Trying to figure out how to get to the cow level in Diablo 3? Read our definitive guide to unveiling and playing through Whimsyshire to get the scoop on how to get there, what to do there, and how to profit from unlocking this easter egg.
Hey, there fellow Nephalem! Gather ’round because today we’re going to dive into one of Diablo’s most infamous and beloved Easter eggs – the elusive “Cow Level.” If you’ve been a fan of the series since its early days, you might remember slaughtering hordes of Hell Bovines in Diablo 2’s iconic Moo Moo Farm. Well, fear not, my friends, for Diablo 3 has its own spin on this legendary hidden level – the wondrous and whimsical world of Whimsyshire!
For those unfamiliar with this delightful secret, Whimsyshire is an Easter egg level crafted by Blizzard as a cheeky response to the long-standing myth of a hidden cow level within the series. While it may not be swarming with mooing bovines, it does feature an array of colorful and surprisingly deadly creatures that’ll leave you both amused and bewildered.
So buckle up and grab your weapons because we’re about to unveil how you can access Whimsyshire and experience all the wonders (and loot) it has to offer! Stay tuned as we dive deeper into what makes this hidden gem so special and guide you through unlocking its magical portal.
Overview of Whimsyshire – How To Get To The Cow Level In Diablo 3

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of unlocking this enchanting Easter egg, let’s take a moment to appreciate what awaits you within the colorful realm of Whimsyshire.
Imagine a land where vibrant rainbows arc across the sky, and cute-but-deadly creatures frolic among giant smiling sunflowers – that’s right, you’ve just stepped into Whimsyshire! This secret level takes a sharp departure from Diablo 3’s usually dark and gritty atmosphere, treating you to a quirky and lighthearted experience filled with unicorns, teddy bears, and more. But don’t let their cuddly appearances fool you; these seemingly innocent critters pack quite a punch!
Besides its slightly psychedelic-looking environment and unusual monsters, Whimsyshire is also home to some exclusive loot that can only be found within its borders. Keep an eye out for special items like the Spectrum sword or Horadric Hamburger (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like) as well as unique crafting materials and collectibles.
Now that your interest is piqued – let’s dive into how you can access this fantastical world hidden deep within Diablo 3! Stay tuned as we unravel the mystery behind assembling the essential Staff of Herding and uncovering the entrance to Whimsyshire.
Assembling the Staff of Herding
To gain access to Whimsyshire, much like other special events and areas, you’ll need to assemble a key item known as the Staff of Herding. This magical staff will unlock the portal to this hidden world and all its wonders. So let’s get down to business and uncover how to craft this essential artifact!
The Staff of Herding is a unique item that serves as your gateway into Whimsyshire. Without it, you won’t be able to open the portal and bask in all the rainbow-filled glory that awaits you within this secret level. So pay close attention, intrepid adventurer, because crafting the staff will require some dedication and perseverance.
To create the Staff of Herding, you’ll need to gather five specific ingredients scattered throughout Sanctuary – no easy feat! These elusive components are:
- Black Mushroom
- Leoric’s Shinbone
- Liquid Rainbow
- Wirt’s Bell
- Gibbering Gemstone
And while these names might sound peculiar, trust me when I say they are vital for your quest to enter Whimsyshire.
Ready for an unforgettable scavenger hunt? Keep reading and we’ll guide you through finding each ingredient and ultimately assembling the legendary Staff of Herding!
Gathering Ingredients for the Staff of Herding
Now that you know what components are needed to craft the Staff of Herding, it’s time to embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt across Sanctuary. Get ready for some exploration and monster-slaying as we guide you through locating each ingredient!
Step-by-Step Guide: Finding Each Ingredient
- Black Mushroom: Head over to Cathedral Level 1 in Act I, and keep an eye out for a room containing this peculiar fungus. It’s a random spawn, so you may need to revisit the area a couple of times before stumbling upon it.
- Leoric’s Shinbone: Venture into Leoric’s Manor in Act I and search for a fireplace within the manor’s main hall. If luck is on your side, you’ll find Leoric’s Shinbone among the burning logs – but remember, this item also has a random chance of appearing.
- Liquid Rainbow: Make your way to Act II’s Dahlgur Oasis and locate Zaven the Alchemist (again, he spawns randomly). Save him from his attackers, and he’ll grant you access to Mysterious Cave – where you’ll find the Liquid Rainbow inside a Mysterious Chest.
- Wirt’s Bell: This one is relatively straightforward! In Act II, visit Squirt the Peddler in Hidden Camp and purchase Wirt’s Bell from her wares.
- Gibbering Gemstone: Travel to Act III and explore Caverns of Frost in The Fields of Slaughter until you find Chiltara, an elusive enemy with a random chance of spawning. Defeat Chiltara and hope that she drops the Gibbering Gemstone!
Acquiring the Recipe from Izual
Once all five ingredients are safely in your possession, there’s one final component required – the recipe for crafting the Staff of Herding itself! To obtain it, defeat Izual in Act IV; he has a guaranteed chance of dropping this coveted blueprint.
Now that we’ve covered getting the ingredients, let’s discuss how to turn these scattered ingredients into your key to Whimsyshire!
Crafting the Staff and Accessing Whimsyshire
With all ingredients and recipe in hand, you’re now ready to assemble the fabled Staff of Herding! Here’s how to bring together your hard-earned components and finally unlock the entrance to Whimsyshire.
Call Upon Haedrig Eamon, the Blacksmith
Armed with your ingredients and recipe, pay a visit to Haedrig Eamon, the blacksmith in New Tristram. He’ll be able to craft the Staff of Herding for you – just make sure you’ve got enough gold for his services!
Upgrade the Staff for Higher Difficulty Levels
For those brave souls who wish to tackle Whimsyshire on higher difficulty levels (Nightmare, Hell, Inferno), remember that you’ll need to upgrade your staff accordingly. To do this, speak with Gorell the Quartermaster in Act IV while playing on each respective difficulty level – he’ll provide you with plans for upgrading your staff.
Locate Ghost of Cow King and Opening Portal to Whimsyshire
With your newly crafted (and possibly upgraded) Staff of Herding at your disposal, head back to Act I and venture towards Old Tristram Road. Keep an eye out for a glowing red rift near a group of dead cows – here is where you’ll encounter the Ghost of Cow King! Engage in a brief conversation with him before using your staff to open up a portal directly into the magical world of Whimsyshire.
Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about accessing this hidden gem within Diablo 3, it’s time for some tips on making the most out of your adventures in Whimsyshire!
Tips for Exploring Whimsyshire
As you embark on your whimsical journey through this vibrant and colorful realm, here are some tips to help you make the most out of your experience in Whimsyshire.
Prepare Yourself for Tough Battles
Don’t let Whimsyshire’s adorable appearance lull you into a false sense of security – despite its cheerful visuals, the enemies within can be quite challenging! Make sure you’re adequately geared and prepared for battle before diving headfirst into this seemingly innocent wonderland.
Be on the Lookout for Unique Items & Collectibles
As mentioned earlier, Whimsyshire is home to some exclusive loot that can only be found within its borders. Keep your eyes peeled for special items like Spectrum sword, Horadric Hamburger, and various other collectibles that’ll make your journey all the more rewarding.
With these tips in mind, you’re now fully equipped to conquer Whimsyshire and reap its bountiful rewards! So go forth, brave adventurer, and discover all the secrets hidden within this Easter egg level crafted with love by Blizzard Entertainment. Good luck out there!
Bonus: The Bovine Bardiche and the Not the Cow Level
But wait, there’s more! If Whimsyshire’s whimsical world leaves you yearning for a taste of the classic cow-slaying experience from Diablo 2, look no further than the Bovine Bardiche. This powerful weapon holds the key to accessing another secret level in Diablo 3 – the humorously named “Not the Cow Level.”
Crafting the Bovine Bardiche
The Bovine Bardiche is a legendary polearm that can be found as random loot throughout your adventures in Sanctuary or crafted using various materials at Kanai’s Cube. To create this powerful weapon, simply gather the necessary ingredients and follow the recipe instructions provided within Kanai’s Cube.
Unleashing Not the Cow Level
With your newly acquired Bovine Bardiche in hand, head over to Kanai’s Cube and use its transmutation ability with the polearm selected as your input item. Instead of receiving a new piece of gear, you’ll open up a portal to “Not the Cow Level,” where you’re free to slaughter cows reminiscent of those from Diablo 2’s Moo Moo Farm!
More Rewards & Easter Egg Fun
“Not the Cow Level” offers players an entertaining alternative to Whimsyshire, with plenty of cow-slaying action reminiscent of Diablo 2’s iconic hidden level. Expect hordes of hellish bovines led by their fearsome leader – The Cow Queen! Defeating these foes will reward you with plentiful loot drops and gold, making it well worth your while.
So, while Whimsyshire remains Diablo 3’s primary nod to its predecessor’s legendary “Cow Level”, utilizing the Bovine Bardiche provides players with another fun option for reliving nostalgic memories with an added twist! So go ahead and explore both secret levels – after all, variety is what keeps our adventures in Sanctuary fresh and exciting!
Closing Thoughts
There you have it, folks – your complete guide on how to get to the cow level in Diablo 3 and conquer the enchanting world of Whimsyshire! This delightful Easter egg serves as both a homage to the legendary “Cow Level” from Diablo 2 and a lighthearted departure from the game’s darker themes.
For newcomers and seasoned veterans alike, experiencing Whimsyshire is a must for any Diablo fan seeking an exciting challenge, exclusive loot, and unforgettable adventures. So gather your friends or go solo, and embark on this whimsical journey hidden deep within Sanctuary.
With our comprehensive guide at your side, you’re now ready to unlock the secrets of Whimsyshire and revel in its charmingly deceptive dangers! Happy hunting, adventurers – may your journey be filled with rainbows, unicorns, and epic loot!