Diablo 4 Hints at the Return of the Secret Cow Level

Diablo 4 fans have uncovered a series of new items in the ARPG’s database that bear a striking resemblance to objects used to access the Secret Cow Level and Whimsyshire in Diablo 3. While these items could simply be clever Easter eggs or intentional misdirections, many players believe they are hints leading to the discovery of the Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4.

Since its launch in June 2023, players have been on the hunt for any signs of the Secret Cow Level, a legendary inside joke that has been a staple of the series. Despite finding numerous clues that suggest its existence, no one has yet to uncover the elusive realm or its equivalent in Diablo 4.

However, the discovery of a few more potential clues has reignited hope among fans. Recently, Wowhead reported that members of the Diablo 4 secret-finding Discord uncovered several new items in the game that are similar to those used in Diablo 3 to open portals to hidden realms. For example, the description of the Rusted Bardiche appears to be a nod to the Bovine Bardiche, which, when used in Kanai’s Cube, opens a portal to Not The Cow Level in Diablo 3. Other items like the Rusted Old Bell, Crooked Staff, and Jabbering Gemstone share similar flavor text and seem to reference Wirt’s Bell, the Staff of Herding, and the Gibbering Gemstone, which are the key components needed to access Whimsyshire, also known as the Pony Level in Diablo 3.

Is There a Secret Cow Level in Diablo 4?

Rusted Bardiche

“This badly damaged and decayed weapon reeks of manure. You question your decision to have picked this up.”

- This item appears to be similar to the Bovine Bardiche, which was used to access Not The Cow Level in Diablo 3.

Rusted Old Bell

“A worn, bloodstained bell. The letter ‘W’ has been crudely carved on one side. Though its purpose is lost to time, this was once an object of great significance.”

- This seems to reference Wirt’s Bell, a key item for opening the portal to Whimsyshire in Diablo 3.

Crooked Staff

“The cracked and splintered remnants of an old staff. It clearly had magical properties once. Though its purpose is lost to time, this was once an object of great significance.”

- This item resembles the Staff of Herding, another component required to enter Whimsyshire in Diablo 3.

Jabbering Gemstone

“A cloudy gemstone of unknown origin. Holding it makes you want to talk to someone. Though its purpose is lost to time, this was once an object of great significance.”

- This gemstone is similar to the Gibbering Gemstone, which was used to open the portal to Whimsyshire in Diablo 3.

The Secret Cow Level started as a fan-created myth in the original Diablo, which Blizzard later turned into a recurring joke by planting Easter eggs in the Diablo: Hellfire expansion and StarCraft. It eventually made its official debut in Diablo 2 as Moo Moo Farm and appeared again in World of Warcraft for the 20th anniversary of Diablo. In Diablo 3, Blizzard changed things up with the colorful Whimsyshire but also added Not The Cow Level for the game's third anniversary.

Despite numerous hints, the urban legend—or something similar—has yet to be discovered in Diablo 4. Players have unearthed various clues, such as finding the Forlorn Hovel by killing cows that supposedly drop items reminiscent of the original keys to the Secret Cow Level. Others have performed rituals at mysterious ox statues or explored map areas shaped like a cow's head. While Diablo 4 playfully denies the existence of a Secret Cow Level, this has only fueled players' determination to uncover it.

With the Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred expansion set to release on October 8, the first batch of DLC may finally provide the missing pieces to this puzzle, potentially revealing the path to the Secret Cow Level. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if their search will pay off.