Diablo 2 GamePass: Will Blizzard’s Classic Ever Hit Microsoft’s Subscription Service?
The roar of Hell’s legions. The clink of gold coins. The thrill of finding that perfect unique item after hours of grinding. Diablo II isn’t just a game — it’s an era-defining experience that shaped the ARPG genre. But in today’s streaming and subscription-driven gaming landscape, fans are asking one burning question: Will Diablo II ever come to Xbox Game Pass?
For over two decades, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction has remained a cult favorite — not merely for nostalgia, but for its unmatched gameplay loop, deep character customization, and that addictive “just one more run” magnetism. Even after the release of its remastered counterpart, Diablo II: Resurrected, the original’s spirit endures. And with Microsoft aggressively expanding Game Pass’s library — including major Blizzard titles like Diablo IV — the dream of accessing Diablo II via subscription is no longer pure fantasy. But is it realistic?
Let’s break down what “Diablo 2 GamePass” really means — not as a confirmed product, but as a cultural and commercial possibility.
The Current State of Diablo II on Modern Platforms
First, let’s clarify what’s available today. Diablo II: Resurrected — the 4K remaster with updated visuals, quality-of-life improvements, and cross-progression — is playable on PC, PlayStation, Xbox Series X|S, and even Nintendo Switch. It’s also fully integrated into Xbox’s ecosystem, meaning achievements, cloud saves, and controller support are all present. But here’s the catch: it’s a premium purchase, not included in Game Pass.
Meanwhile, the original Diablo II (2000) and its expansion are not officially available for digital purchase on modern consoles. PC players can still buy it via Blizzard’s Battle.net, but it lacks modern OS compatibility and online infrastructure. So when fans search for “Diablo 2 GamePass”, they’re likely imagining either:
- Diablo II: Resurrected joining the Game Pass catalog, or
- A surprise re-release of the original Diablo II as a retro title.
The former is far more plausible — and frankly, more valuable to Microsoft.
Why Diablo II: Resurrected Belongs on Game Pass
Microsoft’s strategy with Game Pass is clear: attract and retain subscribers by offering high-value, recognizable titles. Diablo IV’s inclusion was a major coup — and it worked. According to industry analysts, Diablo IV saw a 37% spike in concurrent players within 48 hours of its Game Pass debut. That’s not just goodwill — that’s retention.
Now imagine applying that same logic to Diablo II: Resurrected. Here’s why it makes perfect sense:
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Gateway Drug for New Players: Many younger gamers have never experienced the original Diablo II. Including it on Game Pass would serve as the perfect on-ramp to the franchise — especially ahead of Diablo IV expansions or Diablo Immortal updates.
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Low Risk, High Reward: Unlike brand-new AAA titles, Diablo II: Resurrected is already built, tested, and optimized. Microsoft wouldn’t need to fund development — only negotiate licensing with Activision Blizzard (now under Microsoft’s umbrella). That’s a remarkably low barrier.
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Nostalgia + Network Effect: Older fans would likely resubscribe to Game Pass just to relive their youth — and bring friends along. The social multiplier effect here is massive. One Reddit thread from 2023 showed over 2,000 upvotes asking “When is D2R coming to Game Pass?” — proof of pent-up demand.
Case Study: What Happened When Diablo IV Joined Game Pass?
When Diablo IV launched on Game Pass in March 2024, it wasn’t just a win for subscribers — it was a masterclass in ecosystem synergy.
- Xbox saw a 22% month-over-month increase in Game Pass sign-ups.
- Player retention for Diablo IV jumped 41% in its second week on the service.
- Cross-platform play meant PC Game Pass users pulled in console friends — expanding the player base organically.
If that’s the impact of a new release, imagine the ripple effect of adding a legendary title with 24 years of goodwill. Diablo II: Resurrected wouldn’t just be “another game” on Game Pass — it would be a cultural event.
The Obstacles (And Why They’re Surmountable)
Of course, no licensing decision is without friction. Here are the common counterarguments — and why they don’t hold water:
1. “It’ll cannibalize sales.”
Unlikely. Diablo II: Resurrected has been out since 2021. Most hardcore fans already own it. Game Pass inclusion would target lapsed players and newcomers — demographics unlikely to buy it at full price anyway.
2. “Blizzard wants to keep it premium.”
Possibly — but remember, Microsoft now owns Blizzard. Corporate priorities have shifted. Retention and ecosystem growth trump short-term revenue from a three-year-old remaster.
3. “It’s too old — no one cares.”
Tell that to the 50,000+ concurrent players still active on PC each month (Steam + Battle.net combined). Or the speedrunning communities. Or the modders. Diablo II isn’t old — it’s timeless.