You might as well say I’m new to the series and I’ve started by playing the original Diablo (minus Hellfire, for now) on PC with DevilutionX v1.5.1. I chose the Warrior class for my first-ever playthrough because the original game’s manual recommends it for new players. I’ve made it down to Level 13, and the difficulty spike has me wondering if a Warrior class playthrough is even worth it.
I found one video showing a way to do it, but I’m not interested in this kind of frantic, potion-chugging, town-portal-hopping, spell-slinging, inventory-jockeying, constant edge-of-death gameplay for the next 4 levels until endgame: https://youtu.be/BOAmHwNTpQo?si=jG7CFbwdW-S-moJ8&t=4214
Granted, the player in the video is speed-running, but my Level 13 gameplay experience feels much the same with how quickly mobs will swarm and cut me down. It’s practically impossible to pull one or two enemies at a time without inciting an entire mob, or two.
So, is this “Welcome to Diablo, kid” or is there another way (other than cheats)? Do I need to restart the game and hope for a more favorable procedurally-generated seed, or slowly grind a new Sorcerer class up to competency while learning that play style?
Thanks for any advice!
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It has been absolutely forever since I played D1, but I seem to remember devs saying that it can be completed by any class.
I don’t remember if there’s a respec option built into the game or available as a cheat, but how you spec really changes your capabilities in dealing with swarms or single bosses. I want to say I finished D1 woth most if not all the classes, but 1 and 2 are now fused in my mind so I really couldn’t say what a game breaking build or strategy is. I do know that if you do a bad build, it can catch up with you but it can be towards the endgame when you finally notice it.
Morrowind was like that too.
That’s really helpful. Thank you. There is no native re-spec option or event that I can tell.
I spec’d my Warrior by adding points fairly evenly across the board. Every time I leveled up, each stat would get at least 1 point since I wasn’t sure what would matter most, or when it might matter. I guess I should have put more into strength and dexterity first… maybe even exclusively. Back to the drawing board, I suppose.
So, how would you say it should go?
- Warrior - STR + DEX
- Rogue - DEX + MAG/VIT or DEX + STR/VIT
- Sorcerer - MAG + DEX
It’s been way too long since I played D1 to give specific advice, but as a general rule you absolutely cannot spec as a generalist, especially in older games. Instead (and forgive me if I get any of these details wrong, it’s the general idea that I’m going for) you want to go pretty much all in on a strategy like Whirlwind with both talents and gear.
Also just to mention - you can pick up a franchise like Diablo pretty much anywhere. I loved D1 when it came out, and the same with D2, but anything I still get out of them is nostalgia. I enjoy D3 and haven’t yet picked up D4, but I will once the game starts to settle down on the steam deck or switch. In any case, although there’s sort of a plot line that ties them all together, it’s not like reading Return o the King without having read Fellowship. Like Elder Scrolls, they’re stand alone games where you get some lore tie-in but it’s not necessary for enjoyment at all.
I’m pointing that out because class/spec balance issues have been mostly sorted out by now. You can dial in the level of twitch-click challenge based on game settings, but my jam has always been exploration and discovery rather than figuring out the exact sequence of key taps to kill a boss.
You need different strategies for different kinds of mobs. Be prepared to equip a bow or level up stone curse to take down ones that are hard to catch or when there are too many casters in one room. Even with a warrior, a few blasts of level 15 chain lightning can soften up big packs of black knights.
So I don’t remember specifics of the skills or gear I used, but I do remember it being crucial to take advantage of the layout of the levels - doors and choke points.
I assume you did all the side quests?
Edit: that video you posted- I don’t remember it being so hard as it looks in the video. I know I spent a lot of money gambling for better gear
Yes, I had been heavily relying on level geometry to limit mobs, but the Hell geometry is much less forgiving. I also did every side quest and 100% of every level leading down to 13. I have the best gear I can find, afford, or use that’s available as a drop or shop item, including Wirt the Peg-Legged Boy’s items, which have never been fruitful / feasible. The difficulty just seems insane
You might want to just start a new game with the same character. You should be able to rush through the dungeon to a a few levels before where you are stuck and get a few extra level ups. You keep all your spells, gear, inventory, and char level so no real drawback.
And all this makes me wanna play it again…
Ah, so you can stack your playthroughs with the same character, at the same difficultly level, without beating the game, and start anew at any time? Nice! I’ll definitely try this.
Just make sure you are holding anything you dropped in town that you want to keep. It will all dissappear except what you are holding
Will the items and gold I store with Gillian the barmaid transfer over too?
