The Ultimate Betrayal: Diablo 4 Degrades the Legacy of Diablo 2's Most Iconic Boss

Diablo 4 demonstrates a clear homage to the love and passion that was poured into Diablo 2's development. With its dark atmosphere, art style, and narrative, along with the beloved skill tree system, Diablo 4 feels like a modern interpretation of Diablo 2's essence, surpassing Diablo 3 in this aspect. Additionally, iconic characters from Diablo 2, such as Lilith and Andariel, make a return in Diablo 4. However, it is worth noting that one particular boss from Diablo 2, Duriel, Lord of Pain, does not receive the same level of attention and refinement as the others in Diablo 4, which is a notable flaw in the game's design.

Diablo 4 Could Have Made Duriel So Much More Menacing

Duriel is one of the four Lesser Evils in the Diablo universe and serves as the major act boss in Diablo 2 alongside his twin sister Andariel, the Maiden of Anguish. After players face off against Andariel as the boss of Diablo 2's first act, they must then confront Duriel, who takes on the role of the boss in the second act. Duriel awaits players inside Tal Rasha's Tomb and surprises them when they come in search of Baal, one of Diablo's Prime Evils, expressing their misfortune in finding Duriel instead.

Engaging in battle with Duriel in Diablo 2 is considered one of the most challenging encounters in the game. The fight commences immediately upon entering the chamber, and the cramped space, combined with the players' relatively low levels, puts them at a disadvantage. This is especially true for more fragile classes such as Sorceresses and Necromancers, who can be quickly overwhelmed by Duriel's devastating attacks. The situation worsens due to Duriel's Holy Freeze aura, which frequently immobilizes players, leaving them vulnerable to his heavy-hitting strikes like Smite.

In Diablo 4, Duriel makes a return but as a less impressive boss compared to the memorable one in Diablo 2. The fight with Duriel takes place during the final act of the main campaign as players traverse Caldeum on their way to the gates of Hell. Similar to Diablo 2, they are unexpectedly attacked by the Lord of Pain, but Duriel's appearance lacks the grandeur and dialogue. The player's only significant reaction is speculation about Duriel possibly being one of the Lesser Evils mentioned by Lorath.

This battle is less challenging compared to the one in Diablo 2, as it occurs towards the end of the game when players usually have a strong character build. Given that Duriel's sister Andariel has an entire act dedicated to preventing her summoning, it would have been more fitting for Duriel to play a more menacing role in Diablo 4's story. He could have been a formidable boss or even a random spawn like Diablo 4's Butcher, adding more terror to the game's dungeons. This would have suited the character better than what was ultimately given.

Diablo 4 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.