I've got a hankering to dig out my old boxed copy of Diablo 2 LOD and start playing again but I'm not sure which patch is the best one for single player, offline mode?

I've done a quick Google search but really am none the wiser as some of the later patches just seem to address online stuff and change online game play so any suggestions would be welcome.

Btw, I'd like to be able to install the PlugY mod so not sure if that makes a difference to patch version.

Thanks in advance :)

Plugy works with all patches from 1.09 upwards. As far as I know, and am no expert, 1.09 is the only one really for offline single play, the others are for multiplay. You can find info online about each patch:
http://diablo2.diablowiki.net/Diablo_2_Patch_Notes_1.13

Didn't 1.10 add a lot of improvements?
Also, patch 1.13 or something fixed the damn 1hit-kill explosions.

I'd recommend v.1.12 patch since it's the only version to support Multires mod (widescreen, custom resolutions) if you're into that kind of thing. I'm finishing act 3 right now with the above mentioned things installed.

1.09d Because better loot, because barbarian and assassin weapon masteries are broken to the OP (overpowered) side, no synergies to limit down your character build options and certain uniques, if you upgrade to the newest patch AFTER collecting them, get glitched to the OP side, once again. I highly recommend you this version, but single player only. Don't log in Bnet, or it is going to be upgraded. Personal advice; collect EVERYTHING you need, maximize your character, THEN upgrade to latest version. And make sure to use ATMA! Latest version is good because one of the recent updates made runes somewhat more common...

I would imagine you would want at least 1.10 because that's the patch that all the new stuff came in. and 1.11 also brought a couple new things. I haven't played since 1.11 was current. I think it's at 1.14 now. you should just get the newest patch you can.

Given that PlugY still works, even if most of the focus of recent patches has been on multiplayer is there any reason not to use the latest patch?

just keep in mind that's there two Diablo 2s. the Diablo 2 before the synergies and the Diablo 2 after. 1.11 is the last patch that added new content. 1.13 is apparently another rebalance and also adds the ability to respec.

so you'd probably want 1.13. at least 1.11

Have fun! Keep in mind about assassin and barbarian, one point in their weapon mastery gives broken full bonus somehow, assassin is even more OP. You can pick skills of your free choice, there are no synergy trees to narrow your builds down! Remember that COW LEVEL is your best friend for experience and LOOT! They nerfed it down very badly in later versions...

Here, please! A personal favorite that WILL help you a lot! Much love, dear!

http://www.diabloii.net/forums/threads/robbyds-time-travelers-guide-to-1-09-v1-1.753642/

I just gave Bradley a plus for that very helpful post, WTF is going on today :o)

Wow! What a helpful link - thanks :)

I don't remember it being so 'intense'. When I first bought Diablo 2 I didn't have the internet and so just chose skills, etc. because they sounded like they might be useful. I never had any kind of 'build' idea, just winged it so to speak and then had a blast. Never made it to the higher difficulty levels though - now I know why! I miss the good old days... ;)