Blizzard has unveiled Diablo IV Lord of Hatred, the game’s next major expansion, confirming an April 28, 2026, release across Battle.net, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam. The announcement was made during The Game Awards with a cinematic that closed on a notable reveal, hinting at a familiar figure returning to the spotlight.
Lord of Hatred marks a significant step forward for Diablo IV, introducing two new classes, a new region, and a broad redesign of core systems. Blizzard confirmed that the Paladin, one of the franchise’s iconic holy warriors, is playable immediately for anyone who pre-purchases the expansion. This version of the Paladin draws on more than two decades of series history, wielding abilities such as Auras, Blessed Hammer, Blessed Shield, Condemn, Zeal, and Heaven’s Fury. The class also uses a new Oath System that reflects the religious doctrines their order upholds. Pre-purchases additionally include access to Diablo IV’s first expansion, Vessel of Hatred.
A second new class will debut with the expansion at launch, though Blizzard is keeping details under wraps for now.
Lord of Hatred also expands the world with Skovos, a region steeped in Sanctuary’s earliest history. The zone is defined by volcanic coasts, dense forests, and partially submerged landscapes tied closely to the origins of Lilith and Inarius. Blizzard describes Skovos as home to ancient civilizations, sinister cults, and threats rising from both land and sea.
Beyond new content, the expansion brings a sweeping overhaul to skills and itemization across all eight classes. Every class will receive a reworked skill tree with new variants, alongside a higher level cap. These updates will be available to all players, whether they purchase the expansion or not. Those who do opt in will gain access to additional skill variants, a refreshed Horadric Cube crafting system, set bonuses through a new Talisman slot, and a long-requested loot filter aimed at improving build management.
Endgame progression is also being rebuilt through new features such as War Plans, which act as customizable progression paths. Players can create playlists of preferred activities and apply strategic modifiers to tailor challenges and rewards. Another addition, Echoing Hatred, introduces escalating waves of enemies designed to push optimized builds to their limits, offering greater loot the farther players advance.
The expansion’s narrative continues directly from Diablo IV and Vessel of Hatred. Mephisto, one of the Prime Evils, has taken on the guise of the prophet Akarat and begun gathering followers as part of a larger scheme. Blizzard positions this storyline as a major escalation, pushing Sanctuary to the brink as familiar allies return to confront the growing threat.
Amid the darker themes, Blizzard also confirmed a lighter addition that has already sparked conversation: fishing. The feature will arrive with the expansion, offering players a quieter activity between battles in a world where chaos continues to mount.
Diablo IV Lord of Hatred aims to build on the foundations established since launch, combining new classes, deeper systems, and an expanded endgame into one of the title’s most ambitious updates to date.
