I am restarting game play in Diablo 2 with expansion pack: Lord of Destruction. It’s an online game that I played years ago. Diablo 3 is a flop. When it came out in 2012 I tried it but didn’t like it and stopped gaming for a while.

I play D2 for several reasons. The most important is the team play. It is instructive and challenging to work as a group. It involves many different skills and is generally more fun. That said, there are things to be learned in solo, and it is a good idea to start in solo mode to get the lay of the land. As you get to know the basic working of the commands and how to move about, you can join in with more experienced players and you will be amazed…at how helpful people are, how much you learn and how fascinating this game really is.

We use computer gaming as a learning tool and not as a shoot-em-up. Cooperation and gaming skills are what we are developing. In reality, everyone is a newbie and we aim to help each other. We always try to keep a level playing field.

When you get into a game for the first time it is bewildering. Here is a good place to go to get help. Gamexx Newbie tutorials.

A basic first skill of playing with a group is to learn how to stay with the group. For this you will need your map overlay on. Figure out how to use the map (use the “tab” key or see the “H” help screen) and you are ready to go. This doesn’t mean that you fixate on the map, but use it as an aid.

At  first, don’t try to fight, don’t build up your character or engage any of the big monsters, don’t run around too much looking for loot or drops, just stay with the group. You will move right along nicely as the big guys take care of the monsters. Remember this is your first character. It will die many times. Don’t worry about building it up or getting all the right equipment. Just stay with the group – the pack of green x’s on your map overlay screen.  That’s D2 lesson 1.