I don't think it's actually possible to run multiple instances of D2R without separate dedicated systems.
In legacy D2, it was possible to switch to a different windows account and it would launch another instance, no need to mess with VMs or anything of that nature.
Sadly, D2R is a different story. With a VM, you can get as far as in-game with near unplayable graphics lag, but taking waypoints instantly crashes the game.
Someone else got it working with VM software called Aster.
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You will need multiple monitors, two bnet accounts, two copies of the game, and will need to copy your D2R folder. Launch 1st, in 2nd workstation change directory to the copied directory, launch 2nd. Sometimes you have to fiddle with the directory to get it so that launching the 1st doesn’t make the 2nd one say “Playing”.
It’s very annoying having to reassign your kb/mouse back and forth but you can assign a controller to your 2nd instance so it’s sort of bearable. I tried it out for a little bit then quit it as the Aster software is annoying, switching between workstations is annoying, it’s just more trouble than it’s worth.
Another individual claims that they were able to do it like this, but...
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Make a 2nd copy of your game folder
Open bnet from this folder to validate your folder
In windows, create a new user account
From that new windows account, start D2R.exe from your copied game folder
Open an online game with a pwd
Use Windows+L shortcut and switch to your classic windows account (bottom left)
Open D2R.exe from your original folder
Join the game and enjoy
The best of luck to you though!
This post was edited by DeathRequiem on Jul 21 2022 05:28pm