DIABLO III | GUIDE TO SANCTUARY

From the colourful worlds of Super Mario to the realistic city scapes of GTA, there’s plenty of gaming locations that would be perfect for a family picnic. Just don’t settle down in Sanctuary, the hellish world of the Diablo series – where fire and brimstone will severely alter your enjoyment of a scotch egg. Instead, fashion yourself a makeshift cape out of that checkered blanket and join us as we delve into Sanctuary… The realm of Sanctuary has continued to evolve, acting as the enduring realm of Diablo since the series’ first entry in 1996. With an endless war known as The Eternal Conflict raging between the forces of Heaven and Hell, a group of rogue angels and demons took refuge by creating the world of Sanctuary. Designed as a mortal realm for those seeking peace from the clutches of war, Sanctuary remained hidden from the High Heavens and Burning Hell thanks to the colossal Worldstone at its core. But while Sanctuary began existence as a calm oasis thriving with life, soon evil returned once again, as the lord of terror Diablo invaded with his hoards of minions. It was at this point players first explored Sanctuary in Diablo, roaming the dark recesses of Tristram to defeat Diablo and his foul creatures.Whilst the first game remained situated within this crumbling town overrun by Diablo’s forces, Diablo II expanded the world, allowing players to explore a large area of Sanctuary across its four acts. However, the Sanctuary of Diablo III is the most ambitious yet, and as evil returns once again to this vast world you’ll explore a variety of different locations – from dank dungeons to sprawling cities. As you do so, you’ll also encounter a range of demonic beasts while seeking out hidden treasures and rare loot. Sanctuary was first inhabited by Nephalem – the children of rogue angel Inarius and the powerful demon Lilith. As cultures and societies evolved from these early life forms on Sanctuary, soon humans formed the largest race within the world. But with Sanctuary being impacted by the Ethereal Plane, magic and other arcane powers are ripe amongst its inhabitants. Wizards roam the world, utilising spells and arcane powers to blast their enemies with destructive powers. Manipulating life and death, Witch Doctors wield devastating spirits and summon the dead to fight alongside them. Beginning within the ruins of New Tristram, there are plenty of notable locations that you’ll explore during your time in Sanctuary. As you explore the locales of Act One you’ll bravely set foot into such charmingly named places as the Fields of Misery and Cemetery of the Forsaken, where the undead roam the lands in search of foolish mortals. Elsewhere, Act Two sends players to the borderlands of Sanctuary, with the dusty hidden camp leading towards the city of Caldeum. In Act Three you’ll help defend Bastions keep before crossing The Bridge of Korsikk. Finally, Act Four sends players into the high heavens to face Diablo for the final showdown.