Diablo

Diablo

A dark fantasy action RPG series where heroes battle the forces of Hell to save the mortal realm of Sanctuary.

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Diablo
Also Known As
Diablo Series, Diablo Universe
Format
Video Game Franchise
Release Year
1996
Current Status
Active
Country of Origin
United States
Creator
Blizzard North (Original), Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Original Work
Video Game
Genre
Action RPG, Dark Fantasy, Hack and Slash, Dungeon Crawler

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Diablo.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
Heroes battle against the Prime Evils and forces of Hell to protect the mortal realm of Sanctuary from demonic invasion.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
Sanctuary - a world caught between Heaven and Hell
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
Good vs evil, corruption, sacrifice, eternal conflict, redemption

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Diablo's global influence.
1996
Original Diablo launches, revolutionizes action RPG genre
2000
Diablo II releases with expanded classes and online play
2001
Diablo II: Lord of Destruction expansion
2012
Diablo III launches after 12-year wait
2014
Reaper of Souls expansion revitalizes Diablo III
2023
Diablo IV launches with return to dark roots
Sales
Over 65 million copies sold across all games
Revenue
Multi-billion dollar franchise
Awards
Multiple Game of the Year awards, RPG excellence awards

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Diablo.
The Nephalem
[Silent protagonist - actions define the character]
Descendants of angels and demons with the potential to surpass both Heaven and Hell in power.View Profile
Deckard Cain
Stay awhile and listen!
The last of the Horadrim, keeper of ancient knowledge and mentor to heroes throughout the series.View Profile
Tyrael
Justice shall fall upon the world of men.
Former Archangel of Justice who became mortal to help humanity, wielding the sword El'druin.View Profile
Diablo
Not even death can save you from me!
The youngest but most cunning of the Prime Evils, master of fear and terror who seeks to corrupt Sanctuary.View Profile
Mephisto
Hatred is the only truth!
The eldest and most intelligent of the Prime Evils, master of hatred and corruption.View Profile
Baal
Destruction cannot be stopped!
The most destructive of the Prime Evils, seeking to corrupt the Worldstone and destroy Sanctuary.View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is the Diablo series?
Diablo is the definitive Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) and Hack-and-Slash series. It is defined by its isometric camera view, real-time combat against hordes of enemies, randomized dungeons, and a deep, addictive loot system.
What is the story of Sanctuary?
Sanctuary is the mortal world where the series takes place. It was created by the rebel angel Inarius and the demon Lilith as a refuge from the Eternal Conflict between Heaven and Hell. The humans who inhabit it are descendants of angels and demons, known as Nephalem.
Who is the main antagonist in the Diablo series?
The primary antagonist is Diablo, the Lord of Terror, one of the three Prime Evils. He repeatedly returns to corrupt humanity and conquer Sanctuary. Other major villains include his brothers Mephisto and Baal, and more recently, his niece Lilith.
What are the playable classes in Diablo IV?
The base game of Diablo IV features five classes: Barbarian (melee brawler), Druid (shapeshifter and elementalist), Necromancer (summoner of the dead), Rogue (agile archer/assassin), and Sorcerer (elemental mage). The Spiritborn class was added in the 'Vessel of Hatred' expansion.
What is 'Hardcore' mode in Diablo?
Hardcore mode is a high-stakes difficulty setting where death is permanent. If your character dies in Hardcore mode, they are gone forever, along with all their equipped gear and inventory, adding a layer of extreme tension and prestige.
Who is Lilith in Diablo lore?
Lilith is the daughter of Mephisto and the Mother of Sanctuary. She is a complex figure who seeks to empower humanity (her children) to end the Eternal Conflict, though her methods are often ruthless and destructive. She is the central antagonist of Diablo IV.
How does the loot system work in Diablo?
Loot is the core progression loop. Defeated enemies drop items of varying rarity: Normal (white), Magic (blue), Rare (yellow), Legendary (orange), and Unique (gold). Higher rarities offer powerful stats and game-changing special effects that define character builds.
Can I play Diablo offline?
Diablo I and II offer offline modes. However, Diablo III (on PC) and Diablo IV are always-online games that require a persistent internet connection to play, even for solo content, due to their shared-world and live-service features.
What is the difference between Diablo II and Diablo III?
Diablo II is known for its darker atmosphere, complex skill trees, and unforgiving mechanics, considered a classic. Diablo III introduced smoother, faster combat, a more flexible skill rune system, and a brighter (though controversial) art style, making it more accessible.
Is Diablo multiplayer?
Yes, all Diablo games support multiplayer. You can team up with friends or strangers to slay demons together. Diablo IV embraces this further with a shared open world where you can encounter other players in towns and during world events.

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