5 Best Blizzard Games of All Time, Ranked

Long before the Activision-Blizzard merger, the Warcraft creator was known as one of the biggest up and comers in the gaming industry. Post-merger, and the combined faction now holds a permanent position in the network, with a larger than life stake in the MMO gaming frontline. Whether you're a fan of the Activision firm or the Blizzard one doesn't really matter, because at the end of the day, both sides know how to develop top-tier quality games fit for the far corners of the market.

But let's talk rankings. From the earliest days on the block to the latest additions to the overwhelming catalog that is Blizzard's portfolio, what are the greatest games ever published to the industry? Well, let's run them down. Here are, in our opinion, the five best Blizzard games of all time, ranked.

5. Overwatch

While you could quite easily argue that most MMO first-person shooters are never likely to survive more than a few years in the spotlight, you could also say that, with Overwatch, an exception can very well be made. With a tidy six years under its belt, as well as a whole ocean of content to boot, Blizzard's 2016 favourite has been able to keep a foothold in the market without having to resort to filler and unwanted material.

The fact is, the quirky shooter remains dedicated to bringing content to its loyal fan base. Sure, viewership has since dwindled into fairly low numbers, but that hasn't stopped Blizzard from filling the bucket with fresh water from time to time. It's not a happening thing, but it hasn't exactly become yesterday's news, either. Plus, with a sequel set to release mid-2022, it just goes to show that the brand is still fit to run a kingdom.

4. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Sponging off of the success that World of Warcraft and its associated links accumulated over the years, Blizzard followed up with Hearthstone, a card-based spin-off that allowed fans to collect unique decks and battle them in 1v1 games and tournaments. Fast-forward several years, and the game managed to secure a place on the eSports platform, resulting in lofty events and even loftier prize pools to boot.

Hearthstone wasn't a game that took an eternity to wrap one's head around, which is partly the reason why it garnered such critical acclaim. Deck building was fast and addictive, as was the battle system and benefits each game provided. To this day, the game remains a true contender in the PvP domain, as well as a staple on the eSports frontline.

3. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty

One of the slickest ways to build hype for a sequel to a well-received video game, believe it or not, is to let it sit on the back burner for twelve years. To Blizzard, this was the best method of escalating the hype for the long-awaited sequel to StarCraft. But rather than settle for a mediocre expansion to the iconic world, Wings of Liberty thankfully rounded off with a whole new galaxy to tap into.

Despite having several expansions, as well as a remastered version of the original hit, the 2010 follow-up remains one of the most impactful entries in the series, with players still flocking to its core for both local and international bouts. Content may have ceased as of 2020, but that doesn't change the effect it has had on millions of loyal players since its inception.

2. World of Warcraft

It's fair to say that, long before World of Warcraft established ground in the MMO region, the franchise was already benefiting from the winding roots that sank deep into the strategy-based domain. With upwards of 13 million players already filling out the ranks, the newly launched MMORPG wound up finding an immediate following the second it was announced, giving it a well-earned foothold on the market.

Since 2004, Blizzard has flushed a grand total of eight expansions into World of Warcraft, serving millions of fans a constant flow of content to shovel through. To this day, Azeroth and all its associated regions boasts thousands of quests, dungeons, raids, as well as an abundance of PvP and endgame content. Now, whether World of Warcraft is the best in Blizzard's books is another question. Either way, you can't ignore the sheer love that the kingpin packs into it. It's a credit to those that poured life and soul into forming its creation.

1. Diablo II

While Diablo III owned up to having a much better combat system than all other games that came before it, fans of the series still stand by its predecessor for being one of the greatest games in the timeline overall. With an ideal mixture of ARPG elements and a strong online platform to bolster its reputation, the gem just went to show how a role-playing game should be, no excuses.

Since being pulled back from the dirt in a ressurected version on modern hardware, players have once again found a new love for the kingpin of ARPGs. Diablo II brings the whole deck of cards to the table, once again proving that no matter the opponent's hand, Blizzard continues to dominate with a royal flush. Like it or not, Blizzard know how to build a game. Diablo II, of course, just goes to prove it. What more can we say?

So, what's your take? Which Blizzard game would you rank the highest? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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