Long before the Activision-Blizzard merger, the Warcraft creator was known as one of the biggest up and comers in the gaming industry. Post-merger, and the combined faction now holds a permanent position in the network, with a larger than life stake in the MMO gaming frontline. Whether you're a fan of the Activision firm or the Blizzard one doesn't really matter, because at the end of the day, both sides know how to develop top-tier quality games fit for the far corners of the market.

But let's talk rankings. From the earliest days on the block to the latest additions to the overwhelming catalog that is Blizzard's portfolio, what are the greatest games ever published to the industry? Well, let's run them down. Here are, in our opinion, the five best Blizzard games of all time, ranked.

5. Overwatch

While you could quite easily argue that most MMO first-person shooters are never likely to survive more than a few years in the spotlight, you could also say that, with Overwatch, an exception can very well be made. With a tidy six years under its belt, as well as a whole ocean of content to boot, Blizzard's 2016 favourite has been able to keep a foothold in the market without having to resort to filler and unwanted material.

The fact is, the quirky shooter remains dedicated to bringing content to its loyal fan base. Sure, viewership has since dwindled into fairly low numbers, but that hasn't stopped Blizzard from filling the bucket with fresh water from time to time. It's not a happening thing, but it hasn't exactly become yesterday's news, either. Plus, with a sequel set to release mid-2022, it just goes to show that the brand is still fit to run a kingdom.

4. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Sponging off of the success that World of Warcraft and its associated links accumulated over the years, Blizzard followed up with Hearthstone, a card-based spin-off that allowed fans to collect unique decks and battle them in 1v1 games and tournaments. Fast-forward several years, and the game managed to secure a place on the eSports platform, resulting in lofty events and even loftier prize pools to boot.

Hearthstone wasn't a game that took an eternity to wrap one's head around, which is partly the reason why it garnered such critical acclaim. Deck building was fast and addictive, as was the battle system and benefits each game provided. To this day, the game remains a true contender in the PvP domain, as well as a staple on the eSports frontline.

3. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty

One of the slickest ways to build hype for a sequel to a well-received video game, believe it or not, is to let it sit on the back burner for twelve years. To Blizzard, this was the best method of escalating the hype for the long-awaited sequel to StarCraft. But rather than settle for a mediocre expansion to the iconic world, Wings of Liberty thankfully rounded off with a whole new galaxy to tap into.

Despite having several expansions, as well as a remastered version of the original hit, the 2010 follow-up remains one of the most impactful entries in the series, with players still flocking to its core for both local and international bouts. Content may have ceased as of 2020, but that doesn't change the effect it has had on millions of loyal players since its inception.

2. World of Warcraft

It's fair to say that, long before World of Warcraft established ground in the MMO region, the franchise was already benefiting from the winding roots that sank deep into the strategy-based domain. With upwards of 13 million players already filling out the ranks, the newly launched MMORPG wound up finding an immediate following the second it was announced, giving it a well-earned foothold on the market.

Since 2004, Blizzard has flushed a grand total of eight expansions into World of Warcraft, serving millions of fans a constant flow of content to shovel through. To this day, Azeroth and all its associated regions boasts thousands of quests, dungeons, raids, as well as an abundance of PvP and endgame content. Now, whether World of Warcraft is the best in Blizzard's books is another question. Either way, you can't ignore the sheer love that the kingpin packs into it. It's a credit to those that poured life and soul into forming its creation.

1. Diablo II

While Diablo III owned up to having a much better combat system than all other games that came before it, fans of the series still stand by its predecessor for being one of the greatest games in the timeline overall. With an ideal mixture of ARPG elements and a strong online platform to bolster its reputation, the gem just went to show how a role-playing game should be, no excuses.

Since being pulled back from the dirt in a ressurected version on modern hardware, players have once again found a new love for the kingpin of ARPGs. Diablo II brings the whole deck of cards to the table, once again proving that no matter the opponent's hand, Blizzard continues to dominate with a royal flush. Like it or not, Blizzard know how to build a game. Diablo II, of course, just goes to prove it. What more can we say?

So, what's your take? Which Blizzard game would you rank the highest? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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StarCraft II: if you haven't already heard of it — then you're most definitely in for a treat with this one. Of course, wrapping your head around the extensive bank of details that brew from the online strategy game isn't something you can simply employ without sinking a few hours into a training manual first. That being said, you can pick up the gist of Blizzard's power hit with just a smidgen of detail. And, perhaps a few hours of swivelling through a few online streams, of course.

For betting purposes, you won't have to know every square detail of StarCraft and its origins in order to stand a fighting chance. You will, however, need to know the core basics of the game modes and the primary teams that bolster the competitive scene. Seems like a hefty task for such an old game, for sure — but it is, surprisingly enough, a necessary step to take before sticking it to the bookmaker. But where can we start? Well, it's probably best we paint StarCraft on an open canvas, with the color to follow shortly.

Best Starcraft II Betting Sites

Ready to take the dive and place a bet? These are the top esports betting platforms that offer Starcraft II wagering opportunities.

Thunderpick – A top crypto betting platform that is a leader in esports betting.

BetUS – This is the top esports betting site for Canadian & USA players. (All other countries prohibited).

Bovada – Recommended for USA residents. (Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York Prohibited).

Cloudbet – Recommend for betting with bitcoin & crypto. Accepts Australians & Canadians. (USA, UK, & Singapore Prohibited).

GG.bet — Most recommended for Canada. – (USA, UK, & Australia Prohibited).

StarCraft II: In a Nutshell

Typically, StarCraft II will pit two players against one another on a map with two bases to establish and defend. Before sinking into the battle, each player must select one of the three available factions: The Zerg, which prioritizes large numbers in their ranks to help overwhelm the enemy, The Protoss, an alien race who opt for smaller units, and The Terran, the human race with a mixture derived from all three skill sets. Once each player has taken control of a faction — the board is in play.

Gathering resources and expanding the base is, of course, the initial goal when booting up a match. By being extremely proficient and understanding the grounds of each area, players are able to quickly tilt the scales and branch out for the advantage. Once the two bases have been established, each army can ultimately traverse the map in small or large units, using their skills to eliminate the opposing faction and, in turn, destroy the enemy hub. If one of the encampments is destroyed and forces eradicated — the player on the offence claims the win.

The Platforms

StarCraft II, despite its popularity among competitive players and Blizzard overlords — is really only played on PC. Of course, a Mac port was introduced way back when the game first launched in 2010, though it's rare you'll ever see an eSports event opt for the platform. That being said, there are a few scattered events that prioritise OS. Just not in the major leagues that Blizzard support, sadly. And as for future console ports? Well, that's incredibly unlikely, given the number of complex designs and formations the game possesses.

Tournaments & Prize Pools

Similar to Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, StarCraft II boasts quite the pipeline of competitive events, with some bolstered by six-figure prize pools. Although the game itself has been around for over a decade, the player base is still going strong, with an estimated half a million users still logging on to test their skill daily. And it doesn't stop there, either. In fact, Blizzard, despite their best efforts to grovel content into their other IPs, still hosts annual events for StarCraft II.

If we were to look back at the most prominent tournaments StarCraft II has brought to life since its debut — we'd have to praise the World Championship Series, which ran from 2012 to 2019. However, since closing the books on the official event, Blizzard has established roots with a new professional circuit — the ESL Pro Tour. Nested within the annual circuit, as per the usual formula, is a slew of tournaments that draw the best players from all over the world and have them battle it out for a spot at IEM Katowice. The player that dominates the board will ultimately stroll away with millions in prizes, as well as a spot among the greatest StarCraft II players in the world.

As far as elite StarCraft II players go — South Korea dominate the circuit. And then some.

Stacking Against the Odds

Whilst you could easily compare StarCraft II to other games under the RTS belt, there are a few things that help separate the game from the bulk of the category. Of course, the main thing that StarCraft II has that others don't is the three playable factions — all of which employ unique skill sets and patterns. And it's because of this, that learning the basics of the game requires a lot more than copy and paste templates from other titles. Plus, it's your first real port of knowledge before sinking into the betting world. Learn the three factions and their ways — and you're off to a good start.

As well as forging a close-knit relationship with the forces StarCraft II houses, physically playing the game for yourself is also another feasible method for future success. And, being a free-to-play game under Blizzard's portfolio of works — sinking some valuable hours into the domain won't even cost a penny, meaning you can stock up on research without breaking the bank. Throw in a few hours with the IEM domain and its player base, and that foot wedged in the door will eventually become a leg.

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