How to Play the Diablo Games in Story Order

Updated 11 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Playing the Diablo games in story order follows Sanctuary’s history from the first invasion by Diablo through the later conflicts involving the Prime Evils and the nephalem. You do not need to play every release to understand the main story, but having the right editions and expansions helps keep the timeline clear.

What You’ll Need

Access to the games you want to play. Diablo I, Diablo II, Diablo III, and Diablo IV are the main numbered entries; Diablo Immortal is a separate, later-set story.
For the complete stories of Diablo II and Diablo III, include their expansions: Lord of Destruction and Reaper of Souls. Diablo IV’s first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, continues its campaign.
A platform that supports each game. Availability differs by title and platform, so check the current store listings before planning a purchase. Older games may need a compatible computer or a modern re-release.

Step-by-Step

Begin with Diablo I. Play the original game’s campaign first. It introduces the town of Tristram, the conflict with Diablo, and the events that set up the sequel. The Hellfire expansion is an optional side story, not essential to the main series timeline; play it after the original campaign if you want more of the first game.
Continue with Diablo II. Its story follows the aftermath of Diablo I and the journey of the Dark Wanderer. Play the acts in their listed order, from the Rogue Encampment through the final act. The game’s opening can be cryptic, but it is meant to build on the first game’s ending.
Finish Diablo II with Lord of Destruction. This expansion adds the final act and resolves the immediate threat left at the end of the base campaign. In editions that include it, continue into the expansion after completing the original acts. Do not mistake its optional character classes for a separate story entry.
Play Diablo Immortal after Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. Immortal is set between Diablo II and Diablo III. Its events take place in the years after the Worldstone’s destruction and before the next numbered game. It is not required to follow Diablo III, so you can skip it if you only want the core numbered-game arc.
Play Diablo III. Start with the base campaign, which takes place years after Diablo II and introduces a new generation of heroes. Follow the campaign chapters in order rather than jumping directly into Adventure Mode, which is designed mainly for open-ended play after the story campaign.
Continue into Reaper of Souls. This expansion is the next major story chapter after Diablo III’s base campaign. If your edition bundles it, complete the original campaign first, then play the expansion campaign. The extra character class and Adventure Mode content are not substitutes for the story chapters.
Play Diablo IV after Diablo III and Reaper of Souls. Diablo IV is set decades after the events of Diablo III. Follow its campaign missions in the order the game presents them. Its open-world structure lets you tackle some regions in different sequences, but the main quest provides the clearest narrative path.
Add Vessel of Hatred after Diablo IV’s campaign. This expansion continues the story of Diablo IV, so complete the base campaign before starting it. If you own the expansion, use the game’s campaign selection or prompts to begin the expansion content once it is available to your character.
Choose optional material based on interest. Seasonal quests, books, comics, and other side stories can add background, but they are not needed to follow the main game-to-game sequence. For a straightforward first run, stick to the campaigns and expansions listed above.

Common Mistakes

Starting with Diablo IV because it is newest. It works as a standalone entry, but playing earlier campaigns first makes recurring names, places, and history easier to recognize.
Skipping expansions unintentionally. Lord of Destruction and Reaper of Souls contain major story conclusions, not just optional equipment or character content.
Confusing release order with story order. Diablo Immortal released after Diablo III, but its story is set before Diablo III.
Using Adventure Mode as the campaign. In Diablo III, Adventure Mode is a different way to play and does not replace the campaign’s story progression.
Expecting every game to connect through one continuous cast. The games span years and introduce new heroes; the broader conflict and setting provide continuity.
Assuming every edition includes every expansion. Check the edition details and the platform store page before buying or installing.

Tips

Use this simple sequence: Diablo I → Diablo II → Lord of Destruction → Diablo Immortal (optional) → Diablo III → Reaper of Souls → Diablo IV → Vessel of Hatred.
For the shortest main-story route, play Diablo II, Lord of Destruction, Diablo III, Reaper of Souls, and Diablo IV. The first game adds useful context, while Immortal is optional.
Read or watch the opening recap in a game if you have left a long gap between entries. Recaps help with names and past events without requiring a replay.
Keep campaign progress separate from character progression in games with seasons or endgame modes. A new seasonal character or mode may not be the best way to continue a story save.
Adjust difficulty for a smooth first playthrough. Higher difficulty is not necessary to understand the plot, and you can usually change settings or create a different character if combat becomes frustrating.

Troubleshooting

An expansion campaign is missing: Confirm that the correct expansion is installed and included in your edition. Restart the game after installation, then check the campaign or character-selection menus. On a console or PC storefront, verify the add-on is associated with the account and platform you are using.

The game starts in an endgame mode: Return to the main menu and look for campaign selection, quest selection, or a character that has not completed the story. Menu wording can vary by game and edition. In Diablo III, select Campaign rather than Adventure Mode.

You cannot access an older game on your platform: Availability and compatibility vary. Check official platform listings and system requirements; do not assume a console version, save file, or purchase transfers to another platform. If you cannot play an entry, a reputable story recap is a practical substitute.

You are lost in Diablo IV’s open world: Select the main campaign quest in the quest log and follow its map marker. Optional activities can be left for later. If you have advanced into an expansion or skipped campaign content with a character, use the campaign options available for that character or create one intended for the base story.

Progress does not carry between games: That is expected. Each Diablo game has its own characters and saves; story order is about narrative chronology, not importing a hero or save from one title into another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to play Diablo I first?
No. It gives helpful context, but Diablo II and later entries explain enough to follow their own campaigns.

Where does Diablo Immortal fit?
It takes place after Diablo II: Lord of Destruction and before Diablo III. It is optional for the main numbered-game storyline.

Should I play Diablo III before Reaper of Souls?
Yes. Reaper of Souls continues the story of the base campaign, so play the base story first.

Can I start with Diablo IV?
Yes. It has a new central story and is designed to be approachable on its own, though earlier games add background.

Is Hellfire required after Diablo I?
No. Hellfire is an optional expansion and is not needed to understand the main series sequence.

Does Vessel of Hatred come before or after Diablo IV?
After. It continues Diablo IV’s story, so finish the base campaign before beginning the expansion.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.