u/ferevon

I'm a semi-casual ARPG player that usually plays more modern ones, the oldest ARPG I played was probably D3 back in the day. Wanted to try these two as they are always recommended so picked them up on a sale. Which one should I tackle first? Also for D2R is vanilla recommended for a first timer because I've seen some people suggest modded version?

I have 3x8 str companions(Lizzi/Jubilost/Nok nok) and I struggle to keep them low encumbrance... I have Professor hat for one of them and I just kept some low tier armor on Lizzi but my Nok Nok has Assassin's Chainshirt and he can't handle it. Is it worth investing into STR? Or take off cloaks etc.