Looking for some nightmare fuel to keep you awake at night? If so, the Diablo series is just the RPG franchise for you. The polished mechanics, rich world-building, and grim story of this famed series are well known, but what about the series’s many nightmarish creatures? From the terrifying Rat King to the chilling The Butcher – and everything in between – here’s a look at some of the most terrifying demons from the Diablo series.
Diablo 3 – The Rat King
The Rat King is the most revolting monster in Diablo 3, resembling a giant malformed rat with eggs burrowed into its flesh. Much like the game’s story, the Rat King’s appearance is a loose reference to the Soviet Union’s failed invasion of Afghanistan, in which several Soviet soldiers were taken hostage and held for years by Mujahideen fighters. The Mujahideen buried explosives in some of the soldiers’ stomachs to keep them from escaping. In Diablo 3, The Rat King is a twisted, defiled abomination, a representation of the horrors that man is capable of inflicting upon his fellow man.
The Hidden
The Hidden is a humanoid creature that materializes suddenly, causing panic and delivering a brutal attack. The Hidden has been present in the series since the original Diablo game, and it represents one of the three major forces in the Diablo universe – Lilith, Mephisto, and Diablo himself. Whereas Diablo and Mephisto thrive on spreading fear and despair among their enemies, Lilith represents a third goal: she wishes to embrace and spread knowledge. Her methods are ruthless, but her goals are relatable and compelling, making her a deeply disturbing and complex character.
Blunderbore
Blunderbores are lumbering ogre-like enemies who swing massive pillars adorned with the bodies of vanquished foes. Blunderbores represent the threat of war, the destruction it brings, and the bodies left in its wake.
Andariel
Also known as The Demon Queen and The Maiden of Anguish, Andariel is a terrifying entity who would strike fear into the heart of any mortal – or immortal. Her appearance is that of a scorpion, and she delights in mental and emotional torment. In Diablo II, Andariel is the first major boss you face in Act II, after you’ve ventured into the sewers beneath the Stony Field and discovered the Cathedral’s true purpose: to imprison Andariel and keep her away from the world above.
Duriel
Also called The Maggot King and The Lord of Pain, Duriel is a giant slug monster with scythe-like appendages. You first encounter Duriel in a claustrophobic chamber, where you have to engage him in battle in order to continue your journey.
Mephisto
One of the Prime Evils, Mephisto is a wraith-like demon with a cold, patient, and calculating personality. He strikes fear through deliberation, not through aggression, and he enjoys toying with his opponents for as long as possible.
Baal
Another Prime Evil, Baal has a twisted face made from human skin. He is a physically powerful and gruesome antagonist, who, in Diablo II, is the final obstacle between you and the Worldstone.
Diablo
Also known as The Lord of Terror, Diablo is the main villain of the series. He thrives on spreading fear and despair among his enemies, using Lilith and Mephisto as pawns in his schemes. While his appearance varies throughout the series, striking fear in the hearts of those who see him is part of Diablo’s essence. Diablo’s true form has not been revealed to players, though there are rumors that he might appear as a boss in Diablo 3.
Those are some of the most terrifying enemies in the Diablo series. If you’re looking for a RPG game like Diablo, we’ve got you covered with guides to all the best ARPG games like Diablo and the best Diablo clones you can find.
