​Vessel of Hatred Expansion Could Finally Bring the Secret Cow Level to Life

Sep-12-2024 PST Category: Diablo4


 

Since the launch of Diablo 4, one particular rumor has refused to fade: the existence of a secret cow level. A cornerstone of the Diablo franchise’s quirky humor and legacy, the cow level has always been more than just a myth. It is a cherished Easter egg that fans have come to expect in the franchise. However, with the upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion and the highly anticipated 2.0 update, the clues seem to be mounting that Diablo 4 might finally embrace this iconic tradition once again.

 

 The Secret Cow Level: A Diablo Legacy

 

The myth of the secret cow level has origins dating back to the original Diablo game. Rumors circulated that clicking on cows in the game repeatedly would open up a hidden level full of cows. While that particular myth was never true in Diablo, Blizzard, the developers of the game, decided to play along with their fanbase. They created an actual cow level in Diablo 2, which players could access by combining Wirt’s Leg with a Tome of Town Portal, transporting them to a bizarre, bovine-filled world.

 

The Diablo 2 cow level became an instant favorite due to its humorous twist on the dark tone of the game. The level was filled with hostile cows, led by a formidable boss called the Cow King. Despite its absurd premise, the cow level provided both entertainment and valuable loot, making it one of the most iconic Easter eggs in video game history.

 

Blizzard kept the tradition alive in Diablo 3 with the introduction of the Bovine Bardiche, a weapon that could open up a portal to a cow level once again. This was further complemented by another secret level called Whimsyshire, which offered a more whimsical, colorful adventure filled with non-traditional enemies like unicorns and teddy bears. Given these past examples, it was only natural that players believed Diablo 4 would hide its own version of the cow level somewhere within its expansive world.

 

 The Easter Egg That Got Players Talking

 

From the moment Diablo 4 launched, fans scoured the game for clues about a potential cow level. Their efforts led them to uncover a complex Easter egg involving the Forlorn Hovel, a seemingly insignificant structure hidden away in the game's world. The Forlorn Hovel Easter egg involves killing 666 cows and obtaining three special items that can be offered to a fountain dedicated to the Oxen Gods in Ked Bardu.

 

When players complete this ritual, they unlock access to the Forlorn Hovel, which contains several normal cows. While the initial payoff—merely killing the cows inside for a stamina potion—seemed underwhelming, players suspected this was just the beginning of something larger, perhaps even the first step toward discovering the elusive secret cow level.

 

This ongoing mystery has kept players intrigued, but the key pieces to unlock the full cow level have yet to be discovered. However, with the upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion and the 2.0 update, the possibility of a fully realized cow level in Diablo 4 seems more likely than ever.

 

 Vessel of Hatred: Clues from the PTR

 

Dataminers have been hard at work combing through the files in Diablo 4's Public Test Realm (PTR), and what they have found is tantalizing. A series of new items discovered in the PTR files could be the key to unlocking Diablo 4's secret cow level.

 

One of the most significant finds is the Rusted Bardiche, a weapon described as "reeking of manure." This seems to be a clear homage to the Bovine Bardiche from Diablo 3, which was essential for unlocking the cow level in that game. The Rusted Bardiche appears to play a similar role in Diablo 4, acting as a key component for accessing the cow-themed secret level.

 

In addition to the Rusted Bardiche, several other new items with intriguing names have been discovered in the PTR, including the Unusual Key, Rusted Old Bell, Crooked Staff, and Jabbering Gemstone. These items bear striking similarities to the components required for unlocking Whimsyshire in Diablo 3. For instance, the Unusual Key and Rusted Old Bell parallel Wirt’s Bell and the Staff of Herding, which were essential for opening the path to Whimsyshire.

 

These findings suggest that Vessel of Hatred might introduce a new secret level that draws inspiration from both the iconic cow level and the more whimsical Whimsyshire. Blizzard has a long history of creating quirky and unexpected content, and it seems likely that they are planning something similar for Diablo 4's upcoming expansion.

 

 The Forlorn Hovel: The Missing Link?

 

The Forlorn Hovel Easter egg, already uncovered by players before the 2.0 update, could be the starting point for unlocking the secret cow level in Diablo 4. While the initial discovery of the hovel didn’t yield much besides a stamina potion, many believe that the real secret has yet to be revealed.

 

The addition of the Rusted Bardiche and other mysterious items in the Vessel of Hatred expansion could provide the missing link that finally opens the door to a fully realized cow level. In past games, unlocking the secret cow level required players to collect specific items and perform certain rituals, and it seems likely that Diablo 4 will follow a similar pattern.

 

By building on the Forlorn Hovel Easter egg and introducing new items like the Rusted Bardiche, Blizzard may be setting the stage for the grand reveal of the secret cow level. If this is the case, players will likely need to gather these new items and complete another ritual or series of steps to unlock the full cow level experience.

 

 What the Cow Level Could Mean for Diablo 4

 

If the secret cow level does indeed make its way into Diablo 4, it would be a huge win for both the developers and the community. For veteran players, it would be a nostalgic return to one of the franchise’s most beloved traditions. For new players, it would be an exciting introduction to Diablo’s signature mix of dark fantasy and quirky humor.

 

In previous Diablo games, secret levels like the cow level and Whimsyshire were full of surprises, challenges, and valuable loot. If Diablo 4 introduces a cow level, players can likely expect similar rewards. Unique items, powerful gear, and perhaps even cow-themed bosses could make an appearance, offering both humor and challenge in equal measure.

 

Moreover, Blizzard has a history of acknowledging fan-driven rumors and theories. The cow level started as nothing more than a rumor, but over time, Blizzard turned it into an essential part of Diablo’s legacy. By including a cow level in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, Blizzard would be acknowledging the community’s ongoing fascination with this secret and giving fans what they have been clamoring for since the game’s release.

 

 Conclusion

 

As the Vessel of Hatred expansion and the 2.0 update for Diablo 4 draw closer, the evidence supporting the return of the secret cow level continues to grow. With new items like the Rusted Bardiche and other mysterious components appearing in the game’s PTR files, it seems increasingly likely that Blizzard is planning to bring this beloved Easter egg to life once again.

 

For players, the chance to revisit the iconic cow level in Diablo 4 would offer both nostalgia and new challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned Diablo veteran or a newcomer to the series, the secret cow level represents one of the franchise’s most entertaining and enduring traditions. As we gear up for the Vessel of Hatred expansion, it’s time to prepare for the possibility that the secret cow level might finally be within reach.
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