A few days ago, Blizzard confirmed that Diablo IV and Diablo Immortal are getting a crossover with the legendary manga series Berserk. The announcement had already disappointed a few players, but most fans are excited. Even beyond the cosmetics, this collab just makes sense; both thematically and stylistically.
What Is Berserk and Why Is It So Loved?
Created by the late Kentaro Miura, Berserk is one of the most iconic and influential dark fantasy stories ever made. It follows Guts, a lone mercenary cursed by the Brand of Sacrifice and hunted by demons. His world is brutal, unforgiving, and constantly teetering on the edge of despair.
Story Summary (Only open this if you are ok with spoilers or know the Manga/Anime already!)
At its heart, Berserk is a story about revenge, trauma, and survival, but also about friendship, purpose, and what it means to fight when everything seems lost.
The story begins with Guts, a lone swordsman born from the corpse of his hanged mother. Raised in violence and betrayal, he becomes a mercenary and eventually finds companionship in the Band of the Falcon, a group of warriors led by the charismatic Griffith. But that bond is shattered after Guts leaves to pursue his own dream–something Griffith cannot handle. This choice sets off a tragic chain of events, ultimately leading to the Eclipse, where Griffith sacrifices the Band of the Falcon in exchange for power. Guts survives, but is branded by the Brand of Sacrifice, forever hunted by demonic forces.
From that point on, he becomes a target for nightmarish demons, constantly hunted while struggling to protect those he cares about. Despite the horror around him, Berserk is not just about suffering; it is about endurance. It explores heavy topics like fate vs free will, the cost of ambition, and the line between human and monster.
The world is cruel, but Guts refuses to give in. And that message–of standing tall even when the universe is against you–is one of the reasons Berserk continues to resonate with fans decades later.
If you have played Dark Souls, Elden Ring, or even Final Fantasy VII, you have felt Berserk’s influence, even if you did not realize it.
Guts Would Fit Right Into Sanctuary
Demonic invasions, corrupted gods, doomed cities; Berserk and Diablo share more than just an aesthetic. The worlds themselves are built on the same kind of horror: power that twists and destroys, and heroes who keep fighting anyway.
Even Guts’ iconic sword and armor are a natural match for Diablo’s classes, especially the Barbarian. And the Brand of Sacrifice, which shows up in the collab teaser, is a perfect touch. If that mark ends up influencing gameplay, like attracting more enemies for greater loot, it would be an incredible nod to both universes.
Not Just a Skin Drop
Yes, this could be just a simple cosmetics pack, which would probably be enough for a lot of people. But what if Blizzard is also honoring the tone of Berserk, not just the visuals? Guts is not just a guy with a big sword. He is a symbol of pushing forward through pain, loss, and darkness. That is Diablo’s whole identity, too.
This is one of those rare crossovers that actually feels right. Diablo’s world is bleak and violent, but also full of players who never stop fighting. That sounds a lot like Guts.
If you are new to Berserk but intrigued by the story or what this collaboration might be all about, now is a great time to get started and watch or read one of the best dark fantasy stories ever written. And if you are already a fan? Well… you probably had a big grin the second you saw that sword.
You can visit the official collaboration site here:
Blizzard’s Diablo x Berserk Cross Collaboration – Dark Worlds Converge
