Key Takeaways
1. Chris Wilson praises Blizzard’s strategy for the Diablo 2 Resurrected DLC as a sign of respect for gaming history.
2. The DLC, “Reign of the Warlock,” was released on February 11, 2026, to celebrate Diablo’s 30th anniversary and introduces a new class and features.
3. Players must pay $25 for the DLC, which includes new content and updates, while a bundle with the base game and previous expansions costs $39.99.
4. Some existing players are frustrated about needing to pay extra for quality-of-life updates after purchasing the base game.
5. Wilson emphasizes the importance of handling Diablo 2 carefully, acknowledging its impact on the action-RPG genre and the nostalgia it holds for many players.
Chris Wilson, co-creator of Path of Exile, recently shared his views on the new Diablo 2 Resurrected DLC, calling Blizzard’s strategy “the ultimate sign of respect.” He pointed out that the company isn’t hiding new quality-of-life updates behind the paid Reign of the Warlock expansion just to make money; instead, they aim to safeguard an important part of video game history.
Celebrating a Milestone
For those who may not know, Diablo 2 received an unexpected DLC on February 11, 2026, in honor of the franchise’s 30th anniversary. To add some context, Diablo 2 got its first new class after a long wait of twenty-five years. The game originally came out in June 2000.
Pricing and Features
This DLC isn’t free, though. Players will need to pay $25 to access the new demon-summoning Warlock, updated Terror Zones, a new top-tier boss, and a revamped endgame. The expansion was released on the same day as Diablo 2: Resurrected – Infernal Edition on Steam. The Infernal Edition includes the base game, Lord of Destruction, and the Reign of the Warlock DLC, priced at $39.99.
Community Reactions
Nonetheless, some existing players of Diablo 2: Resurrected were disappointed to learn that they must shell out an extra $25 for the Reign of the Warlock expansion after already purchasing the base game for $39.99. This situation leaves many quality-of-life updates still locked behind a paywall for those who already own the game.
Chris Wilson, who is also the co-creator of Path of Exile 2, weighed in on this matter. He has openly acknowledged that Path of Exile pays tribute to Diablo 2 and understands why Blizzard is treating this 25-year-old ARPG with such care.
Wilson’s Insights
In a YouTube video released on February 18, Wilson shared his perspective, stating, “When making changes to Diablo 2, you must tread carefully. This game is special. It launched the whole action-RPG genre. It seems like no matter where I go, I can ask anyone if they’ve played Diablo 2, and they not only say yes, but also share fond memories of it from their childhood, teen years, or time at college.”
He elaborated on Blizzard’s reasoning, suggesting, “I think the reason Blizzard is placing quality-of-life improvements behind a paid DLC isn’t just about making extra sales but rather about preserving an important gaming artifact.”
“To me, those features being exclusive to the new era shows the utmost respect for the original game. The team appears to fully realize the careful handling required for this significant piece of gaming history and is treating it with the respect it rightly deserves.”
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