In a nutshell

• Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred launches on April 28, 2026, bringing a climactic campaign against Mephisto.
• Expansion introduces the long-awaited Paladin class plus a second, yet-unrevealed class, alongside sweeping gameplay updates.
• Players will explore Skovos, Sanctuary’s oldest region, with new dungeons, monsters, and revamped endgame systems including War Plans and Echoing Hatred.

Blizzard Entertainment has announced the next major expansion for its critically acclaimed ARPG, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, set to release on April 28, 2026.

The Diablo IV expansion will bring a climactic campaign against Mephisto, introduce two powerful new classes, unveil the ancient region of Skovos, and deliver sweeping gameplay evolutions that redefine the Sanctuary experience.

Diablo IV – The Age of Hatred Saga Reaches Its Climax

Following the events of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, players will face their final stand against Mephisto, whose growing influence threatens to consume Sanctuary. With humanity’s fate hanging by a thread, the Wanderer must forge a perilous alliance with Lilith, long thought dead, to stop hatred from reshaping the world forever.

New Classes: Paladin and More

The expansion answers years of community demand with the return of the Paladin, Sanctuary’s quintessential holy warrior. Armed with hammer, shield, and divine Light, the Paladin embodies faith and overwhelming force. Classic abilities such as Auras, Blessed Hammer, Blessed Shield, Zeal, and Heaven’s Fury return with revitalized animations and mechanics, alongside the reintroduction of the Holy damage type.

The Paladin also features a new Oath System, offering distinct playstyles:

• Juggernaut – Shield-focused defense turned offense.
• Zealot – Frenzied melee combat powered by Zeal.
• Judicator – Divine punishment through conjurations and holy wrath.
• Disciple – Angelic transformation into the Arbiter form, unleashing celestial justice.

A second, yet-unrevealed class will also debut when Lord of Hatred launches, promising to reshape the battlefield.

Explore Skovos, Sanctuary’s Oldest Region

Players will journey to Skovos, the birthplace of the first civilization and former home of Lilith and Inarius. Ruled by The Oracle and the Amazon Queen, Skovos features volcanic coasts, storm-lashed forests, and waterlogged ruins steeped in forgotten lore. Expect new towns, dungeons, monsters, and oceanic horrors lurking in its perilous landscapes.

Gameplay Evolutions and Endgame

Lord of Hatred introduces one of the most comprehensive gameplay overhauls since launch:

• Reworked Skill Trees with expanded level caps.
• Loot Filter for efficient gear targeting.
• Enhanced crafting systems, including the return of the Horadric Cube.
• New Talisman system unlocking powerful set bonuses.

Endgame content is also revitalized with War Plans, allowing players to craft their own progression paths, and The Echoing Hatred, a relentless gauntlet of demonic hordes. For those seeking respite, players can even enjoy Fishing across Sanctuary’s waterways.