Home Here’s how you can play the first Diablo game in a web browser

Here’s how you can play the first Diablo game in a web browser

TLDR

  • Fans ported the original Diablo to web browsers, including mobile with touchscreen support.
  • Players can use a Shareware version or upload the MPQ file from a purchased copy to play.
  • This browser version avoids legal issues by requiring users to own the original game.

Fans of the original Diablo game have used technology to get the game running in web browsers, including on mobile with dedicated touchscreen support.

The in-browser version of Diablo includes two options. Players can dabble with the Shareware version, which is essentially a proof of concept, or they can upload the MPQ file from a purchased version to play the full game.

This approach ensures no accusations of illegal distribution of copyrighted content can be levied against the fans behind the browser implementation because users will need to own the game to play it.

A screeenshot of the in-browser version of Diablo showing the limits of the shareware version
The Shareware version acts as a proof of concept but doesn’t allow players to interact with any NPCs. Image credit: Blizzard/DiabloWeb

Why make Diablo run in a web browser?

Getting old games to work on modern systems can be a challenge, so working to get the game running in a web browser is a fantastic idea. The game doesn’t need to be modified to work around modern operating systems and browsers can operate across platforms.

This includes mobile browsers – DiabloWeb includes full mobile functionality and dedicated on-screen buttons so it can be played on the go. You can play Diablo on your commute to work! It’s definitely more fiddly than using a mouse and keyboard but it’s worth getting used to the touchscreen controls if you’re enjoying the experience.

Diablo launched originally in 1996 and now has multiple sequels up to Diablo 4. It’s an action role-playing dungeon crawler set in the dark fantasy world of Sanctuary. Players control a lone hero tasked with ridding the world of Diablo himself, descending through dungeon after dungeon until you finally reach hell and your ultimate foe.

Players can choose between Warrior, Rogue, and Sorceror character classes in the original game. However, character classes are something Blizzard has expanded on in the subsequent releases in the series. Players can experience the game as a Monk, a Witch Doctor, and now in the expansion for Diablo 4, a Spiritborn, a class steeped in deep lore with an acrobatic and versatile combat style.

Featured image credit: Blizzard/Canva

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Ali Rees
Tech journalist

Ali Rees is a freelance writer based in the UK. They have worked as a data and analytics consultant, a software tester, and a digital marketing and SEO specialist. They have been a keen gamer and tech enthusiast since their childhood in are currently the Gaming and Tech editor at Brig Newspaper. They also have a Substack where they review short video games. During the pandemic, Ali turned their hand to live streaming and is a fan of Twitch. When not writing, Ali enjoys playing video and board games, live music, and reading. They have two cats and both of…

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