Prepare yourself, Wanderer, the Paladin is set to join Diablo 4 next year with the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion. Preorder the Lord of Hatred ($40) now for immediate access to this powerful class. This announcement was made during this year’s Game Awards, revealing the Paladin as one of the two new classes introduced in the expansion. Once a playable class in Diablo 2, the Paladin’s return has been highly anticipated by fans.
Released in June 2023, Diablo 4 coincided with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, was launched in October 2024, introducing the new Spiritborn class and transporting players to the jungles of Nahantu.
The Lord of Hatred expansion is set in Skovos, the ancient region of Sanctuary, once inhabited by Lilith and Inarius. Players will face off against Mephisto, the central demon of this expansion, a foe that veterans of the series first encountered in Diablo 2.
Diablo 4 Expansion Release Date
The Lord of Hatred expansion is scheduled for release on April 28, 2026.
New Classes in Lord of Hatred
Two new classes will be introduced in this expansion, although one remains a mystery for now. The headline attraction, however, is the Paladin class, known for its combination of heavy armor, weaponry, and the holy power of the Light. Paladins can utilize powerful auras and summon Holy weapons, becoming formidable guardians on the battlefield.
Players will be able to choose from four distinct oaths, each catering to different play styles:
Juggernaut: Emphasizes a defensive style, converting defense into aggressive tactics.
Zealot: Focuses on swordplay and includes a holy blade ultimate ability.
Judicator: Specializes in delivering divine punishment with abilities like Blessed Hammer.
Disciple: Allows players to transition into an angelic form to vanquish foes with holy energy.
Diablo 4 Endgame Upgrades
The current endgame of Diablo 4 has faced criticism for its limited activities available to fully equipped characters. The Lord of Hatred aims to enhance this experience by introducing a variety of player-driven challenges, including fishing for relaxation. War Plans will enable players to select preferred activities and adjust modifiers to earn rewards, while the Echoing Hatred challenge will test players with optimized builds in a post-game format.
Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Editions
The Lord of Hatred will be available in three editions:
- Standard ($40): Includes the previous Vessel of Hatred expansion, featuring the Spiritborn class.
- Deluxe ($60): Offers both expansions, alongside a mini chimera pet, a mount bundle, and a cosmetic bundle.
- Ultimate ($90): All prior bonuses, plus 3,000 Platinum for cosmetics, an armor bundle across six classes, a trophy, and more.
Preorders of any edition will give you instant access to the Paladin class.
