When Blizzard’s hack-and-slash action RPG Diablo was unleashed on computers in December of 1996, it caught on like hellfire. The unique blend of dungeon exploring and real-time RPG elements gained the game a cult following, which in turn lead to fans combing through the game to find more content.

While secret content was never found in the original Diablo, rumors persisted, with fans claiming that the game contained a secret cow level. The story went that by clicking on a specific cow a particular number of times, the player would be transported to a secret level filled entirely with bovine warriors.

Blizzard vehemently denied the story, with “there is no secret cow level” becoming a rallying cry of sorts, but the legendary cow level finally made it’s way into the series in Diablo II. Populated entirely by bipedal, spear-wielding hell bovines, the secret cow level tasked players with defeating the insidious cows and their ruler, the mighty Cow King.

But when Diablo made it’s triumphant return with Diablo III, many fans were disappointed to find that the third entry in the franchise featured no cow level. Sure, there was the occasional bovine warrior found wandering the wilderness, but the spawn rate of the cow was found to be very low, and there was no level dedicated to triumphing over the mooing marauders. Since then, Diablo has released for new systems and received expansions, but no mention was made of bringing back the cow level.

That is until now. To celebrate it’s third anniversary, Blizzard has brought the famous cow level to Diablo III. Dubbed the “Cowpocalypse” and announced via a set of blurry pictures showing the bipedal cows roaming the wilds of Diablo III, the revamped cow level will return to the world of Diablo for a limited time. Available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One players, the Cowpocalypse will run from May 15th to May 21st.

To reach the new and improved cow level, players will need to troll the wilds outside of the Sanctuary. Randomly generated Treasure Goblins can be encountered that carry the portal to the Cow Level, and will grant players passage to this mythical bovine-populated realm. Once there, players will contend with polearm-wielding cows that want nothing more than to put any wayward adventurers out to pasture.

For Diablo III fans on PS3 and Xbox 360 looking to chew the cud with friends on the cow level, tough luck. Blizzard has announced that the cow level is exclusive to PC and next-gen consoles, but last-gen gamers will be given a +100% EXP and Gold buff as a consolation prize.

While silly, the secret cow level holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts, so its nice to see Blizzard bringing the classic easter egg back – albeit temporarily to ensure they aren’t milking the nostalgia. For players of the classic Diablo games that have been on the fence about giving Diablo III a whirl, the latest entry in the beloved franchise is the rare (or at least medium-rare) game that manages to raise the bar on its predecessor, and that’s no bull.

Source: Diablo III