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Lord of Hatred Marks Diablo IV’s Biggest Overhaul
Mephisto’s Return Sets the Stage for Diablo IV’s Next Chapter
Blizzard Entertainment has officially revealed Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, the second major expansion for the action RPG, during The Game Awards 2025.
Launching on April 28, 2026, the expansion delivers the next chapter of the Age of Hatred storyline and pits players directly against Mephisto, the Prime Evil, whose influence has spread across Sanctuary since Diablo IV‘s launch.
The cinematic reveal showcased a world on the brink of collapse, with the Pools of Creation drawing Mephisto closer to full manifestation. The Wanderer must turn to an unlikely and uneasy ally, setting up a confrontation that Blizzard frames as the climax of the current saga. The expansion promises a high-stakes narrative and a deeper descent into Diablo’s mythos.
Players who pre-purchase the expansion can begin immediately upon the Paladin’s arrival, now playable in-game. Buying Lord of Hatred also unlocks access to Vessel of Hatred, the first expansion, along with its Spiritborn class, Mercenaries and the Nahantu region.
Paladin Arrives Today, With a Second Class to Follow
The expansion introduces two new classes, with one available now and the second arriving at launch.
Paladin (Playable today with pre-purchase):
The Paladin marks the franchise’s long-requested return of the iconic holy warrior. Blizzard describes the class as a radiant sword-and-shield champion who leverages Auras, Zeal, Blessed Hammer and Heaven’s Fury, alongside divine transformations including Arbiter form. The Paladin is framed as a frontline counterforce to Mephisto’s corruption.
A second class, still unannounced, will debut alongside the expansion in April. Blizzard teased it only as a figure “waiting in the shadows,” suggesting a darker thematic pairing to the Paladin’s righteous archetype.
The addition of two classes brings the total roster to eight when combined with both expansions.
Skovos Becomes Sanctuary’s Next Explorable Region
Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred introduces Skovos, the birthplace of Sanctuary’s first civilisation and former home of Lilith and Inarius. The region has never been playable in a mainline title and represents one of the franchise’s most important historical locations.
Blizzard describes Skovos as a landscape of volcanic coasts, rain-drenched jungles, toppled temples and ancient ruins shaped by centuries of myth. It is ruled by The Oracle and the Amazon Queen, tying directly into established Diablo lore and suggesting a return to iconic Amazonic traditions not seen since Diablo II.
Skovos features new dungeons, enemies and environmental storytelling that expands long-standing threads within the universe.
Gameplay Overhauls Bring Diablo IV’s Largest System Rework Yet
Beyond content, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred delivers one of the largest gameplay updates the game has received to date. Blizzard outlined several major reworks and new systems:
• Expanded skill tree with higher caps and new class-defining variants
• A Loot Filter for targeted farming
• Enhanced crafting and the return of the Horadric Cube
• A Talisman system enabling set-bonus-style buildcraft
• War Plans, letting players determine their endgame progression path
• Echoing Hatred, an endless gauntlet for advanced players
• Fishing, a quieter diversion between battles across Sanctuary
Players who pre-purchase also gain bonuses, including one additional stash tab, two extra character slots and cosmetic items for World of Warcraft.
Editions and Age of Hatred Collection Announced
Every edition includes access to the first expansion, Vessel of Hatred. Deluxe and Ultimate editions offer exclusive pets, mounts, armour bundles, cosmetics and Platinum currency.
Blizzard also introduced the Age of Hatred Collection, bundling the base game with both expansions for players who want the complete experience, spanning Sanctuary, Nahantu and Skovos with all eight classes.
