In a monumental reveal during the Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight, Blizzard Entertainment showcased the franchise’s latest character class: the Warlock. This demon-commanding archetype is set to leave its mark across the Sanctuary, arriving in Diablo IV, Diablo Immortal, and—most surprisingly—Diablo II: Resurrected. While specific details for the newer titles remain under wraps, the Warlock makes its immediate debut in the remastered classic today through the Reign of the Warlock expansion.
In the gritty world of Diablo II: Resurrected, the Warlock wields the power to summon a trio of hellish minions: the Tainted, the Defiler, and the formidable Goatman. Beyond mere summoning, the class introduces a “binding” mechanic, allowing players to subjugate almost any demon encountered in the wild to harness its unique strengths. For those seeking a more personal surge of power, the Warlock can consume their bound subordinates to gain potent, short-term enhancements based on the traits of the sacrificed creature.
Insights from the Developers
Associate Game Director Zaven Haroutunian emphasized that the Warlock feels like an organic addition to the series’ lore. He notes a stark philosophical contrast between this new class and the existing practitioners of the dark arts. While Necromancers function as stoic arbiters of cosmic balance, Haroutunian describes Warlocks as far more flamboyant and aggressive in their craft.
“Mechanically, they diverge significantly from the Necromancer’s playstyle of building a persistent army,” Haroutunian explained. “The Warlock views his summons as expendable assets. They aren’t companions; they are tools of war to be used and discarded at will.”
When discussing the challenge of integrating the class across three distinct games, Haroutunian mentioned that each development team was given the creative freedom to adapt the Warlock to their specific gameplay loop. This approach mirrors how the team handled the Paladin’s introduction in Diablo IV, ensuring the character feels modern while respecting its legacy roots.
The Diablo II: Reign of the Warlock DLC is available for purchase now on Battle.net, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
