Blizzard has announced the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion for Diablo 4, set to release on April 28, 2026. This expansion will reintroduce the Paladin class, a favorite from Diablo 2, allowing players to harness divine powers in combat. Pre-ordering the expansion, priced at $40, grants immediate access to the new classes.
The Lord of Hatred expansion takes players to Skovos, where they will confront the demon Mephisto in various environments like forests and ruins. In addition to the Paladin, a second, currently undisclosed class will be introduced.
Paladins can choose from four oaths, each offering distinct play styles:
- Juggernaut: Tank-focused, emphasizing defense.
- Zealot: Sword-based, centered around new mechanics and the Sacred Blade.
- Judicator: Specializes in dealing divine damage with abilities like Blessed Hammer.
- Disciple: Transforms into an angelic form, embodying the powers of Tyrael.
The expansion aims to address criticisms of Diablo 4’s endgame content by introducing new challenges, including Echoing Hatred, a post-game gauntlet for optimized builds. Revamped skill trees, an increased level cap, and upgraded crafting systems, including the Horadric Cube for item conversion, are also part of the expansion.
Lord of Hatred will be available in three editions:
- Standard ($40): Includes the previous Vessel of Hatred expansion.
- Deluxe ($60): Both expansions, plus cosmetic items.
- Ultimate ($90): All previous content, 3,000 Platinum, and additional bonuses.
Pre-ordering any edition provides instant access to the Paladin class.
