Diablo 2: Resurrected is the highly requested and highly anticipated remaster of arguably the best Diablo game in the franchise's history. With just over a month away from its release, fans who plan on giving the remaster a try will have to brush up on their knowledge of the game if they are planning on taking part in the game's ladder. Thankfully, fans who have preordered Diablo 2: Resurrected on select consoles and PC will be able to experience its early access on August 13 until August 17. For those who have not preordered but would like to try Diablo 2: Resurrected before purchasing, an open beta will be available to everyone on the same platforms starting August 20 until August 23.
During Diablo 2: Resurrected's early access and open beta, 2 more classes will be available to try this time around compared to the last beta test some months ago. The classes included in this early demonstration will be the Amazon, Barbarian, Sorceress, Druid, and Paladin. When the game launches in September it will include the remaining Assassin and Necromancer classes, which is a bit unfortunate for fans who wanted to give those two classes a try before buying. Regardless, each class typically has its role that it excels at more than others, though with so many classes to choose from when Diablo 2: Resurrected launches, it is a good idea to know what each class is capable of when diving into the game.
RELATED: Recent Diablo 2: Resurrected Changes Are Proof of Diablo 4's Potential
The Amazon class in Diablo 2: Resurrected focuses on ranged attacks for their damage, with builds mainly utilizing either the bow, crossbow, or javelin, with the option to go melee with the two-handed spear. The bow and crossbow specialize in Fire and Cold damage, while the javelin and spear utilize lightning and poison damage. Whether the player decides to use either weapon setup, an Amazon can also specialize in pure physical attacks. The Amazon's defensive capabilities are an important aspect of her playstyle in keeping enemies off of her, such as the Decoy and Valkyrie abilities. These allow the Amazon to keep the enemies distracted while dishing out damage from afar.
The Barbarian is the brutish melee warrior who has a range of eclectic builds, with a specialization tree that focuses on the weapon type, offensive, and defensive capabilities. When doing runs in group or solo play, the Barbarian's warcries buff not only himself but also his allies, making for a good case to have added levels to shout skills in his off-hand setup. At the beginning of a run, the Barbarian can switch to his offhand shout weapons, do his warcry buffs, and swap back to his main weapon and continue. In Diablo 2 the Barbarian is usually played as a melee build, getting in close and personal with the enemy, utilizing popular abilities such as Whirlwind, Concentrate, and Frenzy to name a few.
Keeping in line with other Diablo 2 class archetypes, the Sorceress also plays very much to its designated theme. The Sorceress specializes in either Cold, Lightning, and Fire damage, with the unique travel ability of teleportation. The Sorceress in Diablo 2: Resurrected will be a popular starting choice for many players as the ability to teleport quickly across the map is essential for efficient farming. The Sorceress can specialize in more than one element, ensuring that monsters who might spawn with an elemental immunity pose no problems. Some of the most popular builds are those that create big areas of effect, making groups of enemies effortless to eliminate as the player continues through zones.
The Druid is unique in that it can transform into animals, making for a playstyle different from other classes. On top of the ability to shapeshift, the Druid has access to a number of elemental spells, with the most popular playstyle of these being Tornado and Hurricane. The Druid has the duality of being either up close as a melee specialist, or as a ranged caster, making Diablo 2: Resurrected's Druid a solid choice in either solo or group play. The Druid is one of two classes that can summon creatures such as wolves and bears to aid him on his adventure. In Diablo 2: Resurrected's upcoming beta tests, players will be able to see how the Druid plays and if the class is something that players will want to choose when the game launches.
RELATED: Comparing Diablo 2: Resurrected's Druid and Sorceress Classes
Diablo 2: Resurrected has many types of elements in the game, with Holy being a primary element for the Paladin class. The Paladin is also a melee-focused class like the Barbarian, except Paladins benefit more from shields than Barbarians. Again like the Barbarian, the Paladin can utilize a buff on itself and its allies, though this comes in the form of Auras. Only one Aura can be active at any given time, with each Aura giving a unique beneficial boost in either offensive or defensive capabilities. The Paladin can specialize in a variety of attacks that are unique to him such as Holy Shield, Smite, and the popular Blessed Hammer. The Paladin will be available to demo in the upcoming Diablo 2: Resurrected betas.
The Assassin is a unique class that unfortunately won't be available to try in the upcoming betas in August, but her unique offensive style is certainly related to her theme of traps and claws. The Assassin is Diablo 2's only class other than the Barbarian who can dual-wield, and on top of this, the Assassin can specialize in blocking damage with her claws instead of a shield. The Assassin can create a copy of herself who can not only act as a decoy, but also use the same skills the player can. Blades and bombs are throwables that the Assassin can use if they want to maintain distance, as well as the ability to set up explosive traps and elemental sentries similar to the Sorceress' Fire Hydra skill.
The Necromancer is a popular class due to its offensive abilities and specialization in summoning hordes of undead. As a class that is purely a caster, the Necromancer is better when at a distance and can thus throw spells at his opponents usually in the form of bones or poisons. Teeth is a ranged spell that increases its projectile numbers as it levels, while Bone Spear is a high damage Magic element that few monsters will be immune to in the late game. The Necromancer can summon the largest group of minions of any class, ranging from a variety of Skeletons and Golems. Maintaining the theme of the undead, the Necromancer can also use Corpse Explosion and utilize curses, slowing enemies down or making them take more damage.
Diablo 2 Resurrected will be available September 23 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE: Comparing Diablo 4's Lilith to her Diablo 2 Appearance
