Diablo 2 Leveling Guide for New & Returning Players

Whether you’re a new or returning Diablo 2 player, the chances are you’ve probably forgotten how leveling works. After all, it’s been 20 years since the original game came out. Even if you played once before, you’re bound to be a bit rusty one way or another. That’s why we’ve come up with this handy Diablo 2 leveling guide. Regardless of your class, here’s how to make things work and level up as fast as possible.

How Leveling Works in Diablo 2: Resurrected

In a lot of RPGs, you’ll find that the leveling system is an important aspect of gameplay. Normally, the higher level you are, the more items or abilities you can get and the more you can accomplish. Moreover, it’s usually a sign of progression as you near the next sections of the story that require more power.

The same is true in Diablo 2: Resurrected. As you climb higher and higher, the more skills you unlock and the stronger your character becomes. This also translates to proficiency in defeating more powerful monsters, more stat and skill points to distribute, etc.

Leveling in Diablo 2: Resurrected is also pretty straightforward. You get to level up as you gain enough experience points (EXP) to reach a certain level. To do that, killing monsters is the primary method. Pretty simple, right?

However, killing monsters randomly, whether as a solo player or group, isn’t the most efficient way to level up. If you don’t optimize your strategy, you could gain only a small amount of EXP and already feel tired. That’s why a lot of people recommend employing power leveling tactics to make leveling up more efficient. We’ll talk more about it later on.

So, how long does it take to get to level 99 in Diablo 2? Unfortunately, even with a Diablo 2 leveling guide, it’ll take you a very long time. That’s even truer when you already have a higher level in Diablo 2. For example, it takes approximately 90 hours to get from level 90 to 97. Afterward, it takes the same amount of time to get from just level 97 to 98.

Get Diablo 2: Resurrected today!

What Is Power Leveling?

Now, what’s the fastest way to level up in Diablo 2? New players might think that the perfect Diablo 2 leveling guide doesn’t exist given how complicated the game might come off. Moreover, because the new game is a remake, there are bound to be some changes to the gameplay, right?

However, what’s great about the new game is that it doesn’t change much in terms of core mechanics. Sure, the graphics have been upgraded and improvements were made for more convenient gameplay. Nonetheless, most of it stays pretty faithful to the original.

As a result, the straightforward power leveling path that players of the original painstakingly created still stays relevant even today. What is power leveling, you might ask? Simply put, power leveling in Diablo 2 is maximizing location and difficulty level to gain EXP as efficiently as possible. It’s like looking for the fastest ways to level up without wasting any energy or time.

With the proper Diablo 2: Resurrected leveling guide, you can reach a high level faster than you would by going in blind. Of course, this won’t erase the difficulty you’ll need to overcome throughout the game. That’s because leveling up in Diablo 2 gets more and more difficult the stronger you become. Even with a Diablo 2 power leveling guide, it’s going to take time and effort to get to a high level.

Diablo 2 Leveling Guide (2021)

So, in Diablo 2, what’s the fastest way to level solo? Here’s a breakdown of the best Diablo 2 leveling tips, where you need to go, and what you should do.

Online vs. Leveling Solo

Yes, we can provide all the locations, level requirements, and difficulty levels you need to know about to level efficiently. However, whether you reach a higher level via online or solo play is entirely up to you. That’s because both have pros and cons to them that you’ll have to weigh depending on your priorities. Let’s break down both methods to uncover which is best suited to your preferences.

In online play, all the enemies will have higher health and damage. However, what’s great about this method is that killing them also yields more EXP and loot. Moreover, the larger the party, the higher the amount of experience you get. In addition, it should also take less time because teams generally smash through levels faster.

With that said, you might be thinking: what’s the benefit of power leveling in single-player mode? For some players, they may simply enjoy the solo play more than they do multiplayer.

Diablo 2 Leveling Guide Solo: Best Locations for Power Leveling

Where do you farm XP in Diablo 2? Is it the poorly hidden secret cow level? What level should you be to beat Diablo 2 on Normal?

If you’re feeling lost, no worries because we have you covered. Here are the best locations to go for power leveling your character based on difficulty and level.

Level 1-15

As you can see, you’ll only need to clear one location for levels 1-15 and that is the Tristram. If you’re lost and can’t locate it, try to activate The Search for Cain quest. There, you’ll need to activate the portal to Tristram to find the location.

Once you get to the Tristram, use your waypoint and teleport to the Stony Field. Look for the portal, go inside, and clear all the enemies you find. However, you’ll want to especially concentrate on beating the elites which usually come out in the center areas.

Level 15-24

Once you’re at level 15, it’s time to clear all of Tal Rasha’s Tombs in the 2nd Act. It’s the last waypoint you’ll find. Kill every enemy you find in each tomb then simply rinse and repeat. However, you’ll also have to clear The Summoner quest before you even get to the Canyon of the Magi.

Level 24

The Rite of Passage quest (in Normal difficulty) is the best way to optimize EXP gain at level 24. That’s because doing this will give you 1 level up and let you do Baal runs. However, be sure to complete it only when you’re at level 24 as it’s the best way to maximize gains.

Level 25-40

Completing the Rite of Passage should push you forward to level 25 automatically. Once this is done, it’s time to clear the Chaos Sanctuary or defeat Baal multiple times to farm for EXP. Doing the former requires you to teleport to the City of the Damned in the final waypoint of act 4. Afterward, kill all the enemies at the Chaos Sanctuary. You don’t have to kill Diablo to maximize EXP but you can if you want more loot.

On the other hand, you can also choose to do Baal runs which are generally less taxing. To do this, simply teleport to the Worldstone Keep Lvl 2, the last waypoint of Act 5. Then kill all Baal’s waves and then repeat the process. You don’t have to kill Baal at the end, either, unless you want more items.

Level 40

When you reach level 40, you’ll have to complete the Rite of Passage again but this time, in Nightmare difficulty. Naturally, you’ll need to complete Acts 1 to 4 again before you can get to the quest.

Level 41-60

At this stage, you’ll want to complete the Chaos Sanctuary or do Baal runs again. However, you’ll have to be in Nightmare difficulty this time to maximize the EXP. Nonetheless, the mechanics should remain the same.

Level 60

Once again, it’s time to complete the Rite of Passage, but now it’s in Hell difficulties. However, this time you’ll need good equipment because the enemies will pose a bigger threat. Try farming runes from The Countess if you need more buffs.

Level 61-99

This might be the last stage in this Diablo 2 leveling guide. However, do note that this part is going to take a long while. Sure, it sounds straightforward because you only need to clear Chaos Sanctuary or defeat Baal multiple times in Hell difficulty. Nonetheless, it’s going to take nearly forever to even get to the early 90s.

We recommend stopping by level 90 to 94 because grinding beyond that might drive you insane. Moreover, the gains are minimal so it’s not exactly going to benefit you much anymore.

Class-Specific Tips on How to Level Up Fast

When it comes to leveling characters in specific classes, you can rarely find good advice. That’s why we’ve created this class-based Diablo 2 leveling guide so your specific character can level up faster. Here’s what you need to do to level up fast in the game’s beginning phases.

Diablo 2 Amazon Leveling Guide

First on our Diablo 2 leveling guide is the Amazon. With this character, it isn’t as easy to make yourself stronger as the other characters. However, you can make an impact if you prepare enough Fire Damage at level 12. At first, you’ll have to focus on other skills, though.

For levels 2-4, you’ll want to add Fire Arrow points first. Then dedicate some to Magic Arrow at the Den of Evil. Save some skill points at level 5, then add some to Poison Javelin and Multiple Shot at level 6. Add more to Poison Javelin at levels 7-11 and finish with Exploding Arrow at Level 12 and up. You can also add more to Fire Arrow if you gain points from Quest rewards.

In the early stages, you’ll need to rely on Exploding Arrow for the most part. Later on, you can re-spec into Lightning Fury and Charged Strike. However, note that Exploding Arrow should be strong enough to also carry you through Nightmare Act 3. Of course, these are all merely suggestions and you should still adjust everything based on playstyle and preference.

Diablo 2 Assassin Leveling Guide

With the Assassin, you get great skills early on unlike the other character classes. You’ll mainly focus on building up into Wake of Fire. Of course, you’ll need to allocate points to Fire Blast from levels 2-4 at first. Then add some to Claw Mastery at level 5 and Burst of Speed at levels 6-7.

Afterward, add some to Fire Blast at level 8, then allocate more to Burst of Speed at levels 9-11. By level 12 and up, you should be able to lean into Wake of Fire already. You can also add a few points to Fire Blast if you gain points from Quest rewards. Likewise, you should also adjust this tactic based on your preferred strategy.

Diablo 2 Barbarian Leveling Guide

Now, in this Diablo 2 leveling guide, the Barbarian character should pay attention to progressing through Normal mode first. You’ll want to add points to Bash immediately at level 2.

In levels 3-4, Mace Mastery should be your focus before going back to Bash at the Den of Evil. Save your skill point at level 5, and then add to Double Swing and Leap at level 6. Afterward, give Double Swing more love at levels 7-11 and head back to Bash by levels 12-15.

Diablo 2 Druid Leveling Guide

Next in this Diablo 2 leveling guide, the Druid character comes with a pretty straightforward progression. That’s because he can only use one skill tree until he respecs, making things pretty simple.

For the Druid, you’ll need to focus on Firestorm from levels 2-5. Afterward, add points to Molten Boulder at levels 6-7 and then go back to Firestorm in levels 8-11. Then, you’ll also need to give some points to Fissure by levels 12-31. If you get Quest reward points, put them into Firestorm. Lastly, Firestorm will be your main priority (once again) heading into levels 32-33.

Diablo 2 Necromancer Leveling Guide

Next in this Diablo 2 leveling guide, we have the Necromancer character. Like other classes, not all skills will help you efficiently level up. That’s especially true if the build you choose is better for end-game phases when you’re still in the early stages.

Firstly, the skill that you should prioritize allocating skill points to should be Teeth. Using this along with Strangling Gas Potions to get through large groups should get you through to level 18. Moreover, you should also give points to Clay Golem (level 6), Amplify Damage (level 11), and Iron Maiden (level 12). Corpse Explosion is also a good choice by level 17. As you progress, giving some points to Bone Spear throughout levels 18-24 should also prove to be beneficial.

In addition, players should also buy a Gnarled Staff of Teleportation before they get to level 24. For Magic Immunes, you can wipe them out through Corpse Explosion if you can kill the others with Bone Spear.

Diablo 2 Paladin Leveling Guide

In the Diablo 2 leveling guide for the Paladin, things get a little more complicated because of Synergies. This just means you need to allocate points into all three tabs to make things work well. To do this, try going through the following progression to optimize your gameplay.

Firstly, you’ll need to allocate points to Might (level 2), Sacrifice (level 3), and Resist Fire (levels 4-5). Afterward, add some points to Holy Fire by levels 6-9 and Smite at level 10. Then save your skill point at level 11 before giving them to Charge & Zeal at level 12. Afterward, give some to Holy Fire at levels 13-18 and 19-20. The Quest reward point should go to Resist Fire.

Diablo 2 Sorceress Leveling Guide

Lastly, we have the Diablo 2 leveling Sorceress guide. In this section, you’ll mostly focus on dealing ranged damage as it’s the Sorceress’s best ability. Moreover, you’ll also tack on some defensive skills to balance things out.

Firstly, you’ll need to add points to Charged Bolt at levels 2-4, including the Den of Evil. Afterward, save your skill points at level 5 and allocate them to Frost Nova and Static Field at level 6. Then it’s Static Field again at levels 7-8 followed by Telekinesis at level 9. Throw in some points to Frozen Armor (level 10), Fire Bolt (level 12), and Fire Ball (levels 12-17). Make sure to complete the Radament Quest in Act 2 and save the skill points you get, too.

Afterward, you’ll simply give points to Fire Ball and Teleport at level 18. Lastly, you’ll allocate the rest to Fire Ball at levels 19 and above. If you get points from Izual, give them to Static Field. Of course, you should still adjust things as you see fit if this playstyle doesn’t suit you.

Leveling Differences of Diablo 2: Resurrected vs. Original

Diablo 2: Resurrected remains pretty faithful to the original with a few exceptions. Firstly, it already includes the expansion so guides for resurrected effectively act as a Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction leveling guide, too. Moreover, the secret cow level in Diablo 2 is repeatable and you won’t get locked out anymore. You can defeat the Cow King all you want and repeat the level without having to change difficulties.

Level Your Characters in Diablo 2 Today

Diablo 2 is a difficult game especially if you’re aiming to get to a high level. It takes tons of time just to even level up one increment in the late stages. Nonetheless, with a good Diablo 2 leveling guide, you can lessen the amount of time it takes. Just make sure you’re willing to put in some work if you’re truly bent on progressing quickly.