It’s been 2 years since Diablo 4 was announced and fans are still looking for a release date. The much-anticipated sequel to one of the greatest video game franchises of all time is suffering from delays, with rumors of a 2023 release date to be announced soon.
With clouds of uncertainty hovering over Diablo 4, most fans are getting through another run of the greatest one, Diablo 2.
Initially released in June 2000, Diablo 2 took multiplayer dungeon raids to a whole new level. So much so that fans didn’t appreciate the better gameplay of Diablo 3. And in the end, Blizzard Entertainment had to release a remastered version called Diablo 2: Resurrection.
However, instead of spending more money to buy technically the same game, players looked to the modding community, the one place that never disappoints.
So, here are the Diablo 2 mods that you can use to take on new challenges without paying any more money while you wait for Diablo 4.
How to Install Mods for Diablo 2?
Before you go about downloading any of the mods on this list, you need to know exactly how to install these Diablo ii mods.
The Diablo modding scene used to be very different with multiple shady websites and backdoors to go through.
But, with new, dedicated websites such as ModDB and Nexus Mods, downloading and installing mods for almost any game is about as easy as playing them.
So make sure that you are installing your mods from these reputed and safe websites. But first, you will need a mod manager that can help you manage all your Diablo2 mods, and we suggest D2SE.
Also read: Best Diablo 3 Necromancer Build + Season 25 2.72
D2SE for Diablo 2 Mods
D2SE, the purpose-built custom mod manager for Diablo II, makes installing and dealing with mods much easier than it was in the past.
You just have to download it and it will give you the requisite options to install and enable or disable whatever mods you want. That is all there is to it.
10 Best Diablo 2 Mods
There are over 150 mods for Diablo 2 available on Nexus Mods alone. However, not all of them are worth downloading and installing.
For instance, the rumored Diablo 2 nude mods are just meme mods that actually cross the line.
To make sure you stay away from these types of Diablo2 mods, we’ve made this list. These Diablo 2 mods actively make an effort to improve the gameplay and some bring a total overhaul.
So, if you are looking to try something new, you have to try each of these Diablo 2 mods at least once.
1. Expanded Storage
One of the more functional mods in this list, the Expanded Storage Diablo 2 mod gives you exactly what it says, which is giving you more space.
See, space can be a real issue in the game, so if you want only storage and none of the additional, slightly more complex stuff included in the Better SP mod, then you get increased Inventory (10×8), Stash (16×13), and Cube (16×13).
2. Intro Skip
This is a mod for the players who are coming back to the game. Almost every game, particularly those of the Diablo 2’s time, had some kind of intro videos intended to introduce new and recurring players to the game and give them a lore recap.
This was great for the first time you booted up the game. But as you will find, watching them each time you start up the game is a pain in the neck that you will want to avoid.
The No-Intro mod allows you to skip these videos so that you can directly go to the main menu and resume the game where you left off. It basically replaces these videos with some blank files.
3. No Equipment Loss on Death
This is another great Diablo 2 mod for the players just starting out with the game. Diablo 2 is punishing, and one of the ways it dishes out the punishment is by taking away all of the equipment you so painstakingly gathered throughout many hours of playing.
On top of that, the game has several incredibly complicated systems to get into and get used to, and it does not like holding your hand. You are definitely on your own from the get-go.
And while the death penalty might be an exciting challenge for some, the rest of us normal people would not want to be set back a few hours each time we die, by accident or otherwise.
The No Equipment Loss on Death is a simple mod that works to make sure that you carry over all of your equipment when you eventually die.
And die, you will.
4. Genesis 2.0
This is one of the big boy mods that are available to you. The Genesis 2.0 mod is more of an expansion pack adding new maps, mods, items, recipes, layouts, and more.
This Diablo 2 mod is great if you have already completed the vanilla version of the game and want to experience something other than the stock endgame.
Additionally, Genesis 2.0 mod also improves PvP and adds new events and challenges for the experienced lot.
5. Dark Alliance
Another huge overhaul, and unlike the D&D game of the same name, this mod is actually pretty good.
The Dark Alliance mod totally redesigns the skill mechanics in the game, introducing changes such as two entire campaigns and new enemies, to go along with the main story of the game.
Additionally, this Diablo 2 mod introduces a subquest system, adding recipes, items, and a Book of the Story acting as a recap for returning players. This is one of the more narrative and story-focused games, brilliant in its own right.
6. E=mc2
This one is for laughs. While other funny meme mods might have less substance to them or change the base experience drastically, E=mc2 preserves all of those while adding its own charm and flair.
E=mc2 comes in with reworked maps, music, new items, and recipes and requires you to deal with monsters a little differently.
Finally, the mod does most of its magic with the third act of the game, changing and reworking textures across the game.
7. You Gotta Be Kidding Me
This Diablo 2 mod is one of the best meme mods made for any game, in any age, period. This comic offering completely changes Diablo 2, to an extent that recognizing it as the game itself becomes more difficult.
To give you more of an idea, this mod replaces the base game with pop culture references from the likes of Star Wars, Mortal Kombat, and more, creating utter chaos within your playthrough.
Be wary, this will have you belly-laughing thinking about it in the middle of the night.
8. Valhalla
A fantastic overhaul to the base game, Valhalla changes elements in the entire game and transports you to the beautiful world of Norse mythology. To those who are unaware, Valhalla is the Norse equivalent of the apocalypse.
Everything, and we mean absolutely everything, in the game has been changed to represent Norse mythology, from the items to the whole menu screen. This is a great Diablo 2 mod if you are looking to spice up your next playthrough of the game.
If you end up liking Valhall, also check out the Diablo LoD mod that’s set in the Barbarians era.
9. Paragon Meme
Grinding is an essential part of several games in several genres. Video games have an interesting way of drip-feeding satisfaction to you, and having you grind for rewards is one of the easiest and most widely used ways to do it.
What Paragon does is take what has become somewhat of a joke in the community and turn it into a literal joke. Diablo III had introduced a system for unsatisfied veterans who wanted much deeper progression, beyond the vanilla limit.
This mod, however, turns your level cap to 20000. Yeah, try getting up there.
10. Puppeteer
The Puppeteer is another story-focused Diablo 2 mod that does not make any changes to the gameplay experience.
This introduces a new, expansive story that can be played through either creating an entirely new character or simply with your existing one. It also provides a breath of fresh air to the overall story and leveling experience by making the grind involved in the game much easier.
Alongside that, you also have new enemies and bosses which balance out the easier leveling. Make no mistake, this mod improves everything while at the same time keeping the challenge alive.
Diablo 2 was one of the best games of all time, and it certainly deserves all the attention it has been getting lately.
Although these Diablo 2 mods might not go a long way in settling the hype for Diablo 4, they are lovingly crafted additions from a dedicated community that intend to keep the love for the franchise alive.
FYI
Which Diablo 2 mod is the best?
While every mod offers something different to the player, we believe that overhaul mods, like Diablo LoD mod, are something everyone must experience before they move on to the more comical and subtle ones.
How do I use Diablo 2 mods?
Installing and using Diablo II mods is pretty easy. Just install the D2SE mod manager and download your favorite Diablo 2 mods from Nexus Mods or ModDB. Once installed, D2SE will take care of all the mods and you just have to load and unload the required mod with one click.
Will Diablo 2: Resurrected allow mods?
Since players cannot use private servers for Diablo 2: Resurrected, modding Diablo 2: Resurrected may not welcome mods with open arms.
However, the OG Diablo 2 mods will work with the new version, but only in offline game mode.
Where do I get D2 mods?
Mods for Diablo 2 are available on Nexus Mods and ModDB. If you want Diablo 2 high res mods, turn to Nexus Mods. If you are looking for QOL mods and some meme mods, ModDB is your best bet.
