Diablo 3 received a warm reception upon its release, despite criticism of its lack of engaging end-game content and issues regarding money (both in-game and real-world) and items disappearing. If the issues with Diablo 3 are making consumers skeptical about buying the game, the Starter Edition offers a chance to try it for free.

Available by invitation from players with the full version of the game, the Starter Edition provides access to the first act of the game, for free. The Diablo 3 Starter Edition allows players play to level 13 and/or reach the Skeleton King boss. After that, players will need to pay $59.99 for full access to the dungeon crawler. The Starter Edition is effectively a lengthy demo. Players new to the series can find out what the fuss is all about, mess around with the systems, and see if clicking furiously is their kind of fun.

Player vs player (PvP) combat is not available for the Starter Edition yet. Blizzard confirmed that progress and achievements earned in the Starter Edition carry over to the final product with the removal of Starter Edition restrictions.

The Starter Edition is easy to get access to.:

Log in to -- or create - a Battle.net account. Users logging in to an existing Battle.net account should head to the Game Account section and sign up for the Diablo 3 Starter Edition. New users will have the Diablo 3 Starter Edition license added automatically. Download the game or install the game via physical disc; the Starter Edition license will appear automatically after signing in.

Diablo 3 is available now for PC.