The best Blizzard games double as some of the greatest game ever made.
Blizzard Entertainment is known for many great games from three franchises: Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo.
While they’ve recently fallen from grace, their vital role in the PC gaming landscape is undeniable.
Our list of the 10 best Blizzard games will traverse the company’s history, highlighting some of the best moments in gaming history.
Diablo 3
Its launch was far from perfect, and you can even argue that the game didn’t hit its stride until the Reaper of Souls expansion. Once Diablo 3 reached full capacity, it became the Action-RPG we were waiting for.
This was the modern Diablo experience we craved, showcasing an insanely fun gameplay loop that still holds up today. It’s a shame we had to endure all of its hiccups and miscues to get there, but once things got running, they really got running.
Unfortunately, the failures from Diablo 3‘s launch resulted in just one expansion, but thankfully, we’d see a return to the franchise’s roots in the future.
StarCraft 2
From one highly anticipated sequel to another, StarCraft 2 doesn’t have the same lasting impact as its predecessor. There’s no denying how huge this game was at launch, though.
The core real-time strategy DNA that made the original so beloved is still present, with an expanded story, great missions, and incredible mod support.
Splitting the game into three separate entries still feels odd today, arguably cutting down its momentum. We’ll always have memories from the Wings of Liberty release, though, staying up late playing custom games and discovering new mods.
Diablo 4
The most recent Blizzard game to release is also one of their best. Is it perfect? No, but Diablo 4 is addictive, fast-paced, and drop-dead gorgeous.
It also has one of the best stories in a modern Blizzard game, thanks to some incredibly emotional cutscenes.
While we’re still chasing the gameplay highs of past Diablo games, the presentation here is still top-notch.
Heroes of the Storm
Originally titled Blizzard DotA, Heroes of the Storm‘s hook was evident from the first moments I played it at PAX East so many years ago.
The core gameplay is already established from the popular Warcraft 3 mod, Defense of the Ancients. Instead of delivering a hardcore experience, Blizzard instead tunes Heroes of the Storm for a more casual crowd.
It results in a fun, albeit frantic, multiplayer ruckus that’s always a good time.
Hearthstone
Speaking of games I first played at PAX East, Hearthstone is the digital card game that keeps on ticking.
Thanks to some reinventions like the Battlegrounds mode, Hearthstone has captured both the competitive and casual card-game market. Its pick-up-and-play gameplay style is perfectly suited for a mobile audience, helping it endure for over a decade.
StarCraft
Now we’re into the heavy hitters on our list of the best Blizzard games ranked.
StarCraft refined the possibilities of a strategy experience. Along with its Brood War expansion, it defined the strategy genre for years.
Backed by a compelling story and a simple yet deep gameplay loop, StarCraft would be the gold standard for real-time strategy.
At least for a few years, anyway, but more on that in a bit.
Overwatch
Overwatch was a big moment for Blizzard gaming. It’s not only the company’s first new IP in years but also a chance for redemption after the failure of Titan.
The team-based hero shooter combines personality, addictive gameplay, and an excellent presentation in one package.
While the franchise has declined recently, Overwatch’s impact on gaming is undeniable. It helped establish the hero-shooter genre as a mainstay and still inspires several copycats today.
Diablo 2
The game is so impactful that it’s still played in two different versions today!
Diablo 2 is one of the greatest games ever made, introducing millions to the loot-focused Action-RPG genre.
It’s not just about the gameplay, though. The world of Sanctuary sets the tone for a dark, grim, atmospheric adventure, all backed by an amazing story.
While some believe we’re looking into the past with nostalgia-tinted glasses, the reality is that Diablo 2 is just that good.
World of Warcraft
While Diablo 2 has two versions available, there are a whopping four different ways to play World of Warcraft today.
Now in its 20th year, the insanely popular MMORPG has established itself as one of Blizzard’s best games and one of the most impactful video games of all time.
From its humble beginnings as an old-school MMO with much needed quality of life improvements, exploring the wide-open world of Azeroth, to its current, more loot-driven MMORPG experience, World of Warcraft has something for every type of gamer.
Whether you’ve been playing since day one or just started today, you’ll lose hundreds, if not thousands, of hours to WoW.
Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos
Remember when I said StarCraft was the gold standard for RTS for a few years? That’s because Warcraft 3 took the crown and refused to let go.
Reign of Chaos and the Frozen Throne expansion are a masterclass of a gaming experience. From its iconic story, backed by an emotional narrative, to the engaging campaign, Warcraft 3 is a work of love and passion.
Add in the endless replayability from its impressive mod support, and that’s the icing on the cake.
Warcraft 3 is a game everyone needs to experience at some point in their lives, making it an easy choice to top our list of the best Blizzard games.
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