The Secret Diablo Cow Level: A Legendary Myth Turned Reality
The secret Diablo cow level is one of the most legendary secrets in all of gaming. Dating back to the very first Diablo game released in 1997, this rumor turned reality is a testament to the power of legends and the enduring appeal of compelling stories in our favorite games.
While Diablo 3’s Not the Cow Level is the latest iteration of the secret cow levels, its origins trace back to the original game. In Tristram, the game’s first hub area, three unassuming cows catch the attention of players. Clicking on these cows produces different lines of dialogue, leading some players to believe that there might be a hidden significance behind these bovines.
“Mooooo!” they cried. “I’m so excited! Moooo!”
The speculation continued with Diablo’s Hellfire expansion, which introduced the secret Bovine Plate armor. Obtained through a hidden quest, this armor was a clear nod to the bovine-based rumors surrounding the original game.
However, the existence of Diablo’s secret cow level seemed to be debunked in 1998 with the release of StarCraft, which included a cheat code stating “there is no cow level.” Rumors of the secret level were revealed to be unfounded.
Diablo 2, however, provided players with a second chance to realize their cow-themed dreams. The introduction of the Horadric Cube, a device for item management, allowed for extensive item manipulation. By combining Wirt’s Leg – an item gained from the game’s first quest that belonged to a deceased NPC named Wirt and functioned as a Tome of Town Portal – with a Tome of Town Portal in the Cube, players could open a portal to a secret level.
Enter Moo Moo Farm
The secret level, known as Moo Moo Farm, featured Hell Bovines – cows that walk on hind legs and wield axes. The level also boasted a boss cow, the Cow King. Killing the Cow King would lock off the level for other players, leading to the now-famous etiquette rules in parties not to kill the boss, as players would otherwise have to wait for it to respawn in order to complete the level.
Moo Moo Farm quickly became the go-to leveling spot in Diablo 2. Its efficiency allowed players to power-level their characters to level 99 in no time.
Diablo 3, however, took a different approach and did not include a secret cow level. Instead, it introduced the Not the Cow Level as a replacement. To access this unique level, players had to hunt down a rare enemy called Herald to the Queen, who would open a portal during the game’s third anniversary.
Not the Cow Level featured Infernal Bovine enemies and a challenging boss encounter with the Cow Queen. This encounter resembled Diablo 2’s Cow King, and like its predecessor, the Cow Queen posed a significant challenge, especially for low-level players.
In addition to the Not the Cow Level, Diablo 3 also introduced an incredibly rare Nephalem Rift filled with Infernal Bovine enemies. Although not a true ‘level’ like the Not the Cow Level, this hidden area added another cow-themed surprise for players to discover.
The secret cow level has transcended the boundaries of the Diablo franchise and become a beloved meme in video game culture. It has made appearances in other Blizzard titles and beyond. While this article does not delve into the meme aspect of the secret level, it highlights its impact on video game culture, comparing it to other iconic gaming memes and emphasizing its cultural significance.
In conclusion, the lasting legacy of Diablo’s secret cow level persists within the gaming community. Its allure and enduring popularity serve as a testament to the enduring power of myths and legends within the world of gaming.
