Diablo II is an action role-playing game developed by Blizzard North and published by Blizzard Entertainment in 2000. The game, with its dark fantasy and horror themes, was the sequel to the widely popular Diablo and the first new instalment in the Diablo series since its debut in 1996. Diablo II expands on the gameplay of the original game with the addition of new features, new quests, and unique environment types. The game was a commercial success, having sold more than 4 million copies by June 2005.

​​It's been more than a decade since Diablo II was released, and the game is still going strong. Whether you're a veteran player looking to relive the glory days or a newcomer just trying to wrap your head around the complicated mechanics, there's a lot to learn. Here's our helpful guide for all things Diablo II. 

The first thing you need to understand about Diablo II is that it is a very complex game. There are dozens of different items, hundreds of other skills, and many ways to build your character. 

The good news is that you don't need to know everything to have a good time. Just focus on learning the basics, and you'll be able to hold your own in most situations. One of the most important things to understand is the concept of character classes. 

Diablo II has seven classes: Amazon, Necromancer, Barbarian, Paladin, Sorceress, Druid, and Assassin. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the one that's right for your play style is essential. 

Another critical thing to understand is the difference between the two difficulty settings: Normal and Nightmare. Normal mode is the easier of the two and is recommended for most players, and the nightmare mode is significantly more difficult, but it also offers better rewards. You can try tackling Nightmare mode if you feel confident in your skills. Just be prepared to die… A lot. 

Finally, you need to understand the basic flow of the game. Diablo II is divided into four main acts, each with its unique storyline. Each act is further divided into multiple levels, and you'll need to complete all the l evels in an act before moving on to the next one. 

The goal of the game is to defeat Diablo, the Lord of Terror, and his minions. Skills and Items As you progress through the game, you'll earn experience points (EXP) and level up your character. Each time you level up, you'll earn a skill point that you can use to unlock new skills or upgrade existing ones. 

There are dozens of skills to choose from, so spending your skill points wisely is essential. In addition to skills, you'll also find a variety of additional items that you can use to customize your character further.

There are three types of items: weapons, armor, and miscellaneous. Weapons and armor will improve your character's stats, while miscellaneous items can do everything from healing to giving you a temporary boost of speed. As you might expect, higher-level things are usually more potent than lower-level ones, but they're also much rarer. You can buy Diablo 2 items online, however you’ll also find most of the excellent stuff by completing quests or killing unique monsters. 

Now that you understand the basics, it's time to start playing the game. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Diablo II. 

One of the best ways to earn EXP and level up quickly is to complete quests. Not only will you gain a nice chunk of EXP, but you'll also usually get some good rewards like weapons and armor. 

Try grouping up with other players if you need help defeating a monster or boss. There's strength in numbers, and you'll usually have an easier time taking down formidable enemies with a few friends by your side. 

Don't be afraid to experiment with different skills and items. The beauty of Diablo II is that there are so many different ways to build your character. Try out other crafts and items and see what works best for you. And finally, remember to have fun. 

Diablo II is a complex game, but it's also a lot of fun. Stay calm if you die a few times or need help figuring out a puzzle. Just take a deep breath and jump back in.

(Image credit: Blizzard)