Diablo IV: Paladin Class Joins the Fray in April’s Lord Of Hatred Expansion

Blizzard Entertainment has officially pulled back the curtain on the next major chapter for Diablo IV, titled Lord of Hatred. Set to debut on April 28, 2026, this expansion fulfills a long-standing community wish by reintroducing the fan-favorite Paladin class. Alongside the holy warrior, Blizzard teased that a second, yet-to-be-revealed class will also join the roster, though its identity remains shrouded in mystery.

Lord of Hatred serves as the climactic finale to the “Age of Hatred” saga, a narrative arc that began in the base game and reached a fever pitch during last year’s Vessel of Hatred expansion. The campaign will take heroes to the legendary and ancient region of Skovos, where they will finally confront Mephisto. In a desperate bid to save Sanctuary from the Prime Evil’s spreading corruption, players must forge a fragile, uneasy alliance with Lilith, whose ominous prophecies are finally coming to pass.

For those eager to strike down demons with divine fervor, pre-purchasing the expansion grants immediate access to the Paladin class. This allows players to master the character’s holy abilities and martial prowess well before the expansion’s narrative officially begins next spring.

Watch the Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Reveal Trailer

The Paladin returns to the battlefield wielding the iconic combination of hammer, shield, and Holy Light. Blizzard describes the class as a powerhouse of unwavering faith, capable of empowering allies while delivering devastating melee strikes. As for the second class, the developers noted that its power is “undeniable” and “poised to reshape the battlefield,” hinting at a significant shift in the current meta.

Beyond the story and new classes, Lord of Hatred promises the most substantial mechanical overhaul since the game’s 2023 launch. Key updates include:

• Revamped Skill Trees: Introducing class-specific variants for deeper customization.
• Increased Level Caps: Extended progression for all eight character classes.
• Systemic Improvements: The long-requested arrival of a Loot Filter and the return of the iconic Horadric Cube.
• War Plans: A new endgame system that lets players curate their own progression paths and rewards.
• Fishing: A brand-new lifestyle activity for those seeking a brief respite from the eternal conflict.

Available Editions

Players can choose from three distinct versions of the expansion. Every purchase includes the previous Vessel of Hatred expansion as part of the bundle:

• Standard Edition: Includes both Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred expansions.
• Deluxe Edition: Adds the Skorch (Mini Chimera) pet, the Skartaran Basilisk mount bundle, the High Heavens Guard cosmetic set, and a Premium Battle Pass.
• Ultimate Edition: Includes all previous rewards plus the Umbral Knights Armor Bundle (six sets), 3000 Platinum, the Steel of the Shining Realm bundle, and exclusive wings and portal skins.

Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred officially arrives on April 28, 2026. Stay tuned for more details on the mysterious second class as the launch approaches.

Which class do you hope Blizzard reveals next? Share your theories in the comments!

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