Cow level

The Cow Level, or Secret Cow Level, is a recurring hidden area in the Diablo series of action role-playing games developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is known for its humorous and absurd nature, populated primarily by hordes of hostile, bipedal cows wielding polearms.

The origin of the Cow Level stems from a persistent rumor surrounding the original Diablo game. Players believed that clicking on a specific cow in the town of Tristram a certain number of times would open a secret level. This rumor was false, but it inspired Blizzard to include a genuine Secret Cow Level in Diablo II.

The Cow Level in Diablo II is accessed by combining a Wirt's Leg and a Tome of Town Portal in the Horadric Cube within the Rogue Encampment in Act I after defeating Diablo. This creates a red portal that leads to the level. The enemies within are numerous and relatively weak, making it an ideal place to farm for experience and items. The Cow King, a unique and powerful cow, serves as the level's boss. Killing the Cow King on a specific difficulty will prevent the player from opening the portal on that difficulty again (unless they are not the game's creator).

The Cow Level has appeared in subsequent Diablo games, albeit with variations. In Diablo III, the "Not the Cow Level" exists, accessible through a specific set of steps involving rare items and crafting. The level continues the series' tradition of humorous absurdity and acts as an easter egg for dedicated players. These levels generally feature a high density of enemies and increased loot drops, making them popular for farming.

The Cow Level has become a recognizable element of the Diablo franchise and a pop culture reference within the gaming community, often used to represent hidden content, easter eggs, and unexpected humor in otherwise serious games.