Blizzard Announces Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Expansion

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William D'Angelo
published 3 days ago / 1858 views

Blizzard Entertainment announced Diablo IV Lord of Hate expansion. It will launch on April 28, 2026.

Watch the trailer below:

Read more about the extension below:

On April 28, 2026, the “Era of Hate” saga will reach its climax. Diablo IV: Lord of Hate.

This expansion to Blizzard's critically acclaimed ARPG brings together a high-stakes campaign against Mephisto, two powerful new classes, the ancient and legendary region of Skovos, and major gameplay updates that redefine the way players experience Sanctuary. Pre-purchase provides immediate access to the highly sought-after Paladin class, offering a new path to divine retribution as darkness approaches.

The culmination of an era of hatred

Fight the Lord of Hate – After Vessel of HateThe next chapter brings players to the final battle against Mephisto, whose deception and spread of influence threaten to turn Sanctuary into a world consumed by malice. As the legions of Hell swell and the ancient Pools of Creation draw Mephisto ever closer, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. To stop him wanderer must accept an old enemy who has long been thought dead. Lilith returns, her prophetic last words ringing true, forcing a dangerous alliance bound by necessity rather than trust. With time and allies running out, the Traveler desperately tries to stop Mephisto before hatred changes the world forever.

Powerful new classes – Lord of Hate expansion meets longstanding community demands with two separate new classeswhich will greatly expand players' ability to shape their playstyle, personality, and skill in Sanctuary.

• The Paladin rises as the realm goes dark, wielding hammer, shield, and Holy Light to strike down Mephisto's demon army with righteous fury. With melee combat and divine abilities, Paladin gives players the ability to strike with unwavering faith and overwhelming force.
• A second, as yet undiscovered class looms on the dark horizon – its power is undeniable, its arrival poised to change the shape of the battlefield as Lord of Hate starts in April.

Dangerous Lands – Skovos, the birthplace of the first civilization and the former home of Lilith and Inaria, is the oldest and most legendary region of the Sanctuary. Now ruled by the Oracle and the Amazon Queen, this never-before-seen land features volcanic coastlines, storm-wracked forests, and flooded ruins steeped in forgotten knowledge.

• As the Traveler embarks on a journey through Skovos, each expedition will discover new cities, dungeons, and monsters. Players will have to test their strength against sinister cultists, oceanic the horrors and lingering shadows of hell.

Skills and detail – Lord of Hate The expansion provides one of the most comprehensive gameplay changes since launch.

• Deeply redesigned skill trees introduce new class options and expanded level caps, offering new build skills and strategic depth for all eight classes.
• The new loot filter allows players to more efficiently select the gear they want.
• Improved Creation Systems, including the return of the iconic Horadric Cube, reinforce experimentation and progression, while the new Talisman unlocks powerful set bonuses, expanding late-game customization options in meaningful and class-defining ways.

Reworked ending – Following the dramatic conclusion of the campaign, players will be able to embark on an updated ending based on player choice, skill, increasing challenges and increasingly rewarding loot.

• War Plans allow players to create their own end-game path, choosing preferred actions and applying strategic modifiers as they strive for valuable rewards.
• Echoes of Hate is the final test of the Age of Hate: a ruthless array of demonic hordes designed to challenge even the most powerful creatures.
• Players seeking a respite from demon slaying can venture into the dangerous waterways of the Sanctuary through fishing.

Game editions and pre-purchase – Lord of Hate includes complete Vessel of Hate expansion that players can gain instant access to through pre-purchase. Venture into the wilds of Nahantu with the primal fury of the Spiritborn class as mercenaries join your cause in the fight against the encroaching darkness.

• Players who pre-order will receive early access to the Paladin class, one additional stash section, two more character slots and three World of Warcraft decorative items.
• Lord of Hate available in three editions:

  • Standard Edition Lord of Hate includes Diablo IV first expansion Vessel of Hate.
  • The Deluxe Edition includes everything in the Standard Edition, plus the Scorch mini chimera pet, the Scartaran Basilisk set, the High Heavens Guardian cosmetic set, the Premium Battle Pass set, and more when the expansion releases.
  • The Ultimate Edition includes everything included in the Standard and Deluxe Editions, plus the Umbral Knights armor set (6 class sets), 3000 platinum, the Horse of the Shining World set, Tymn, the Spire Echoes trophy, the Rise of the Fair City portal skin, and more when the expansion releases.

Paladin

Since launch Diablo IVNo class has been as passionately sought after by players as the Paladin. And December 11, Following The Game Awards, Blizzard will officially unveil Paladin as we get closer to launch Diablo IV: Lord of Hate expansion April 28, 2026.

Spotlight on Paladin

Guided by the light – The Paladin is the typical holy warrior of Sanctuary: a champion of the sword and shield, endowed with the power not only of faith, but also of the Light itself. Paladins are not just knights in armor, they are created as sacred guides. When their unwavering devotion is united with the Light, they become an unstoppable force against darkness.

• Built on the beloved mechanics that shaped the Paladin personality, this class combines iconic abilities with fresh, new skills. Classic skills like Auras, Blessed Hammer, Blessed Shield, and Zeal return with an updated feel that goes with Diablo II nostalgia for visceral combat and grounded visual style Diablo IV. If the crusaders personify military power, then the paladin relies entirely on divine power.

Celebrating Legacy – Paladin carries over 25 years of Diablo heritage, and Lord of Hatethey return as the last beacon of divine power in Sanctuary. As Mephisto's corruption spreads, the paladins answer the call with unwavering devotion, turning the battlefield into sacred ground.

• Although Auras and Holy Spells honor the class's legendary past, Lord of Hate pushes the power fantasy further than ever before. Through angelic transformation, players can ascend into the form of the Arbiter, shining, Tyrael-inspired avatar of celestial justice.

Key Design Pillars – Paladin is built on three main pillars:

• Untamed Guardian – An unshakable protector, endowed with the power of faith. Shield in hand and Light at their back, paladins protect the innocent and stand steadfast against overwhelming evil.
• Divine Arsenal – Classic medieval weapons – a sword, shield, armor and sacred hammers – determine the combat appearance of a paladin. But in addition to wielding these tools, paladins call upon and imbue them with celestial power, transforming classic medieval weapons into sacred instruments of justice.
• Holy Guide – A living bridge between Heaven and the Sanctuary, the Paladin uses the Light as brute force. This comes through in a range of sparkling visuals (not just gold), supported by heavy, thunderous sound and animation that makes every hit feel powerful.

Combat and skills – Like the classic sword and board class, Paladin skills enhance strength, faith, and overwhelming divine influence. Famous favorites Auras, Blessed Hammer, Blessed Shield, Judgment, Zeal, and Celestial Fury return with new animations, sounds, and responsiveness. The class also reintroduces a long-time favorite Holy damage a type that creates a clear identity in both power fantasy and mechanics. The new abilities additionally channel celestial energy and holy magic, making every attack seem unwavering, weighty, and unmistakably empowered by the Heavens.

Oath system – The oath system is the defining class mechanic for the paladin. These are a set of sacred paths that reflect the codes of chivalry and religious identity that paladins are sworn to uphold. Each Oath rewards players for fully committing to a specific playstyle, deepening both imagination and building skill.

• Juggernaut focuses on the paladin's shield, turning defense into an offensive move with Shield Bash as his main skill. The final move, Fortress, is a defense-oriented skill that makes the player extremely difficult to kill for a short time.
• The Zealot is a frenzied melee fighter enhanced by the updated Zeal skill. If Juggernaut is the board, then it is the sword. Using Zenith as her ultimate, this Oath unleashes a devastating celestial strike that cuts across the battlefield with a massive holy blade.
• The Judge brings holy judgment and wrath, using the holy spells of Blessed Shield, Hammer, Consecration and Celestial Fury, raining down divine punishment on all that is evil.
• The disciple is the highest angelic transformation, fully embracing divinity in its purest form. Unleash your enemies with the Heavenly Spears and soar on angelic wings in Arbiter form.

The Paladin returns not just as a new class, but as the ultimate expression of faith, heritage and righteous power at a pivotal moment in Sanctuary's history.

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Eternal and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced by VGChartz in 2007. After several years of supporting the site, he was hired as a junior analyst in 2010, worked his way up to lead analyst in 2012, and took over equipment evaluation in 2017. He expanded his involvement in the gaming community by creating content himself. YouTube channel And Twitch channel. You can subscribe to the author on bluesky.

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