It has been over a 12 months since we took to the jungles of Nahantu, a realm constructed on the foundations of historical mysticism and conventional folklore. It introduced Kurast, my favourite Diablo 2 zone, to vibrant life, and at last let my favourite Prime Evil, the malevolent Mephisto, take heart stage. However it looks like Diablo 4’s subsequent DLC, no matter it might be, is his actual highlight second. Properly, tonight at The Sport Awards, Blizzard has unveiled Lord of Hatred, the subsequent chapter of Santuary’s saga of strife. However, maybe extra importantly, Paladin is actual, and there is one other class on the best way. Excited does not even come shut.
Now, we have needed to wait a short time for this growth. Whereas Blizzard initially mentioned that we might get a brand new Diablo 4 DLC yearly, Lord of Hatred was pushed into 2026 following a considerably lukewarm response to the sport’s ongoing seasonal mannequin. It is spent the overwhelming majority of 2025 refining the core gameplay, fixing stability, tightening up the endgame expertise, and actually honing in on what makes Diablo, effectively, Diablo.
Coming into Lord of Hatred, the sport feels prefer it’s in a greater state than ever earlier than. Described because the “Age of Hatred’s end result,” this will likely suggest that it is the final huge DLC we’ll see (earlier Diablo video games solely had one expac every), or that that is merely the final entry in Mephisto’s chapter. As we gear as much as finish the Prime Evil as soon as and for all, we’ll must forge a deadly alliance with the Daughter of Hatred herself, Lilith, as we cap off what’s already been an epic journey.
However let’s begin with an important half: lessons. Sure, the rumors are true; we’re lastly getting a Paladin. This holy warrior wields a hammer (or sword) and defend, alongside uncooked, blessed power, with numerous abilities that harken again to the darkish days of Diablo 2. Their package focuses on Auras (passive abilities that have an effect on the caster and/or close by enemies) and Conjurations (sort of what it says on the tin), however provides a model new, Tyrael-inspired Arbiter type that’ll little question dish out much more injury. Plus, it has angel wings, and that is fairly cool.
Anticipate to see Blessed Hammer, Blessed Defend, Condemn, Heaven’s Fury, and Zeal make a return, blended with the brand new Oath system, which lets you hard-commit to 1 particular playstyle. Disciple leans into the category’ holy facets, Judicator is conjuration-focused, Juggernaut depends on shield-based fight, and Zealot is extra aggressive. As an Aasimar participant in D&D, I do know precisely what Oath I am taking.
However there’s much more to get enthusiastic about right here. For the reason that start of Sanctuary, Diablo video games have all the time capped out at seven lessons (Diablo 1 had six, and whereas Immortal presently has eight, it is not thought-about a mainline sport). Diablo 4 would be the first to interrupt the rule of seven, with one other mysterious class set to drop throughout Lord of Hatred’s lifecycle. Anticipated concurrently the DLC, the one description we’ve is that “its energy [is] simple, its arrival poised to reshape the battlefield.” That actually could possibly be something, however I think we might even see some kind of Amazon-style character.
Why? Properly, we’re heading to Skovos, the previous dwelling of Inarius and Lilith, in addition to the Amazon’s dwelling realm. We have by no means seen it in-game earlier than, however its volcanic coasts and watery themes sound excellent for me, if not barely inhospitable.
However Lord of Hatred is not simply concerning the story. There are a slew of recent endgame options, too, together with – deep breaths – a loot filter. Whereas initially Blizzard mentioned we would not be getting one, constant requests (and maybe Path of Exile 2’s launch) have prompted the workforce to re-evaluate. You may now be capable of reduce out the chaff with ease, that means you’ll be able to deal with choosing up all the greatest gear.
Ability timber are being reworked, as is crafting (the Horadric Dice is again!), and there are new endgame actions, too. Battle Plans will allow you to plot out your personal distinctive development path, that means you’ll be able to select your favourite actions and modifiers to deal with the content material you need to do. Then there’s the Echoing Hatred, which is able to check even essentially the most veteran gamers.
My favourite of those, nevertheless, is fishing. Stardew Valley has it. Skyrim ultimately received it. Now, Diablo has it. Whereas I am not fairly certain what aquatic beasties you will encounter (I really feel like they are going to have a number of eyes), I’m very, very enthusiastic about this one.
Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred launches on Tuesday April 28, 2026. On condition that the ‘Age of Hatred’ reaches its climax with this growth, it might be the final main DLC we see for the sport.
Lord of Hatred will embody the Vessel of Hatred storyline, and in case you pre-purchase it you will achieve entry to that content material instantly. Pre-purchasing additionally grants early entry to the Paladin class, and additional stash tab, two character slots, and three decor gadgets to be used in World of Warcraft: Midnight. There is a Deluxe and Final version, too, every of which comes with a set of cosmetics.
Whereas I am excited to see what Lord of Hatred has in retailer, the truth that the mainline story might come to a detailed is bittersweet. I am excited to check out Paladin, my fingers are crossed for an Amazon (Poison Javazon, let’s gooo), and we’ll hopefully see a path laid for the subsequent chapter of Sanctuary’s story. Diablo 5, anybody?
