Long before Diablo 4 even hit the shelves, the community’s demand was unmistakable: they wanted the Paladin. As the quintessential holy warrior from Diablo 2, it has consistently reigned as the most requested addition to Blizzard’s 2023 action-RPG. However, enthusiasts had to endure a two-and-a-half-year wait for that wish to be granted. Now officially live as part of April’s Lord of Hatred expansion, the Paladin has arrived as a headliner, and the reception has been nothing short of electric.
Why did Blizzard hesitate to introduce this fan favorite sooner? Zaven Haroutunian, the game director for Lord of Hatred, clarified in a recent interview that the Paladin simply didn’t align with the thematic pillars of the first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, which centered on the spirit realms and the dense jungles of Nahantu. Furthermore, since Diablo 4 launched with several legacy classes like the Barbarian and Necromancer, the development team felt a responsibility to provide something entirely fresh—resulting in the Spiritborn.
Now, however, the creative focus has shifted back to tradition. “The power of nostalgia is something you can’t ignore,” remarked Dominick Sileo, the lead class designer for the Paladin. “Innovation is vital to keep the audience engaged, but certain archetypes remain popular because they resonate on a fundamental level over decades.”
Image: Blizzard Entertainment
The Paladin’s enduring appeal stems from two factors. First, it embodies the most foundational fantasy trope: the righteous defender armed with sword and shield. Second, it applies a thematic twist that thrives within Diablo’s grim setting of celestial conflict and demonic infestation.
Haroutunian points out that the class finds its heritage in the original Diablo Warrior. “The sword-and-board archetype has been a cornerstone of the franchise since its inception. For most players entering a gothic medieval world, the most intuitive choice is the knight in shining armor. It just feels right in this environment.”
Sileo argues that there is profound value in this familiarity. “A core design philosophy at Blizzard is tapping into relatable folklore. A sword and shield is universally understood, whether you’re thinking of Link or Captain America. It offers a classic experience where the player immediately understands their role, unlike more abstract or experimental classes.” He also cites literary icons like King Arthur and Aragorn as the cultural anchors for this playstyle.
Comparing the class to the “Great Sword” in the Monster Hunter series, Sileo explains that the Paladin (and its predecessors like the Warrior and Crusader) serves as a grounding force. While experimental weapons or classes are exciting, the simplicity of a shield-bearing knight requires no mental gymnastics to master.
Image: Blizzard Entertainment
The stroke of genius in Diablo 2 was infusing this basic warrior with the series’ heavy religious and narrative themes. The Paladin wasn’t just a soldier; he was a vessel of divine light. “It fits the mechanical and narrative structure of the series perfectly,” Haroutunian says. “In a world of dark fantasy, the Paladin stands as a striking juxtaposition.”
There is also a primal satisfaction in the archetype’s straightforwardness. “People want to embody that unstoppable force of good—a hero who simply charges through anything standing in their way,” Sileo adds.
Translating this Diablo 2 icon for the modern era was a complex task. While it might have been simpler to port the Diablo 3 Crusader, Blizzard recognized that players were calling specifically for the Paladin. Though the classes share similarities, the development team worked hard to ensure the Paladin felt distinct, supported by new lore explaining the order’s resurgence in the world of Sanctuary.
Image: Blizzard Entertainment
While some Crusader-esque abilities like Blessed Shield have returned, others, such as Steed Charge, were omitted because Diablo 4 already features universal mounts. Conversely, classic Diablo 2 skills like Zeal—a rapid succession of strikes—have been modernized for the current game engine.
The most significant hurdle was the implementation of Auras. “Auras are arguably more iconic than even the Blessed Hammer,” Sileo explains. In Diablo 2, players could juggle roughly 20 different Auras, but Diablo 4’s streamlined skill trees necessitated a more focused approach. To avoid overwhelming players while maintaining the “Aura sandwich” feel, the team condensed the selection to the most impactful options, allowing for deep customization through secondary modifications.
The Paladin’s inclusion in Diablo 4 feels so natural that it’s easy to overlook the meticulous engineering required to revive such a storied archetype. Whether Blizzard will follow this up with a highly unconventional second class for Lord of Hatred remains to be seen. More information is expected during the Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight on February 11.
Source: Polygon
