Unofficial Diablo FAQ v1.0
created and maintained by jeremey
e-mail: stormjn@golden.net
-uploaded on March 9 1997
DIABLO is an RPG/Action title produced by Blizzard Entertainment. It
features character development through gaining experience and magical
weapons while fighting your way through 16 randomly generated levels of
a dungeon. It supports single and multiplayer gaming and Internet play
over Battle.net or one of the many online gaming services. The following
document is an attempt to answer some of the many questions that have
been popping up repeatedly in the Battle.net strategy forums and other
online channels. It assumes basic knowledge of Diablo; for more detailed
information, visit Blizzard's homepage.
Contents
1. System Requirements
2. Gameplay Issues
3. Characters and Monsters
4. Magic
5. Battle.net and Multiplayer
6. Cheat Codes and Cheating
SECTION 1: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Q: What do I need to run Diablo? Is it true that it only runs on Pentiums?
A: Diablo requires a DirectX-enabled system, which rules out DOS and
Windows 3.x. DirectX is a series of drivers and system files that allows
your computer to use coding instructions in a certain way. If your Windows
95 system does not already have it installed, there are two somewhat recent
versions on the Diablo CD. If you would like a more updated version of
DirectX, check out www.microsoft.com. Diablo will run on a 486DX266,
but it is very slow. VERY slow. Because Diablo's code generates a random
dungeon every time you play a new game, it is very processor-intensive.
However, it can be done. I haven't playtested it with 8MB of RAM, but
Blizzard says you can. 16 MB runs well, and 32 MB really gives the game
some space to move around. 48-64MB didn't really make a significant
difference. As well, I wouldn't recommend anything less than a 4X/6X
CD-ROM, as each level is created and loaded from the CD.
Q: What do you need to play Battle.net?
A: (as per Blizzard Entertainment)
In order to use Battle.net, your computer must have the TCP/IP
protocol installed, and must provide TCP/IP support for 32-bit
applications. If you connect to the Internet using Windows
Dial-up Networking, and browse the web with Netscape Navigator
version 2.0 or higher or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0,
then you probably already have the correct TCP/IP software
installed. However, if you connect to the Internet with a
proprietary dialer or browse the web with Netscape 1.x or
another 16-bit web browser, then it is likely that your system
is not configured to support 32-bit applications. In this
case, you should contact your Internet Service Provider to
obtain updated software.
SECTION 2: GAMEPLAY ISSUES
Q: Is there any difference in Single Player games vs. Multiplayer games?
A: There are no significant differences between the two types of games in
terms of gameplay itself; you still receive Quests and clear out levels of the
dungeon. However, when playing a multi-player game, there are three
levels of difficulty: Regular, Nightmare, and Hell. In single player, there is
no way to play a different difficulty level.
Q: How do I get more Quests? I've killed the Butcher, but that's all so far.
A: When in Town, continue talking to all the NPCs (Non-Player
Characters) you find. They will gossip about each other and occasionally
tell you about some problem that they need your help with. All of the
Quests center around killing things in the dungeon, so you will encounter
these anyway. Just keep playing.
Q: I am not receiving any experience points when I kill monsters? Why?
A: As your character grows in experience and levels, he or she will receive
less and less points for killing the weaker monsters. This forces you to
descend further into the dungeon and face tougher opposition.
Q: How can I use my multi-player character in regular games, or vice-
versa?
A: Blizzard designed the game in such a way as to keep the two types of
game play separate; there is no way to port a character over to a different
type of game. However, this can be accomplished by using one of the
Utility programs. Simply start a game (either multiplayer or regular) with
the character you want to port over, save that character using the utility
program, start a new game of whatever type you want to port the saved
character into, then ALT-TAB back to the utility program and restore the
character.
Q: Why can't my character play in some of the other levels like Hell or the
Caves?
A: You must be a certain level of experience to gain entrance to the
Catacombs, Caves, or Hell by using some of the "shortcuts" in town. For
example, a character must be level 8 or higher to enter the Catacombs via
the shortcut to the east of the church. There are two ways around this: in a
multiplayer game, if another character is already in the restricted area,
have him create a town portal. Step through the portal and into the new
area. The other way is the one Blizzard meant you to use: simply hack your
way through the levels until you get there.
Q: Why can't I move my character from one computer to another? Isn't all
the information contained in the save file?
A: Blizzard has coded Diablo in such a way that it stores information in
the Windows 96 registry. This is, of course, different in every computer.
However, you can use one of the Utility programs to transport characters.
See the question regarding porting single players to multiplayer games.
Q: Can I play a multiplayer game without another person?
A: Yes. Simply install the IPX and serial cable drivers from the Windows
95 CD and then play as if you were connected thru a null-modem cable.
Create a new game and enjoy. See your WIN 95 documentation for
instructions on how to install the drivers.
SECTION 3: CHARACTERS AND MONSTERS
Q: What is the difference between the three character classes?
A: Each character class has it's strengths and weaknesses and there is
much debate about which is the better class; everyone has their own
opinion as to which is best. The following is a general opinion (in my
opinion :)).
Warrior: The easiest character to become proficient with, the warrior
usually gains very high hit points and delivers a large amount of damage
with physical attacks. They are not very skilled magic users; they fight best
up close and personal. They are able to use the heaviest and most
damaging weapons due to their great strength.
Rogue: The rogue is the middle-of-the-road character, best suited for a
player that wants the best combination of the physical and mental
attributes. The rogue specializes in a very fast and accurate attack; the
rogue is suited well at distance attacks with a bow or magic.
Mage: thesorcererobviously is the most adept at using magic. This can
make for the most exciting and visually spectacular gameplay in Diablo.
However, this comes at a price: thesorcereris the weakest of the three
characters, suffering from low hit points and armour class.
Q: What are the maximum stats for each character?
A: Each character has one stat that can be raised to 255. For the Warrior, it
is Strength. The rogue is Dexterity, and the Sorcerer is Magic.
Q: What monsters do you fight in the game?
A: Blizzard states that there are over 200 different creatures you will come
into contact with during your descent through the dungeon levels. This is
true, however there are only a few different types of creatures, each with
many variations on the basic theme. Some are resistant to magic, fire or
lightning, some have different attack abilities, etc etc. For the purposes of
this edition of the FAQ, I have decided not to list all the variations of
creatures you meet; I would instead suggest having a look at the definitive
list at www.diablo.scorched.com or purchase the Blizzard Strategy Guide.
Q: Are there any Boss level characters or are they all the same ability?
A: There are several different Boss monsters that pop up here and there.
You can tell these apart from the regular creatures because of their
different coloring. They are generally just a bit tougher and do more
damage than their unbolstered counterparts. They also drop magical items
when they are killed.
Q: What are "unique items"? Are they really unique?
A: Unique items are found randomly throughout the labyrinth. They have
more modifiers (+ to hit, + to damage, etc) than regular magical items.
There are not truly unique, as there are only several different items, and all
have the same attributes. For example, when you find the "windforce" bow,
it is the same as all the other "windforce" bows out there.
SECTION 4: MAGIC
Q: What spells can you cast? Can all character classes use spells?
A: All character classes can use magic in the game, although the Warrior
and the Rogue have limits on how high their Magic attribute can be raised.
The following is simply a list of all the spells available to be used by the
player, through book or scroll. Duration and the damage done by each spell
is not documented here because it varies depending on the level of the
spell. Spells progress from level 1 to 15, with each consecutive level using
less of the caster's mana, lasting longer, and causing more damage or more
powerful effects. Spells can also be cast by reading scrolls that are found or
bought from the witch.
Fire Wall
-as the name implies, this creates a wall of flame across the screen. Anyone
that walks into the flame, or is touched by it suffers damage. The duration
of the flame depends upon the level of the caster.
Fire Bolt
-a small ball of fire erupts from the caster into whatever is targetted. This
ball of fire disperses as soon as it makes contact with it's target or a solid
object.
Fire Ball
-similar to the Fire Bolt, but much more powerful.
Inferno
-when cast, this spell envelops the target and those close to it in flames,
which extinguish on contact.
Holy Bolt
-this is a small ball of energy that only affects the undead (skeletons,
zombies, etc)
Lightning
-when cast, a stream of lightning issues forth in a straight line through the
target and whatever is beyond it.
Chain Lightning
-similar to Lightning, but causes more damage and strikes all hostile
targets in your sight line.
Golem
-this creates an animated creature that generally follows you around and
attacks all hostile targets until it is destroyed or you create another one.
Guardian
-this creates a three-headed dragon that sits in one spot on the ground and
shoots fire at all visible targets. After a certain amount of time (depending
upon the spell level), it fades away.
Blood Star
-a magical ball of energy is fired at the target. Dissipates upon contact.
Stone Curse
-this temporarily turns the target to stone, freezing it in place and
eliminating it's attack capabilities. Duration depends upon spell level.
Town Portal
-creates magical gateway to the town. It vanishes when the caster goes
through it a second time (from town back to dungeon).
Mana Shield
-all damage taken is subtracted from the castor's mana rather than hit
points. When the available mana runs out, the spell ends.
Health
-recovers lost hit points. Amount depends upon spell level.
Heal Other
-similar to Health spell but must be used upon another character.
Phasing
-randomly teleports you to location.
Teleport
-moves your character to another spot within your sight.
Flash
-brief burst of energy encircles your character, damaging all targets
attacking you.
Bone Spirit
-damages target by removing 1/3 of it's hit points
Elemental
-creates an apparition built of fire that runs forward out of the caster and
disperses against the first thing it comes into contact with.
Charged Bolt
-three "balls" of lightning issue forth from the caster and travel throughout
the maze in a zigzag pattern, passing through and damaging all hostiles it
comes into direct contact with.
Flame Wave
-creates a wall of fire that moves through the level like a tidal wave,
inflicting damage on whatever passes through it.
Telekinesis
-allows the caster to manipulate objects from a distance. For example, one
can open doors, activate shrines, or "push" a creature.
Apocalypse
-engulfs all visible enemies in flames and kills them. The exception to this
is Diablo. The Dark Lord is not automatically slain by this spell.
Identify
-this scroll reveals the magical properties of items found on the various
levels of the dungeon. This can also be performed by Cain in Town.
Nova
-when cast, this creates a circle of lightning around the caster that then
extends into the dungeon, similar in fashion to Flame Wave.
Infravision
-when enabled, this shows all hidden creatures within the dungeon
Q: When I activate a shrine, what do those weird phrases mean?
A: Every shrine, cauldron, fountain, etc has a specific effect on your
character. The following list was lifted from www.diablo.scorched.com,
and to my experience, it is correct:
Abandoned Shrine
"The hands of men are guided by fate"
-raises DEX by 2
Creepy Shrine
"Strength is bolstered by heavenly faith
-raises STR by 2
Cryptic Shrine
"Arcane power brings forth destruction"
-refills mana, nova spell erupts
Divine Shrine
"Drink and be refreshed"
-health and mana are refilled, two random potions are added to your
inventory
Eerie Shrine
"Knowledge and wisdom come at cost of self"
-total mana is raises, total life is lowered
Eldritch Shrine
"Crimson and Azure become as the sun"
-all potions become rejuvenation potions
Enchanted Shrine
"Magic is not what it seems to be"
-one spell goes down one level, all others go up one level
Fascinating Shrine
"Intensity comes at the cost of wisdom"
-total mana goes down, firebolt spell is added, or gains two levels
Glimmering Shrine
"Mysteries are revealed in the light of wisdom"
-identifies all unidentified items in inventory
Gloomy Shrine
(unknown)
-all armor gains 2 AC points, all weapons lose one point of damage
Hidden Shrine
"New strength flows from destruction"
-one items loses 10 DUR, all others gain 10
Holy Shrine
"Wherever you go, there you are"
-phases you
Magical Shrine
"While the spirit is vigilant, the body thrives"
-mana shield
Murky Pool
(unknown)
-infravision
Mysterious Shrine
"Some grow weaker as one grows strong"
-two stats lose a point, one gains two
Ornate Shrine
"Salvation comes at the cost of wisdom"
-total mana is lowered, one spell gains two levels
Quiet Shrine
"The essence of life flows from within"
-VIT goes up two
Religious Shrine
"Only time can diminish the power of steel"
-all items are repaired
Sacred Shrine
"Energy comes at the cost of wisdom"
-total mana depleted, charged bolt improved
Secluded Shrine
"The way is made clear when viewed from above"
-full Automap
Spiritual Shrine
"Riches abound when least expected"
-fills all free spots in inventory with gold
Spooky Shrine
"When avarice fails, patience grows"
-all players receive full life
Stone Shrine
"The power of mana refocused renews"
-all staves are recharged
Thaurmaturgic Shrine
"Everything that once was open, is now closed"
-closes and refills all chests
Tainted Shrine
"Those that are last may yet be first"
(unknown)
Weird Shrine
"The sword of justice is sharp and swift"
-all edged weapons are +1 damage
OTHER:
Blood Fountain-adds health when clicked repeatedly
Purifying Spring-adds mana when clicked repeatedly
Fountain of Tears-one stat loses one point, another gains one
GOAT SHRINE and CAULDRONS
-these work the same as shrines, but the player does not know which
shrine's effects they duplicate
SECTION 5: BATTLE.NET and MULTIPLAYER
Q: Is Battle.net really free, with no hidden charges? If so, how can
Blizzard afford that, when other networks are charging people to play over
the net?
A: Battle.net is free of charge. The only thing fees you will be charged is
from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Blizzard supports this in part by
using advertising on the site. Also, Battle.net is an excellent advertising
tool for Blizzard itself; during the month of February, 1996, the average
users at any given time were 3500 to 6000. That's several thousand people
at once, which creates a huge amount of word-of-mouth advertising.
Q: What is a "pk"? What are those ears?
A: "PK" is short for "player killer", or a person that uses their multiplayer
character to kill other people's characters. When your character is killed by
another person, your "ear" falls off, and can be picked up and stored in a
person's inventory. These can be sold to the witch or kept as prizes of the
killing.
Q: What does it mean when I'm playing on Battle.net and I get kicked off
the game and put back in the chat forum? And why does the hourglass
pause the game sometimes?
A: When the Battle.net server you are playing on becomes too busy because
there are too many people playing at once, or your connection to the
Internet becomes too poor, the server cannot support your character, and
you get "timed out". Sometimes you can just rejoin the game you were
playing, but sometimes not, depending on your connection. The hourglass
means that the server is dealing with a heavy load of data transfer to many
different people at once. This causes your game to temporarily freeze.
Q: What is a Guild? How do I join one?
A: Simply, a Guild is a group of players that have joined together and
declared that when they play a multiplayer game, they will abide by certain
agreed-upon rules. Browse the web to find out the home pages of the
guilds, as each have different procedures and rules.
Q: When I'm in the Battle.net forums, what do those dots above character's
heads mean?
A: Dots are gained by killing Diablo. The first is for Regular level, the
second for Nightmare, and the third for Hell level. You do not have to be
the person that actually kills Diablo to get the dot; as long as you are on
level 16, you will be credited with a dot.
SECTION 6: CHEAT CODES and CHEATING
NOTE: The issue of cheating in online games is a hotly contested one that
has significant importance to Diablo. There exist many different programs
and utilities that "hack" the game code and allow you to do many different
things. Blizzard released a patch on their web site and Battle.net that
counters some of the early versions of these programs. When you log on to
Battle.net for the first time, your version of Diablo is upgraded from 1.00
to 1.02. There is no way to avoid this. However, there are new programs
coming out that circumvent this patch and there will likely always be a way
to cheat at the game.
Q: Are there any cheat codes for Diablo?
A: Diablo has no cheat codes built in. This is because Blizzard felt that the
main point of the game was to build up your character through gaining
experience and special items. However, there are several Utility programs
available for use with Diablo. These programs allow the player to save
multiplayer characters (but not games), increase attributes, experience
level, add gold, superweapons, perform hostile acts in town, and many
other things Blizzard didn't want you to know about. These programs are
fairly widely available on the 'net, so have a look for them.
Q: What is Town Kill? How can I avoid being pk'd in town?
A: The "town kill" utility program is one that lets you perform actions like
spell-casting etc. in town, where they are normally restricted. This is a new
program, as of this edition, and is somewhat rare, although it's usage is
increasing at a high rate. The best way to avoid it is to know the people you
are playing with by creating a password-protected game and only letting
people you trust play with you. The other way to avoid it is just to start a
new game as soon as someone attacks you.
This FAQ is solely the work of myself, except where otherwise credited.
Feel free to distribute it as you see fit, provided it remains intact and
unchanged, with credit (and blame) given to solely to myself and the other
content providers.
e-mail: stormjn@golden.net
