With the release of Diablo 4 and Diablo 2: Resurrected on the horizon, fans of Blizzard's most demonic franchise are going back in time to experience the 2D isometric sequel all over again. While the original Diablo is certainly a classic in its own right, Diablo 2 is considered to be the superior of the first two entries in the series, and thus more deserving of a remaster.
One thing players new to the classic game will quickly realize is how different Diablo 2 is from Diablo 3, which came out more than a decade later. It's harder, less forgiving, and incredibly complex with little to no guides on how to accomplish certain tasks. One thing that has remained constant, though, is the incredible community still creating Diablo 2 mods years and years later.
Updated June 23, 2021 by Erik Petrovich: The release of Diablo 2: Resurrected on the imminent horizon has fans clamoring over the original game, returning in droves to the classic ARPG. Installing mods for such an old game, though, can be a complicated process, and it's important to keep a few things in mind before even searching for a good download. Many mods are the labor of decades of love for Diablo 2, and it's important to recognize the people who have spent so much time on these projects. too.
11 Installing Mods for Diablo 2
When it comes to installing mods for Diablo 2, there are a few things to consider before even clicking the download button. Make sure to visit reputable sites, such as ModDB or Nexus Mods, for a more secure connection where viruses and other sketchy downloads are more scarce – and remember to scan files before opening them. While file sizes for a game as old as Diablo 2 tend to be tiny, it's still worth taking a second to make sure there's enough space on your PC for these installations. Most mods have special requirements that one should check for, too.
Oftentimes, these requirements include other mods for compatibility or mod loaders to function correctly. Be sure to read through the mod description before downloading, or you might find yourself going back to the listing anyway to figure out why Goku isn't showing up in-game – most mod listings include a handy list of compatible mods and required installations for this purpose. The most popular Mod Loader for Diablo 2 is D2SE.
What Is D2SE?
D2SE is a custom mod manager created for the sole purpose of organizing and providing functionality for Diablo 2 modding. It lets the player choose which mods to enable or disable, can clean up the installation folder for fresh playthroughs, and is generally a requirement for every mod listed below.
Mods can then be extracted to the D2SE folder, where they can be executed through the application's custom UI where the player can also launch Diablo 2 from. It's convenient, it's super simple to use, and it's a necessity for modding old games such as Diablo 2.
10 Comedy Mod: You Gotta Be Kidding Me
- Created by Onyx
You Gotta Be Kidding Me is a joke mod that totally overhauls Diablo 2 into something else entirely. The mod has no shortage of pop culture references, like characters and stages based upon The Matrix, Star Wars, and Mortal Kombat.
It's not one of the best Diablo 2 mods, and it's not a serious mod by any means – likely one that players won't stick with for any meaningful amount of time – but it's worth the download for the hodge-podge memey menu screen alone.
9 Overhaul Mod: Pandora's Trials
- Created by DreameaterX and Hast3
Pandora's Trials is a recent Diablo 2 mod that has found recent popularity even in 2021. It's a mod that changes a lot about the base game, including the addition of a passive bonus system, an immersive approach to faster leveling, and an alchemy system.
The namesake of the mod comes from the Pandora's Box feature. Pandora's Box is an item that, once acquired, lets the player access new locations and new enemies. Be warned, it won't be a walk in the park.
8 Expansion Mod: Genesis 2.0
- Created by BishoYo
This mod was only converted to English recently but was a popular Polish mod for many years. Genesis 2.0 is an expansion-sized mod, featuring new maps, layouts, items, recipes, and runewords. It is one of the best Diablo 2 mods for end-game players who want a little something more from the experience.
Genesis 2.0 also improves some PvP elements of Diablo 2 and adds new in-game events that pose new (and often extremely difficult) challenges for the player to overcome.
7 Story-Based Mod: The Puppeteer
- Created by DreameaterX and Hast3
The Puppeteer is a unique mod in that its focus is on the narrative, not gameplay adjustments. The new story can be played on an existing character or a new one, and the mod also comes with a variety of improvements and fresh additions to Diablo 2.
Many Diablo 2 mods include an easier leveling system to reduce the grind of the original game. The Puppeteer is no exception, but it counteracts the faster leveling with new bosses and new skills for old enemies.
6 Overhaul Mod: Dark Alliance
- Uploaded by Dark_Alliance
This mod particularly stands out for its all-encompassing features. Dark Alliance revamps the skill system, introduces new enemies to the game (some from Diablo 1), and adds not one but two new full-fledged campaigns to complete after the original game's story.
It also features a subquest system, adds recipes and items, and even comes with a "Book of Story" which recaps important events and the current quest's story. It's a Diablo 2 mod that puts a huge emphasis on the narrative potential of the game.
5 Expansion/Overhaul Mod: Reaper of Souls
- Created by DeathMan
No, it's not the Diablo 3 expansion, it's a mod for Diablo 2! Diablo 2: Reaper of Souls is another total overhaul of the original game. What sets this one apart is the dedication of the modding team, who to this day post updates and patch notes for this extensive addon.
It features a heightened level cap, new recipes, primal ancient weapon and armor sets, new bosses and story chapters, and even a new augmentation system. It is a lightweight install compared to some other mods, despite being full of new features.
4 Comedy Mod: E=mc2
- Created by SheX
It's another meme mod, but this time with a little bit of substance. While You Gotta Be Kidding Me is 100% focused on making the player laugh, E=MC2 changes the game subtly so that the original experience is still preserved as best as it can be.
The mod reworks maps across the game, revamps music, adds items and recipes, and takes a new approach at monsters and skills. In addition to all of this, though, the mod completely changes Act 3, adds easter eggs across the entire game, and changes textures throughout the world.
3 Overhaul Mod: Path of Diablo
- Created by GreenDudeHC
Path of Exile was a smash hit upon release, praised for its similarities to Diablo 2 at the same time that Diablo 3 was criticized for deviating from the classics too much. Path of Diablo does something similar, in making the original Diablo 2 experience more modernized without sacrificing gameplay.
This Diablo 2 mod offers new skills to foster new builds and comes with some much-needed quality of life improvements. It turns Diablo 2 into something of an MMO too by enabling global chat and multiplayer elements.
2 Multiplayer Mod: Hell Unleashed
- Created by Silver-Mane
Hell Unleashed is one of few team-based mods available, perfect for a night of classic gaming with friends near and far. The mod does not hold back punches, and even the normal difficulty setting will test the might of the most seasoned Diablo 2 veterans.
The mod's dedicated realm is run on servers around the world, making for a seamless experience with one of the largest communities in the game.
1 Overhaul and Graphics Mod: Eastern Sun
- Created by IceStorm
Eastern Sun is one of the most popular mods ever released for Diablo 2, considered by some to be the best Diablo 2 mod. It features new story elements, new item sets, and unique monsters, revamps the skill system, and changes the layout of the world to completely overhaul the vanilla experience.
In addition, it is one of few mods that offers graphical improvements, and even has a setting to enhance in-game darkness (those dark corners are going to feel much darker). The mod also hosts its own realm for online play.