The Paladin class will be playable for those who pre-purchase the Lords of Hatred expansion.
Blizzard finally revealed the next chapter for Diablo IV at The Game Awards 2025, announcing the Lord of Hatred expansion along with a release date and a wealth of new content.
Lord of Hatred launches on 28 April 2026 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. One of the biggest highlights for fans is the return of the classic Paladin class, which will be playable as part of the expansion or earlier for players who pre-purchase it.
Lord of Hatred marks the conclusion of Diablo 4’s Age of Hatred storyline. Players will join Lilith once more as Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred, emerges in a new campaign set in Skovos, an island chain described as beset by natural disasters including volcanic eruptions and violent storms. Blizzard says Skovos is also home to challenges of a “more hellish persuasion” and is part of Sanctuary the studio has long wanted to explore.
Paladin returns and a new Class set to reshape the battlefield
The Paladin returns with the series’ signature “sword and board” playstyle, featuring melee attacks and defensive abilities. Blizzard also confirmed new mechanics for the class, including auras, holy conjurations, and an angelic transformation that turns the Paladin into an “avatar of celestial justice” inspired by Tyrael.
Blizzard has teased a second new class that will be added to the expansion but has not revealed any details beyond saying it will “reshape the battlefield.”
Lord of Hatred will bring what Blizzard calls “one of the most comprehensive gameplay evolutions since launch.” Endgame challenges and loot gathering are being overhauled, and several long-requested changes to item handling and crafting are included. The Horadric Cube from Diablo 2 is returning, allowing players to combine items, though Blizzard has not specified exactly how it will function.
Other improvements include redesigned skill trees for all eight classes, a loot filter to help players target specific gear, and a “war plan” feature that lets players choose activities and modifiers for endgame runs. A new horde mode called Echoing Hatred introduces waves of increasingly powerful enemies, and players can also take a break with fishing in Sanctuary’s rivers and lakes.
Blizzard concluded its presentation with a look at the Paladin in action and a first glimpse of the Skovos region, giving players a sense of the environments and challenges that await when Lord of Hatred launches in 2026.
