Diablo – Are unique/elite/champion monster spawns deterministic

diablo-3

We know that monsters grow stronger when fellow heroes join the fight against the minions of Hell. I assume (but am not sure) because of the monster buffs it increases the number of unique/elite/champion monsters and with the added help I'm eager to seek them out for the better loot (and the Nephalem Valor bonus at end game). So, are unique/elite/champion monsters spawns deterministic? Are there places where I will always find one, or is it totally random?

Best Answer

Most enemy spawns are completely random.

The only types of special enemies that spawn deterministic are event bosses (events and sidequests with a "mini-boss" will always have one, although not necessarily always the same) and main-story quest-related monsters.

But since events themselves are randomized, in and of themselves they are not worth focusing on.

It is the case that some areas seem to have a higher density of elites and other high end mobs. Their spawns within an area are not deterministic per se, but if you clear the zone you will tend to find more in some areas than others. One particular area of note that fits this mold is the Vault of the Assassin in Act II.