Summary
Diablofans have managed to get the original game running natively via web browser, which means that you can play the first game on any device that supports the internet right now.
There are two options when you open the browser port (linked here)—you can either play the Shareware version or upload an MPQ.
you may also upload save files, so if you have a Diablo playthrough on the go, but want to swap to a web browser to try it out, that’s possible too.
Shareware is a free version of Diablo that gives you a taste of the game before you buy it. It’s basicallya demo. Uploading an MPQ, however, allows you access to the full game. you’re able to get this by purchasing Diablo fromGOGfor just £7.89. So, there’s no piracy going on here, just a new way to use the DRM-free game you bought.
Diablo Web Browser Even Has Mobile Support
The best part about this fan-made port is that it works incredibly well on mobile. Every phone has a web browser, so you should be able to get Diablo running right now. Thankfully, there are dedicated buttons on the page that allow you to play the game using touchscreen, so don’t worry about getting a Bluetooth keyboard set up.
Of course, the screen is a lot smaller and playing a classic RPG like this without a mouse in your hand can feel a bit awkward, but after a few hours, it’ll start to feel like second nature. You can see how it looks in the tweet embedded below.
If you haven’t played the original Diablo, it launched in 1996 and introduced us to the iconic Tristram. We arrive there at the start of the game to find that most of the townsfolk have fled, and those who stayed behind—such as series staple Deckard Cain—need our help.
By the end of your adventure, you even face Diablo in his mortal form, but if you’ve played the second game (which was remade in 2021), you’ll know how that story played out. It’s not quite as simple as ‘hero slays bad guy’. I won’t delve into any specific spoilers here, since you can boot up Firefox right now and give the game a whirl for yourself.
