Just when you thought you were out, Blizzard pulls you back in with a Holy Bolt to the face. At The Game Awards 2025, the developers officially unveiled the second expansion for Diablo 4, titled Lord of Hatred. Following the cliffhanger of Vessel of Hatred, this new chapter promises to be the climax of the “Age of Hatred” saga, pitting players directly against Mephisto in a battle for the soul of Sanctuary.
The cinematic trailer was, in typical Blizzard fashion, absolutely stunning and terrifying. But the real meat was in the details: a release date, a long-requested class, and a surprise alliance that nobody saw coming.
The Paladin Returns!
It’s finally happening. After years of pleading on forums and Reddit threads, the Paladin is making its grand return to the franchise. Blizzard confirmed that this fan-favorite class will be available immediately for anyone who pre-purchases the expansion, meaning you don’t have to wait until launch to start smiting demons with holy fire.
The Diablo 4 iteration of the Paladin seems to be a hybrid of the Diablo 2 classic and the Diablo 3 Crusader. Expect a mix of aura management, shield bashes, and devastating holy magic. Blizzard also teased a second new class that “looms on the dark horizon,” but they are keeping that one under wraps for now.
New Region: The Skovos Isles
We are leaving the mainland. The expansion will take players to the Skovos Isles, a region steeped in Amazonian lore that was originally cut from Diablo 3. Described as the “birthplace of the first civilization,” this treacherous archipelago is teeming with ancient ruins, dense jungles, and new enemy types that will test your builds to their limits.
The story sees the Wanderer forming an “unlikely alliance” with none other than Lilith. Yes, the Blessed Mother is back from the void, and apparently, she is our only hope against her father, Mephisto. It’s a twist that flips the script on the entire campaign so far.
Endgame 2.0 and… Fishing?
Blizzard is also overhauling the endgame experience with a feature called War Plans. This allows players to customize their own endgame progression paths, layering modifiers onto activities to target specific loot. It sounds like a more robust version of the Nightmare Dungeon sigil system, giving players more agency over how they farm.
And for those moments when you need a break from the slaughter, Fishing is officially coming to Sanctuary. It’s a small addition, but one that adds a nice layer of immersion to the world.
Conclusion
With an April 2026 release date, we have a bit of a wait ahead of us, but the immediate access to the Paladin class is a brilliant move to keep players engaged in the meantime. Lord of Hatred looks like it’s shaping up to be the massive content injection that Diablo 4 needs to cement its legacy.
FAQs
When is Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred releasing?
The expansion is scheduled to launch on April 28, 2026.
Can I play the Paladin class now?
Yes! If you pre-purchase the Lord of Hatred expansion, you get immediate access to the Paladin class in the live game.
Who is the main villain?
The expansion focuses on Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred, who has been pulling the strings since the base game.
Is Lilith coming back?
Yes, the trailer confirmed that Lilith returns, and players will have to form an uneasy alliance with her to stop Mephisto.
What is the new region?
The expansion introduces the Skovos Isles, a new zone filled with jungles, ancient ruins, and Amazonian history.