To unlock the secret cow level in Diablo III, also known as the "Not the Cow Level," you need to obtain the Staff of Herding. This staff requires specific materials and a plan to craft. Once you have the staff, you can access the secret level by going to Whimsyshire through a special portal.
Unlocking the Secret Cow Level in Diablo III
The Secret Cow Level in Diablo III is a reference to a similar hidden level in the previous Diablo game. To unlock the Secret Cow Level in Diablo III, you need to collect a specific item called the "Staff of Herding." This staff is required to access the level and is obtained through a series of steps that involve gathering various materials and crafting the staff.
Materials Needed
To craft the Staff of Herding, you will need a Black Mushroom, Leoric's Shinbone, Wirt's Bell, Liquid Rainbow, Gibbering Gemstone, and the plans for the staff. These items are scattered throughout the game and will require some effort to collect. The Black Mushroom can be found in the Cathedral levels, Leoric's Shinbone is located in Leoric's Manor in Act I, Wirt's Bell can be purchased from Squirt the Peddler in Act II, the Liquid Rainbow is obtained in the Mysterious Cave in the Dalghur Oasis in Act II, and the Gibbering Gemstone is dropped by Chiltara in the Caverns of Frost in Act III.
Crafting the Staff of Herding
Once you have gathered all the required materials, you can craft the Staff of Herding at the Blacksmith. The plans for the staff can be purchased from Gorell the Quartermaster in Act IV for 1 gold. After crafting the staff, it will appear in your inventory, and you can use it to access the Secret Cow Level.
Accessing the Secret Cow Level
To access the Secret Cow Level, head to Old Tristram in Act I. You will find a ghostly apparition of the Cow King near the ruins of the old Tristram town. Approach the Cow King with the Staff of Herding in your inventory, and the portal to the Secret Cow Level will open. Once inside, you will be greeted by an army of bipedal cows known as "The Hell Bovines," a nod to the classic Secret Cow Level in Diablo II.
Exploring the Secret Cow Level
Inside the Secret Cow Level, you will find a whimsical and light-hearted environment filled with unique enemies, treasures, and a boss encounter. The level is designed as a fun easter egg for players to enjoy and is a departure from the darker tone of the main game. Players can earn achievements and rare loot from the enemies in the Secret Cow Level, making it a worthwhile and entertaining diversion from the regular gameplay.
Conclusion
Unlocking the Secret Cow Level in Diablo III is a rewarding and nostalgic experience for players who have fond memories of the original Secret Cow Level in Diablo II. By following the steps outlined above to collect the materials and craft the Staff of Herding, players can access this hidden level and enjoy a fun and light-hearted adventure in the world of Diablo III.