If you’re looking for the fastest and most reliable way to level up in Diablo 2: Resurrected (D2R), you’ve come to the right place. Hitting level 99 is no small feat, but by following this optimized path, you’ll maximize experience gain and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran looking to speedrun the process, this D2R leveling guide will take you step by step through the most efficient route.
Level 1-15: Tristram Runs (Normal Mode)
Why?
Tristram Runs provide fast early XP with minimal effort. The density of enemies and ease of clearing make this the best leveling method in the early game.
How to Do It:
- Get rushed through Act 1 until you unlock Cain.
- Join a public game labeled “Trist Runs” or create your own.
- Repeatedly clear Tristram, focusing on elite packs.
- Once you hit level 15, move on to the next phase.
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7q65xjyBY
Level 15-24: Tal Rasha’s Tomb Runs (Normal Mode)
Why?
Tal Rasha’s Tombs in Act 2 have a great monster density, and the XP per run outperforms most other locations at this stage.
How to Do It:
- Get rushed through Act 2 but do not kill Duriel yet.
- Join or host “Tomb Runs” in public games.
- Clear the tombs repeatedly until you hit level 24.
Level 24: Ancients Quest (Normal Mode)
Why?
The Ancients Quest grants a massive XP boost, and you need it completed to progress past level 24.
How to Do It:
- Get rushed through Acts 3 and 4.
- At level 24, complete the Ancients quest in Act 5.
- This will push you directly to level 25, unlocking Baal runs.
Level 25-40: Normal Baal Runs
Why?
Baal’s minions provide the highest XP per minute in Normal difficulty.
How to Do It:
- Join or host “Normal Baal Runs”.
- Focus on killing the waves of Baal’s minions.
- Do not waste time killing Baal himself unless the group is fast.
- Once you hit level 40, move on to Nightmare difficulty.
Level 40: Nightmare Ancients Quest
Why?
The Nightmare Ancients quest gives another huge XP boost and is required to proceed efficiently.
How to Do It:
- Get rushed through Nightmare Act 1-4.
- Complete the Ancients quest in Act 5.
- Move on to Nightmare Baal Runs.
Level 40-60: Nightmare Baal Runs
Why?
Baal minions continue to provide the best XP per run, making Nightmare Baal runs the most effective method to reach level 60.
How to Do It:
- Join public “NM Baal Runs”.
- Focus on farming Baal’s minion waves for XP.
- At level 60, move on to Hell difficulty.
Level 60: Hell Ancients Quest
Why?
The Hell Ancients quest provides a significant XP boost and is a mandatory step to level efficiently beyond this point.
How to Do It:
- Get rushed through Acts 1-4 in Hell.
- Complete the Ancients quest in Act 5.
- Begin Hell Baal Runs.
Level 60-99: Hell Baal Runs & Chaos Sanctuary Runs
Why?
Hell Baal and Chaos Sanctuary runs provide the best XP scaling as you approach level 99.
How to Do It:
Level 60-94: Hell Baal Runs
- Join public “Hell Baal Runs”.
- Focus on Baal’s minions, as they provide the best XP.
- Once you reach level 94, Baal runs start losing efficiency.
Level 94-99: Chaos Sanctuary Runs
- Switch to “Chaos Runs” (public or private groups).
- Diablo’s XP scaling is better than Baal at this stage.
- Focus on high-density Chaos Sanctuary clears.
Pro Tips for Faster Leveling in D2R
1. Always Play in Full Games
- Experience scales with player count, so always aim for 8-player public games.
2. Use XP Shrines
- If available, use Experience Shrines before major minion waves for bonus XP.
3. Get Rushed by High-Level Players
- If possible, have a high-level character rush you through Acts 1-4 quickly.
4. Avoid Wasting Time Killing Bosses (Unless Necessary)
- Baal and Diablo take too long to kill in many cases—focus on minion waves instead.
Final Thoughts
By following this D2R leveling guide, you’ll be able to hit level 99 in the fastest and most reliable way possible. Whether you’re playing solo or in a group, using Tristram Runs, Baal Runs, and Chaos Sanctuary Runs is the most efficient path to max level.
Want to level up even faster? Find a dedicated leveling group and play in full 8-player public games to maximize your XP gains. Good luck, and see you in Diablo 2: Resurrected!
BONUS – Fastest Leveling Method (Power Leveling – Requires High-Level Help)
Step 1: Get Rushed to Hell Mode ASAP (Levels 1-24)
- Find a high-level Sorceress or Paladin to rush you through Normal and Nightmare difficulty (takes ~20-30 minutes).
- Skip all unnecessary quests except Ancients at level 24 (this is mandatory to progress).
- During this rush, you’ll leech some XP, but the real gains start in Hell mode.
Step 2: Chaos Sanctuary Leeching (Level 25-60)
- Once in Hell mode, join a high-level Chaos Sanctuary farming group.
- Stay near the entrance while a powerful character (Hammerdin, Lightning Sorc, or Javazon) clears the Chaos Sanctuary and kills Diablo.
- Each run gives huge XP, making this significantly faster than Baal runs.
- Pro tip: If you have an Enchant Sorceress buffing you, you can help clear mobs slightly for a bit of bonus XP.
Step 3: Hell Baal Runs (Level 60-94)
- Once you hit level 60, switch to Hell Baal runs in full 8-player lobbies.
- The fastest way is to have a Hammerdin or Blizzard Sorceress clearing the waves while you leech XP.
- Best method: A dedicated group that can teleport to the Throne Room quickly, making runs extremely efficient.
Step 4: Chaos Runs for Final Levels (Level 94-99)
- After level 94, Baal runs slow down due to XP penalties.
- Switch back to Hell Chaos Runs, as Diablo gives better XP scaling than Baal at this level.
Fastest Possible Time to Level 99
- With full rush & carry: Under 50 hours
- Without a coordinated team: 100+ hours
This is the fastest realistic way to hit level 99, as manually leveling through Tristram, Tomb, and Baal runs is significantly slower.
If you’re playing solo or without a dedicated team, then the Baal Run method in my original guide is still the most reliable and efficient way to hit max level.
