When the air turns crisp and the nights stretch longer, there’s nothing quite like retreating to a dark, cozy room with a trusty PC and a good old ARPG. For many of us, fall and winter aren’t just seasons—they’re prime dungeon-crawling time. And while modern ARPGs like Path of Exile, Diablo IV, Grim Dawn, and Last Epoch bring their own adrenaline-fueled brilliance, there’s something about going back to the roots of it all. Enter Diablo I (and its expansion, Hellfire).
Yes, the original. The grandaddy. The one that started it all. I replayed it this fall on a whim, and let me tell you: it still holds up in ways that might surprise you. Let’s talk about why Diablo I deserves more than just a nostalgic nod—and why it’s the perfect palate cleanser for any ARPG fan.
Why Diablo I is Pure ARPG Magic
1. Simplicity That’s Almost Meditative
Modern ARPGs are a blast, but they can also feel overwhelming. Endless skill trees, crafting systems, gear mods—it’s enough to make your head spin. Diablo I strips all of that down to its essence. You click, you loot, you level up. The simplicity feels almost therapeutic.
Back in 1996, Blizzard didn’t overload players with a dozen mechanics to track. Instead, they created a slow-burn experience that lets you soak in the atmosphere. It’s not about optimizing your build to squeeze out an extra 5% DPS. It’s about surviving one more floor of the dungeon, one more terrifying encounter with skeletons and succubi, and savoring every cursed corner of Tristram’s depths.
2. A Campaign That Truly Descends Into Darkness
Modern Diablo games have expanded the lore into sprawling sagas about angels, Nephalem, and interdimensional battles. But the original Diablo? It’s beautifully simple: you go down.
The campaign mirrors the descent into hell itself, both in theme and mechanics. Starting in the hauntingly quiet village of Tristram, the game sends you deeper into the abyss, floor by floor. The atmosphere gets darker, the enemies more grotesque, and the stakes higher. By the time you reach Diablo himself, the tension has built to a fever pitch.
Hellfire sweetened the deal by adding new content, like the Monk class, additional quests, and bonus dungeons. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave players more of the world they loved. And really, who could say no to smiting demons as a Monk?
3. That Atmosphere, Though
The visuals? Chunky claymation-style sprites that somehow feel timeless. The sound design? A masterpiece of moody ambiance and eerie melodies. And let’s not forget The Tristram Theme—the single greatest acoustic guitar piece ever to grace a video game soundtrack.
It’s not just nostalgia talking. Diablo I’s atmosphere still outshines many modern games. It doesn’t bombard you with flashy effects or a million waypoints on a map. Instead, it lures you in with shadowy corners, ominous whispers, and the occasional spine-tingling growl from the darkness.
4. No Builds, No Pressure
One of Diablo I’s most charming features is its lack of rigid class builds. Sure, you’ve got your Warrior, Rogue, and Sorcerer, but they don’t pigeonhole you into a specific playstyle. Want your Warrior casting Fireball? Go for it. Want your Sorcerer swinging swords? Why not?
This freedom makes Diablo I feel less like homework and more like a playground. There’s no “meta” to chase, no patch notes to read, and no spreadsheets to consult. Just you, your gear, and your choices.
Why Replaying Diablo I Feels So Right Today
1. A Nostalgic Reset
If you’re neck-deep in modern ARPGs, replaying Diablo I can feel like hitting the reset button. It’s a chance to remind yourself where it all started—and to appreciate how far the genre has come.
2. Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Modern games thrive on speed and complexity. Diablo I asks you to slow down. It’s not about racing to the endgame or clearing maps in seconds. It’s about savoring every moment, every encounter, and every piece of loot.
3. It’s Surprisingly Timeless
Despite its age, Diablo I holds up remarkably well. Sure, the UI feels dated, and the pacing can be slow for players used to the zoom-zoom of Path of Exile. But the core gameplay—the thrill of dungeon crawling, the satisfaction of finding a rare item, the creeping dread as you descend another floor—remains as captivating as ever.
Hellfire: The Bonus Content You Didn’t Know You Needed
Hellfire doesn’t get enough credit. Released as an unofficial expansion (thanks to Sierra), it added new layers to the original without breaking its essence. A new class (the Monk), new enemies, and additional content gave players more reasons to dive back in.
It may not have had Blizzard’s direct blessing, but it felt like an honest love letter to Diablo. And for those of us replaying the game decades later, it’s the perfect excuse to stay in Tristram a little longer.
What Modern ARPGs Can Learn from Diablo I
Replaying Diablo I isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a reminder of what made the genre great in the first place. Modern ARPGs could take a few notes:
- Focus on Atmosphere: Sometimes, less is more. A slower pace and a well-crafted environment can do wonders for immersion.
- Embrace Simplicity: Not every game needs sprawling systems and endless complexity. Sometimes, all you need is a dungeon, some loot, and a reason to keep going deeper.
- Don’t Forget the Roots: Games like Path of Exile 2 and Diablo IV owe their existence to Diablo I. Honoring that legacy doesn’t mean copying it—but it does mean respecting the foundation.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic Worth Replaying
Diablo I isn’t just a relic of gaming history—it’s a masterclass in atmospheric game design and accessible gameplay. Replaying it in 2023 feels like reconnecting with an old friend who hasn’t changed much, and that’s precisely the charm.
For anyone looking to take a break from modern ARPGs—or simply wanting to see where it all began—Diablo I and Hellfire are worth revisiting. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about experiencing a game that laid the groundwork for an entire genre, and somehow still holds its own decades later.
So, if the nights are long and the cold has set in, maybe it’s time to head back to Tristram. The cathedral doors are always open, and the demons are waiting.
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