the game’s first four days of early access. That is a launch-period playtime figure, not a measure of current activity. Its description as Blizzard Entertainment’s fastest-selling game was likewise defined as sales on all platforms before launch through June 5, 2023, rather than a current sales comparison.
Rank #3
- Includes Diablo III
- Includes Diablo III: Reaper of Souls
- Includes Return of the Necromancer
- Take part in seasonal events and earn exclusive rewards such as armor sets, companions and other devilishly cool extras
3. Diablo III
Why it ranks third
Diablo III is the series’ most immediately readable action-RPG: combat is fast, effects are clear, and the loot chase quickly becomes the central pleasure. It is a strong choice for players who want to get into the action without mastering a more old-fashioned interface or slower progression.
Progression and replayability
Its class abilities and gear-driven experimentation create a satisfying loop, especially when replaying with different characters or pushing through repeatable endgame activities. Compared with Diablo II, builds can feel more readily adjustable and combat more streamlined; that accessibility is a strength, but it also makes character development feel less weighty to some players. The expansion-inclusive package gives the game more campaign and endgame substance than the base release alone.
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At launch, Blizzard reported more than 3.5 million copies sold in the first 24 hours and more than 6.3 million players or copies by the end of the first week. Those 2012 figures excluded players who received the game through the World of Warcraft Annual Pass and Korean internet game rooms from the cited totals. They document launch scale, not a directly comparable measure of the other games’ popularity.
Rank #4
- Region Free Australia
- 100% Compatible With USANintendo Switch Console
- 100% Compatible with USA Nintendo Switch Account
- Work Exactly the Same as Local USA Version
4. Diablo
Why it ranks fourth
The original Diablo is the series’ most concentrated descent into gothic horror. Its dungeon-focused structure, oppressive atmosphere, and measured pace make each encounter feel dangerous. It is worth playing to see the foundation the later games build on, and its mood remains distinct even beside newer entries.
What to expect
The original is narrower and more austere than the sequels: its appeal lies in atmosphere and a focused crawl, not the broader build options and long-term activity loops of later games. That makes it an excellent historical starting point for curious fans, but a less natural first game for players who want modern conveniences or a sprawling endgame.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Diablo Immortal
Why it ranks fifth
Diablo Immortal earns its place as a story-driven Diablo, but its mobile-first, free-to-play format makes it the least straightforward recommendation for a reader seeking the core PC and console experience. Its controls and session-friendly structure prioritize accessibility, while the product’s format and monetization model set it apart from the premium entries.
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Story and fit
Blizzard places Diablo Immortal between Diablo II: Lord of Destruction and Diablo III in the series timeline. It offers another chapter in Sanctuary’s story and a convenient way to play on mobile, but players who want a traditional premium campaign and progression loop should start with Diablo II: Resurrected or Diablo IV.
Which Diablo game should you play first?
- Choose Diablo II: Resurrected for a classic, deliberate action-RPG with a deep loot-and-build loop.
- Choose Diablo IV for modern combat, a large connected world, and the most contemporary presentation.
- Choose Diablo III for the fastest route to accessible, high-energy combat and repeatable loot hunting.
- Choose the original Diablo if you want the most focused horror atmosphere and are comfortable with an older design.
- Choose Diablo Immortal if mobile play and its distinct free-to-play format are part of the appeal.
There is no universal answer: the best starting point depends on whether you want atmosphere, build depth, modern world design, or an easy-to-pick-up mobile experience. Blizzard’s 2026 anniversary recap says more than 130 million players worldwide have entered Sanctuary across the franchise; that is a cumulative franchise-wide player figure, not a count of current active players or unique purchasers.
Quick Recap
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