Who is the Strongest Nephalem in Diablo? A Definitive Ranking

Determining the “strongest” Nephalem in the Diablo universe is a complex undertaking, rife with subjective interpretations of power and limited direct comparisons. However, based on lore, feats, and in-game representations, the Diablo 3 Player Character (Nephalem) stands out as the most powerful. This individual, through their journey across Sanctuary, defeats the Prime Evil Diablo, Malthael (the Angel of Death), and countless other demonic and angelic foes, demonstrating unparalleled power and adaptability. While other Nephalem possessed unique strengths, the Diablo 3 Nephalem’s raw power and accomplishments place them at the pinnacle.

Understanding the Power of the Nephalem

Before delving into the rankings, it’s crucial to understand what makes the Nephalem so formidable. Born from the union of angels and demons, they are the ancestors of humanity in the Diablo universe. Their power potential far surpasses that of angels and demons, though it can be dormant or suppressed. Their ability to manipulate reality, harness divine and demonic energies, and adapt to any challenge makes them a force to be reckoned with.

Top Nephalem Ranked

While subjective, here’s a ranking of some notable Nephalem, considering their demonstrated powers and lore significance:

1. Diablo 3 Player Character (Nephalem): Undisputed champion, having defeated the Prime Evil Diablo (empowered by all seven Evils) and the Angel of Death, Malthael. Possesses unparalleled adaptability and the ability to master any class.

2. Uldyssian ul-Diomed: A pivotal figure whose immense powers reshaped Sanctuary and weakened the influence of both Heaven and Hell. His ability to manipulate reality on a grand scale is unmatched, although he ultimately sacrifices himself to maintain balance.

3. Rathma (Linarian): The first Nephalem, son of Lilith and Inarius. Rathma, a master of necromancy, sought to understand and control the balance between life and death, dedicating himself to preserving Sanctuary and shielding it from the Eternal Conflict. His knowledge and connection to the natural order granted him significant power.

4. Bul-Kathos, The Immortal King: The founder of the Barbarian tribes, Bul-Kathos dedicated his life to protecting Mount Arreat and the Worldstone. While immensely powerful, his strength primarily lies in his martial prowess and leadership, rather than raw magical abilities.

5. Fiacla-Géar / Vasily: Another early Nephalem and important Barbarian figure. While his feats are less explicitly detailed than Bul-Kathos, he stands out for his leadership role alongside Bul-Kathos in preserving the sacred balance of the Worldstone, and the safety of the land of Sanctuary.

6. Diablo 2 Player Characters: The heroes of Diablo 2, while powerful, their power level is likely below that of the D3 Nephalem.

7. Diablo 1 Warrior: In Diablo 1, one warrior defeated Diablo, but not as a Nephalem. So, that warrior is weaker than the Diablo 2 Player Characters.

8. Guardians Of Mount Arreat (Korlic, Madawc, & Talic): Powerful Barbarian warriors, but far below the power level of Bul-Kathos and the other listed Nephalem.

Nephalem: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is a Nephalem?

A Nephalem is the offspring of angels and demons, a hybrid race with the potential to surpass even their celestial and infernal parents in power. They are the ancestors of humanity in the Diablo universe.

2. How are Nephalem different from Nephilim?

While the names are similar, inspired by biblical terms, they are distinct. In the Diablo universe, Nephalem are the children of angels and demons. The term Nephilim does not have any current relation to the Diablo universe.

3. Who were the first Nephalem?

The first Nephalem was Rathma (Linarian), son of Lilith and Inarius.

4. Why are Nephalem so powerful?

Nephalem inherit the essence of both angels and demons, granting them access to a vast pool of power and the potential to manipulate reality itself. Their power grows as they tap into their heritage.

5. What are the weaknesses of a Nephalem?

Nephalem can suffer from internal conflict due to their dual nature, leading to insanity or instability. They are also vulnerable to weapons of celestial or demonic origin, particularly those crafted from primordial materials.

6. Can Nephalem die?

Yes, Nephalem are mortal, although exceptionally resilient. They can be killed by primordial-level weaponry or through overwhelming force.

7. Are all humans Nephalem?

Yes, humans are the descendants of the Nephalem, though their powers were suppressed by Inarius using the Worldstone. The Diablo 3 Nephalem are unique in that they reawaken their dormant potential.

8. What is the role of the Worldstone in relation to the Nephalem?

The Worldstone was used by Inarius to suppress the Nephalem’s powers, essentially weakening their connection to their angelic and demonic heritage. The destruction of the Worldstone in Diablo 2 allowed some Nephalem, like the Diablo 3 hero, to reawaken their potential.

9. Can a Nephalem be corrupted?

Yes. Due to their dual nature, Nephalem are susceptible to both angelic and demonic influences. A Nephalem can be corrupted by embracing either extreme, losing balance and becoming a force of destruction.

10. What is the difference between a Nephalem and a Cambion?

A Nephalem is the offspring of an angel and a demon. A Cambion is the offspring of a demon and a human. While both are hybrids, Nephalem possess far greater potential due to their direct link to both celestial and infernal power.

11. What role does Lilith play in the history of the Nephalem?

Lilith, the Queen of Succubi, is a crucial figure as she is the mother of Rathma. She fiercely protects her children (the Nephalem) and seeks to empower them, even if it means challenging both Heaven and Hell.

12. How does the Diablo 3 Nephalem become so powerful?

The Diablo 3 Nephalem’s power grows through experience, mastering different classes (Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, Wizard, Witch Doctor), and defeating increasingly powerful foes. They essentially “level up” their dormant Nephalem abilities.

13. Are there other notable Nephalem besides those mentioned?

While less prominent in the main storyline, many Barbarian ancestors and other figures throughout Sanctuary’s history likely possessed Nephalem lineage and varying degrees of power. Identifying them precisely is often difficult due to a lack of concrete information.

14. How does the lore surrounding Nephalem connect to real-world mythology?

The concept of Nephalem draws inspiration from biblical accounts of Nephilim, often interpreted as giants or powerful beings born from unions between angels and humans. The Diablo universe reimagines this concept with a darker twist, exploring the consequences of forbidden unions between opposing forces. The Games Learning Society explores how games like Diablo can re-imagine and reinterpret classic mythologies. You can learn more about these connections by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.

15. Could a Nephalem surpass even Anu or Tathamet in power?

Theoretically, yes. The lore suggests that a Nephalem’s power is limited only by their potential and ability to tap into their heritage. A Nephalem with extraordinarily powerful angelic and demonic parents, combined with the will to master their abilities, could potentially surpass even the primordial beings Anu and Tathamet. However, this remains largely hypothetical within the established lore.