So, I'll leave my original answer below with the grain of salt that there does not seem to be a solid reference. There is also mention that by Brother Malachi, the healer in Act 1 that 'Zakurum has fallen to disgrace,' which bodes ill for the Paladin from Diablo II, if he is still alive.įrom what I have researched, the Druid, Amazon, and Assassin are not mentioned at all. It is also confirmed in that same thread that the male Barbarian from Diablo III is not the same Barbarian from Diablo II, even though this is often speculated - since that was an original plan by Blizzard that was scrapped due to gender differences, and difficulty in plot integration.īeyond those two knowns there is some speculation about the Sorceress from Diablo II being tied to a Blizzard short story that provides the backstory for the female Wizard but that is outside the game, and speculative. In dialogue, he mentions something to the effect of his master being one of the heroes who helped defeat Diablo 20 years ago. You come across him and his three skeleton minions, and he asks you to help him fight off some restless ghosts that the Cultists disturbed.

This thread on Blizznet also discussed some of the known lore related to the Necromancer's apprentice. They do go on to confirm a special case where you run into the apprentice of the Necromancer from Diablo II during a chance encounter in Act II. They specifically state that all that is known are hints and vague references, deliberately. At this link you can see a video in which a Blizzard panel member from Blizzcon 2011 explains that generally, you don't know what happened to the heroes from Diablo II. So I've done some additional research, and I believe I have found the most credible Blizzard sourced information on the subject. They have no hope against a full onslaught from the Burning Hells. Sanctuary’s frightened inhabitants are turning to abandoned legends and prophecies for answers. Now, a star has fallen from the heavens-a grim omen that heralds the End of Days. I believes backs up the updated content in my first edit. The official Diablo 3 Game Guide is now live, and includes an introduction which sets the stage for new players entering Diablo 3 without the background of the previous games.

Diablo 3 canon characters