Diablo 2: Resurrected is out now, giving fans the chance to relive the award-winning Diablo 2 with a fresh coat of paint. Diablo 2: Resurrected has had some connection issues at launch and other technical problems, but otherwise things seem to have gone fairly smooth, with the game earning mostly positive reviews from critics. However, there is one feature Diablo 2 doesn't have that has definitely left some fans disappointed.
Various social media forum posts indicate that there are quite a few Diablo 2: Resurrected players who did not realize that the game didn't have local co-op options. Indeed, Diablo 3 has local co-op, so one could be forgiven for assuming that Diablo 2: Resurrected would have local co-op as well. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Blizzard decided to release Diablo 2: Resurrected with online co-op and multiplayer options only.
This is definitely disappointing to fans who enjoyed Diablo 3's local co-op and were hoping to play local co-op with their friends and family. However, it's not really all that surprising. Local co-op options are much rarer nowadays than they were years ago, so if anything, it's a surprise when a game actually releases with local co-op and multiplayer options.
Will Diablo 2: Resurrected Add Local Co-Op?
While Diablo 2: Resurrected does not have local co-op at launch, there's always the chance Blizzard could add the feature in a future update. Blizzard has post-launch support plans for Diablo 2: Resurrected, though it's unclear how ambitious those plans will be. It seems highly unlikely that Blizzard will add something as substantial as local co-op support to Diablo 2: Resurrected in a patch or content update, but anything is possible.
For now, anyone interested in Diablo 2: Resurrected co-op should make plans to play it online. Diablo 2 doesn't even have TCP/IP support like the original, so players will have to rely solely on Blizzard's servers to enjoy the new game's co-op.
Will Diablo 4 Have Local Co-Op?
Diablo 2: Resurrected's lack of local co-op options may make fans worried that the upcoming Diablo 4 will be missing local co-op as well. However, Blizzard has made it clear that Diablo 4 will have local co-op, and that it is working to make its co-op a step up from what was available in Diablo 3. This will be accomplished through a UI redesign and other tweaks, though Diablo enthusiasts have yet to see the game in action.
So while Diablo 2: Resurrected does not have local co-op support, the bright side is that Diablo 4 will have local co-op.
Diablo 2: Resurrected is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, and Xbox One.