Diablo Franchise

News April 28, 2026

Three decades of demon-slaying, loot-chasing, and dungeon-crawling have produced some of gaming's most beloved action RPGs. GamesRadar+ has now weighed in with their definitive ranking of the Diablo franchise, placing Diablo 4 at the top while Diablo 2: Resurrected comes in as a close second. The list spans from the series' 1997 origins on PC through modern cross-platform releases and even includes the mobile spin-off.

The outlet evaluated each game holistically, considering base games alongside their DLC expansions to create what Senior Staff Writer Jasmine describes as "the most entertaining, enjoyable, and memorable entries in the series." The ranking was consulted with fans on staff and reflects years of franchise coverage by the gaming publication.

What's New in the Ranking

GamesRadar+ released their updated Diablo franchise rankings with the following placement:

#5 - Diablo (1997): Ranked lowest due to browser-only PC availability and age-related clunkiness, but acknowledged for launching the entire series

#4 - Diablo 3 (2012): Praised for its console port, addictive loot system, and cross-platform reach on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, though criticized for weak storytelling and excessive grind

#3 - Diablo Immortal (2022): Placed surprisingly high given its mobile free-to-play model; noted as "one of the most accessible" entries with robust endgame content bridging D2 and D3

#2 - Diablo 2: Resurrected (2021): Commended for refreshed graphics, isometric camera fluidity, and February 2026's Reign of the Warlock update bringing a new class after 25 years

#1 - Diablo 4 (2023): Hailed as "the pinnacle of what Blizzard always wanted the series to be," with praise for its slower-burn character progression, RPG depth, and recent Lord of Hatred DLC expansion

What This Means for Players

For franchise fans, the ranking reflects how far Blizzard has brought the series in terms of player choice and accessibility. Diablo 4's top placement validates the studio's shift toward deeper character customization and narrative focus that many veteran players requested.

The high placement of Diablo Immortal may surprise some PC-focused players, but highlights how mobile gaming has become integral to the franchise's reach. The game maintains "a huge following on PC" despite its free-to-play roots, according to GamesRadar+.

Diablo 2: Resurrected's second-place finish underscores the lasting impact of the 2000 original. The recent Reign of the Warlock update—bringing a fresh class for the first time in 25 years—demonstrates that classic entries can still draw players back with meaningful content additions.

What's Next

GamesRadar+ states they "tend to update rankings on a monthly basis" to account for new releases, updates, or series news. With Diablo 4 receiving ongoing support and potential future expansions, the ranking could shift significantly as new content arrives.

Blizzard has indicated commitment to keeping updates coming for Diablo 4 indefinitely, with developers emphasizing deeper storytelling opportunities through DLC like Lord of Hatred. Players interested in where their favorite entry lands can expect regular refreshes of this franchise-wide assessment.