Diablo 3, the iconic action role-playing game developed by Blizzard Entertainment, has been a favorite among gamers since its release in 2012. With its dark gothic setting, intense gameplay, and vast character customization options, it’s no wonder that players are eager to dive into the world of Sanctuary. However, one question remains: is Diablo 3 free on PC? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the game’s pricing, its various editions, and what you can expect from the free trial version.
Diablo 3 Pricing and Editions
Diablo 3 is not entirely free on PC, but it does offer a free trial version that allows players to experience the game’s early stages. The full game, however, requires a purchase. Over the years, Blizzard has released several editions of Diablo 3, each with its unique set of features and bonuses.
Base Game
The base game, also known as the standard edition, is the most basic version of Diablo 3. It includes the core game and all its features, but it doesn’t come with any additional content or bonuses. The base game is available for purchase on the Blizzard Store and other online retailers.
Reaper of Souls Expansion
In 2014, Blizzard released the Reaper of Souls expansion, which added a new act, a new character class, and a plethora of new features to the game. The expansion is available as a separate purchase or as part of the Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition.
Rise of the Necromancer Pack
The Rise of the Necromancer Pack is a DLC (downloadable content) pack that adds the Necromancer character class to the game. It’s available as a separate purchase and requires the Reaper of Souls expansion to play.
Nephalem Rifts and Greater Rifts
Nephalem Rifts and Greater Rifts are two types of endgame content that offer challenging gameplay and rewards. While they’re not part of the base game, they’re included in the Reaper of Souls expansion and the Ultimate Evil Edition.
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
The Diablo 3: Eternal Collection is a bundle that includes the base game, the Reaper of Souls expansion, and the Rise of the Necromancer Pack. It’s the most comprehensive edition of the game and offers the best value for players who want to experience everything Diablo 3 has to offer.
Free Trial Version
The free trial version of Diablo 3 allows players to experience the game’s early stages, including the first act and up to level 13. The trial version is available on the Blizzard Store and can be downloaded directly to your PC.
What’s Included in the Free Trial
The free trial version includes:
- The first act of the game, which takes you through the town of New Tristram and the surrounding areas
- Access to all five character classes: Barbarian, Demon Hunter, Monk, Witch Doctor, and Wizard
- The ability to play up to level 13
- Access to the game’s early stages, including the Skeleton King and the Butcher
What’s Not Included in the Free Trial
The free trial version does not include:
- The Reaper of Souls expansion or any of its features
- The Rise of the Necromancer Pack or the Necromancer character class
- Access to the game’s endgame content, including Nephalem Rifts and Greater Rifts
- The ability to play beyond level 13
System Requirements
Before you start playing Diablo 3, make sure your PC meets the system requirements. Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for the game:
| System Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10 | Windows 10 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 | Intel Core i5 or AMD FX-4350 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT or ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or ATI Radeon HD 7950 |
| Storage | 20 GB available space | 20 GB available space |
Conclusion
While Diablo 3 is not entirely free on PC, the free trial version offers a great way to experience the game’s early stages and get a feel for its gameplay and mechanics. If you’re interested in playing the full game, you can purchase one of the various editions, including the base game, the Reaper of Souls expansion, or the Diablo 3: Eternal Collection. With its dark gothic setting, intense gameplay, and vast character customization options, Diablo 3 is an action RPG that’s sure to captivate players of all skill levels.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of action RPGs or just looking for a new game to play, Diablo 3 is definitely worth checking out. With its engaging gameplay, rich storyline, and vast character customization options, it’s a game that’s sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. So why not give it a try? Download the free trial version today and experience the world of Sanctuary for yourself.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about Diablo 3 or want to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates, be sure to check out the following resources:
- The official Diablo 3 website: https://us.diablo3.com/en/
- The Blizzard Store: https://us.shop.battle.net/en-us
- The Diablo 3 subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Diablo/
By following these resources, you’ll be able to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates, as well as connect with other players and fans of the game.
Is Diablo 3 completely free to play on PC?
Diablo 3 is not completely free to play on PC. While Blizzard offers a free trial version of the game, it has limitations. The free trial allows players to access the game’s story mode up to the Skeleton King boss in Act I. However, to access the full game, including the rest of the story, multiplayer features, and endgame content, players need to purchase the game.
It’s worth noting that Blizzard occasionally offers free weekends or promotions, allowing players to access the full game for a limited time. However, these promotions are usually limited to specific periods and may require a Battle.net account to participate. Players can check the official Blizzard website for any ongoing promotions or free trials.
What is the difference between the free trial and the full version of Diablo 3?
The main difference between the free trial and the full version of Diablo 3 is the level cap and access to content. The free trial has a level cap of 13, and players can only access the story mode up to the Skeleton King boss in Act I. In contrast, the full version of the game has no level cap, and players can access the entire story, including all five acts, as well as multiplayer features and endgame content.
In addition to the level cap and content restrictions, the free trial also limits players’ access to certain features, such as the auction house and the ability to join or create multiplayer games. Players who purchase the full version of the game can access these features and enjoy the full Diablo 3 experience.
Can I play Diablo 3 for free with a friend?
While the free trial version of Diablo 3 allows players to access the game’s story mode, it does not allow for multiplayer gameplay with friends. To play Diablo 3 with a friend, both players need to have the full version of the game. However, Blizzard does offer a feature called “Guest Pass” that allows players to invite friends to play the game for free for a limited time.
The Guest Pass feature is usually available for players who have purchased the full version of the game and allows them to invite friends to play the game for a limited time. However, the Guest Pass has limitations, and players can only access the game’s story mode up to the Skeleton King boss in Act I. To access the full game and play with friends without limitations, players need to purchase the full version of Diablo 3.
How much does Diablo 3 cost on PC?
The cost of Diablo 3 on PC varies depending on the version and any additional content players want to purchase. The base game typically costs around $20-$30 USD, depending on the region and retailer. However, players can also purchase the “Reaper of Souls” expansion, which adds new content, including a new act and a higher level cap.
In addition to the base game and expansion, players can also purchase the “Rise of the Necromancer” pack, which adds a new playable class, the Necromancer. The cost of the “Rise of the Necromancer” pack varies depending on the region and retailer but typically costs around $10-$15 USD. Players can check the official Blizzard website or online retailers for the latest pricing information.
Is Diablo 3 available on other platforms besides PC?
Yes, Diablo 3 is available on other platforms besides PC. The game is also available on Mac, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. However, it’s worth noting that the game’s availability and pricing may vary depending on the platform and region.
Players can check the official Blizzard website or online retailers for the latest information on Diablo 3’s availability and pricing on different platforms. It’s also worth noting that while the game is available on multiple platforms, the free trial version is only available on PC and Mac.
Can I play Diablo 3 on PC without a Battle.net account?
No, players need a Battle.net account to play Diablo 3 on PC. Battle.net is Blizzard’s online gaming platform, and it’s required to play Diablo 3 and other Blizzard games. Players can create a Battle.net account for free on the official Blizzard website.
Once players have created a Battle.net account, they can log in to the game and access their account information, including their characters, friends list, and game settings. Players can also use their Battle.net account to purchase the game and any additional content, such as the “Reaper of Souls” expansion or the “Rise of the Necromancer” pack.
Is Diablo 3 still supported by Blizzard?
Yes, Diablo 3 is still supported by Blizzard, although the game’s support has been scaled back in recent years. Blizzard continues to release periodic updates and patches for the game, which include bug fixes, balance changes, and new content.
However, it’s worth noting that Blizzard’s focus has shifted to other games, including Diablo 4, which is currently in development. As a result, the frequency and scope of updates for Diablo 3 have decreased. Nevertheless, the game remains popular, and Blizzard continues to support it with occasional updates and events.