With Season 11 of Diablo II: Resurrected fast approaching, now is the perfect time to get ready. Whether you're returning to the game or jumping in for the first time, the classic D2 leveling experience remains largely unchanged, giving everyone a chance to follow tried-and-true paths to reach level 99. This guide offers a complete breakdown of where and how to level up efficiently from level 1 to 99 in the new season.

Why It Takes So Long to Reach Level 99

Getting to level 99 in Diablo II: Resurrected is a huge time investment. After level 90, experience gains slow down significantly due to penalties, especially between levels 95 to 99. Even with efficient grinding, it takes a lot of time and effort. The key is to level smart, not hard.

The best way to speed up early progression is to get power-leveled by higher-level players. Just make sure you stay alive so you can gain experience without dying repeatedly.

Leveling Breakdown

Levels 1–5: Den of Evil

Start your journey by completing the Den of Evil in Act 1. You'll usually be around level 3 to 4 when you finish it. If you're in a full party, you'll reach level 5 even faster.

Levels 5–13: Tristram Runs

After the Den, move on to Tristram Runs. Look for public games with names like "Trist Run" or “Tristram 1.” Enter the portal at the Stony Field, kill Rakanishu outside, and then clear elite mobs in Tristram. Repeat until level 13.

Levels 13–23: Tomb Runs

Act 2 Tomb Runs in the Canyon of the Magi are great for this level range. Skip the main story and focus on clearing all the tombs—even the “fake” ones. Elite packs inside the tombs offer a solid experience.

Levels 23–25: Eldritch and Ancients

Before you can do Baal runs, you need to beat the Ancients in Act 5. Grind Eldritch the Rectifier in the Bloody Foothills until you're at least level 24. Then, defeat the Ancients to jump to level 25.

Levels 25–41: Normal Baal Runs

This is the sweet spot for efficient leveling. Join Baal Run groups and farm the minion waves before Baal. You can skip killing Baal himself if you want faster resets. Stick with this method until level 40 or 41.

Alternative (23–25): Secret Cow Level

If Baal runs get boring, unlock the Secret Cow Level by defeating Baal in Normal and using Wirt's Leg + a Tome of Town Portal in the Horadric Cube. The Cow level has tightly packed monsters and is great for AOE builds.

Levels 41–60: Nightmare Baal Runs

Move on to Nightmare difficulty and repeat the Baal run strategy. These runs are still the most efficient option, especially in an 8-player game. This phase slows a bit after level 58, but it's necessary to hit 60+ before entering Hell.

Levels 60–75: Hell Playthrough & Chaos Sanctuary

Play through Hell difficulty while focusing on Chaos Sanctuary runs. This area is challenging but rewarding. Be ready to face monster immunities. Sunder Charms can help with this, but reduce your resistance, so balance your gear accordingly.

Levels 75–99: Hell Baal Runs or Terror Zones

Once you reach level 75+, you'll mostly alternate between Hell Baal runs and farming in Terror Zones.

· Baal Runs continue to be one of the best EXP sources.

· Terror Zones offer more variety and higher monster levels, which means better loot and faster leveling, especially if done in a group.

Terror Zones Explained

Terror Zones are new areas introduced in Diablo II: Resurrected that randomly change every hour. Monsters in these areas are always at least two levels higher than your current level. This makes them perfect for leveling and farming loot.

Check your in-game chat or area name for the "Terrorized" tag to know when you're in one.

Each zone has higher monster levels, increasing both challenge and reward:

· Normal: Monsters up to level 45+

· Nightmare: Up to level 71+

· Hell: Up to level 96+ (up to level 99 for unique monsters)

These zones are especially effective for levels 80–96, when standard Baal or Chaos runs slow down significantly.

Efficient Leveling Tips

1. Use the “/players 8” Command (Offline Only):

This simulates an 8-player game, increasing monster HP but also boosting EXP and loot.

2. Find Experience Shrines:

They give 50% more EXP for 2.4 minutes. Always take advantage when you find one.

3. Kill Quickly, Not Slowly:

Efficiency matters more than fighting tough enemies. Kill what you can fast and skip the rest.

4. Use Call to Arms and Spirit for Pre-Buffs:

These runewords boost your survivability and skills. Use them before every run for maximum effect.

5. Farm the Countess for Runes:

In the early stages, Countess (in the Tower Cellar) drops great runes like Tal, Eth, Ral, and even higher. Use them for early runewords like Stealth or Insight.

6. Upgrade Gear Often:

The faster you can kill, the more EXP you gain per hour. Gear progression is key.

7. Join Public Games:

Especially for Baal and Chaos runs, being in 8-player groups significantly boosts experience gain.

8. Don't Stay in Acts 3 and 4 Too Long:

These acts don't offer great EXP zones. Rush through them as quickly as possible.

Best Builds for Leveling

Some character builds level more efficiently than others. Here are a few top picks:

· Blizzard Sorceress – Great for Normal and Nightmare runs.

· Hammerdin (Paladin) – Dominates from Nightmare onward.

· Nova Sorc – Excellent AoE clearing for Cow Level and Terror Zones.

· Lightning Amazon (Javazon) – Shines once geared.

· Summon Necro – Easy and safe for new players, good group utility.

Key Area Levels in Hell Difficulty (85 Zones)

You'll want to focus on farming these areas in Hell difficulty since monsters here can drop all items in the game:

· The Pit (Act 1, Tamoe Highland)

· Ancient Tunnels (Act 2, Lost City)

· Chaos Sanctuary (Act 4)

· Worldstone Keep & Throne of Destruction (Act 5)

· Terror Zones (Randomized hourly)

Farming here not only grants good EXP but also valuable item drops, including high runes and unique items.

Final Thoughts on Leveling in Season 11

Leveling from 1 to 99 is never easy in Diablo II: Resurrected, but it's doable with the right strategy. Most of your time will be spent in group Baal runs, Chaos Sanctuary, or Terror Zones. Make sure you gear up properly, farm smart, and group up with others when you can.

If you want to speed things up even more, consider using a shop like ours for helpful Diablo 2 Resurrected items, runes, and gear bundles to improve your leveling efficiency.

Whether you're aiming for level 99 or just trying to make a solid ladder push in Season 11, good luck, have fun, and enjoy the journey!