The Udder Truth: How Many Cows Are in the Secret Cow Level?
The Secret Cow Level in Diablo II is legendary, a chaotic pasture filled with bovine fury. But just how many of these mooing monstrosities are we talking about? The answer, while not a precise figure, is consistently high. On average, you’ll encounter between 350 to 450 cows in the Secret Cow Level. This impressive density makes it a prime hunting ground for loot, experience, and of course, the thrill of mowing down hordes of angry bovines.
Why So Many Cows?
The sheer number of cows contributes to the level’s popularity. It’s not just about the potential loot, but the sheer satisfaction of battling through such a vast quantity of enemies. The continuous flow of experience and item drops means that a cow run can be incredibly efficient, especially for character progression and farming. The tightly packed nature of the cows also allows area-of-effect abilities to shine, making it a satisfying experience for many builds.
Farming The Secret Cow Level
Worth the Effort?
The Secret Cow Level is renowned for its valuable loot, with opportunities for set items, uniques, and rares. It’s also a popular farming spot for socketed normal items, runes, jewels, and gems. Specifically, Normal cows drop items like Crystal Swords and Broad Swords, which can be socketed by Larzuk for 4 sockets, crucial for crafting the Spirit Runeword.
High Rune Drops
While the chances of specific high runes like Ber or Zod are quite low – 1:730k for Ber and 1:2560k for Zod from Hell Bovines – the high number of cows increases the likelihood of them dropping compared to other areas of the game. Players often find that the Secret Cow Level provides the most efficient method for finding these elusive high runes. Many consider it one of the best places to farm for runes due to the sheer volume of enemies.
The Cow King
It’s important to note the presence of the Cow King, who resides within a fenced enclosure. In the original release, killing him would prevent opening additional portals. However, in Diablo II: Resurrected, this is no longer the case. Now, you can farm the Cow Level as much as you like, even if you dispatch the Cow King. Despite this, many choose to avoid killing him, as his death does not add significantly to the level’s loot and can provide some with a sense of superstition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many times can I enter the Secret Cow Level?
You can enter the Secret Cow Level as many times as you want. In Diablo II: Resurrected, the restriction of killing the Cow King blocking future entries was removed.
2. Is the Secret Cow Level worth farming?
Yes, the Secret Cow Level is very popular for farming. It has good chances for various drops, especially socketed items, runes, and gems. It’s also a good spot for finding set and unique items, and a place that makes builds that use area-of-effect damage shine.
3. What items can Normal cows drop in the Secret Cow Level?
Normal cows are valuable for dropping Crystal Swords and Broad Swords, which can get 4 sockets from Larzuk and are used to create the Spirit Runeword.
4. What are the odds of getting a Ber rune from cows?
Hell Bovines have about a 1:730,000 chance to drop a Ber rune on average.
5. How many cow runs does it take to get a high rune?
On average, you might find a High Rune about once every 350 Cow Runs, at 1 player settings.
6. Can I still enter the cow level if I kill the Cow King?
Yes, in Diablo II: Resurrected, killing the Cow King does not prevent you from opening new portals to the Secret Cow Level.
7. Where does the Cow King spawn in the Secret Cow Level?
The Cow King always spawns inside a fenced enclosure located within the Secret Cow Level.
8. Can I open the cow level multiple times?
Yes, you can open the cow level multiple times in Diablo II: Resurrected, regardless of whether the Cow King is killed or not.
9. How do I access the Secret Cow Level?
You must kill Baal in the difficulty you want to access the cow level. Then, combine Wirt’s Leg and a Tome of Town Portal in the Horadric Cube while in the Rogue Encampment to open a red portal.
10. Is there a cow level in Diablo 3?
Yes, but it’s different. In Diablo 3, accessing the Secret Cow Level involves collecting rare items and creating the Staff of Herding.
11. Why is the Ber rune so valuable?
The Ber rune is highly valuable due to its use in popular runewords and its unique properties, like Crushing Blow and Damage Reduction.
12. Is Lower Kurast a good place to farm?
Lower Kurast is great for farming High Runes, charms, and crafting materials. It’s best done with higher player counts.
13. What good items can drop from Nightmare cows?
Notable drops from Nightmare Cows include Frostburn, Magefist, Raven Frost, Infernostride, Jalal’s Mane, The Oculus, Goblin Toe, and Twitchthroe.
14. How do I pick up Wirt’s Leg in Nightmare difficulty?
You must drop any current Wirt’s Legs you have before you can pick up another one. If it is in your inventory, stash or in the Horadric cube, you cannot pick up another.
15. Is the cow level a lie?
The cow level started as an in-game joke and urban legend, but it became an actual playable level in Diablo II and beyond.
Conclusion
The Secret Cow Level remains a beloved part of the Diablo universe. With its massive population of 350-450 cows, it offers a unique and efficient method of farming for items and experience. The removal of the Cow King restriction in Diablo II: Resurrected has only enhanced its value as a repeatable and exciting end-game activity. Whether you are hunting for high runes, set items, or just the pure joy of decimating hordes of cows, the Secret Cow Level is a must-visit location for any serious Diablo II player.