Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred Expansion Adds Two New Classes

Blizzard has officially revealed the Diablo 4 expansion, Lord of Hatred, confirming the inclusion of two brand-new classes—including the long-awaited Paladin.

At The Game Awards 2025, Blizzard announced an April 28, 2026, release date for Lord of Hatred. This expansion brings the Age of Hatred Saga to its dramatic conclusion. In the campaign, players confront the eternal evil Mephisto, with a surprising return of Diablo 4's antagonist, Lilith, who emerges from the dead following the events of the base game. Lord of Hatred introduces the new Skovos region alongside significant gameplay updates.

A major highlight is that pre-purchasing Lord of Hatred grants immediate access to the Paladin class—a beloved favorite from Diablo 2 and one of the most requested additions to Diablo 4. Blizzard has yet to reveal the identity of the second mystery class.

Here is the story setup:

In the aftermath of Vessel of Hatred, this next chapter pushes players toward a final confrontation with Mephisto, whose deceit and growing influence threaten to drown Sanctuary in malice. As demonic legions rise and the ancient Pools of Creation draw Mephisto closer, humanity's fate hangs in the balance. To stop him, the Wanderer must forge an uneasy alliance with an old enemy once thought dead. Lilith returns, her prophetic final words proving true, forcing a perilous partnership born of necessity, not trust. With time and allies dwindling, the Wanderer races to halt Mephisto before hatred forever reshapes the world.

The Paladin, as expected, focuses on hammer-and-shield combat, smiting foes with holy light. Blizzard described the second mystery class as "looming on the dark horizon," adding that "its power is undeniable, and its arrival will reshape the battlefield when Lord of Hatred launches in April."

Skovos is the ancestral birthplace of Sanctuary's first civilization and the former home of Lilith and Inarius. It is the oldest and most legendary region in the game's world. Now governed by The Oracle and the Amazon Queen, this never-before-seen area features volcanic coasts, storm-battered forests, and flooded ruins rich with forgotten lore.

The expansion also revamps Skill Trees with new class-specific variants and raised level caps, offering fresh build-crafting opportunities and strategic depth for all eight classes. A new Loot Filter helps players target desired gear more efficiently. Crafting receives an upgrade with the return of the Horadric Cube, while the new Talisman item unlocks powerful set bonuses for deeper late-game customization.

Veteran players will appreciate the overhauled endgame, accessible after completing the campaign. War Plans allow players to design their own endgame progression by selecting preferred activities and applying strategic modifiers to pursue high-value rewards. The Echoing Hatred serves as the ultimate challenge: an endless gauntlet of demonic hordes meant to test even the strongest builds. And for a change of pace, the expansion introduces Fishing!

Lord of Hatred includes the full Vessel of Hatred expansion, available immediately upon pre-purchase. Pre-purchasers also gain early Paladin access, an extra Stash Tab, two additional Character Slots, and three World of Warcraft décor items.

For more announcements from the event, be sure to review everything revealed at The Game Awards 2025 and the full list of winners.