Blizzard honors first 300 level 99 warlocks in D2R Hardcore

Blizzard is doing something pretty special for the hardcore crowd in Diablo II: Resurrected. Instead of just rolling out another ladder season and calling it a day, they’ve turned the race to level 99 into a real-world legacy moment. With the launch of Season 13, Blizzard announced the “Warlock Hardcore 99 Race,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a challenge for the fastest and most dedicated players out there.

The event started on February 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT,  and the first 300 players to reach level 99 as a Hardcore Ladder Warlock will earn a unique reward. And no, it’s not gold, cosmetics, or a mount. The prize is something much more symbolic. Blizzard will engrave the winners’ BattleTags into a physical monument called the “Grimoire of the Unfallen,” which will be displayed at Blizzard’s Irvine campus. This was officially shared through Blizzard’s news post and forum terms and conditions.

What Blizzard has officially confirmed about the race

To qualify, players must reach level 99 on a Hardcore Warlock during Season 13 Ladder. It has to be done legitimately, and participants must provide proof along with their full BattleTag to be verified. Only the first 300 eligible players will make it onto the monument. That’s it. No cash, no in-game title, no secret bonus. Just permanent recognition at Blizzard HQ. And honestly? That’s kind of awesome.

Diablo has always been about prestige, grind, and community respect. Level 99 in Hardcore is no joke. It takes time, skill, patience, and a bit of luck. By tying this challenge to a physical monument, Blizzard is giving players something that feels meaningful. It’s not about flashy rewards. It’s about legacy. It’s about saying, “I was there, and I did it.”

It’s also great to see Blizzard interacting with the community in such an iconic way. Instead of just patch notes and balance updates, this is something that celebrates the players directly. Moments like this remind people why Diablo has such a loyal fanbase.

If you’re thinking about jumping into Season 13 and going for that level 99 grind, make sure you’re ready. And before you dive in, don’t forget to use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Diablo II: Resurrected.