The Paladin returns to Diablo IV!

If there was one announcement that Action RPG fans were anxiously awaiting at this year’s Game Awards, it was Blizzard’s next move for Diablo IV. The company did not disappoint, unveiling the second expansion titled "Lord of Hatred." Although its release is scheduled for the spring of 2026, Blizzard had a massive surprise in store: the ability to play as the new class, the legendary Paladin, starting today.

Return to Roots: The Paladin is Here

The biggest news of the night was undoubtedly the return of the Paladin. This is a class that series veterans have been persistently requesting, as the absence of a traditional "holy warrior" with a sword and shield was keenly felt in the game’s initial roster.

In the cinematic trailer presented, we saw the Paladin dominating the battlefield, combining physical prowess with divine powers. The gameplay appears to remain faithful to the class's identity: heavy armor, shield usage for both offense and defense, and "Holy" skills that incinerate demons. To provide a strong incentive for players, Blizzard is allowing immediate access to the new class for those who pre-order the expansion—a move that is sure to fill Sanctuary with knights of the light in the coming months.

It is worth noting that the Paladin is only one of two new classes that "Lord of Hatred" will introduce. The second remains a closely guarded secret for now and is expected to be revealed as we approach the release date.

A Journey to Skovos and an Unholy Alliance

Narratively, "Lord of Hatred" promises to take the story into uncharted waters. Players are called to travel to Skovos, an ancient region directly connected to the mythology of Sanctuary, as it was the former home of Lilith and Inarius, as well as the cradle of the firstborn civilization.

The environment of Skovos is described as a land of contrasts: swampy expanses drowning in water and volcanic coasts that boil over. New enemies range from eldritch cultists and sea monsters to ghosts haunting the region.

The plot picks up chronologically after the events of the previous expansion, "Vessel of Hatred," with Mephisto remaining the central threat. However, the biggest twist comes with the return of Lilith. Reports indicate that the Mother of Sanctuary is back in action, not as the primary antagonist, but as a potential ally. The concept of a collaboration between the player and Lilith to face Mephisto creates an extremely interesting dynamic that upends the traditional "good vs. evil" tropes.

Release Date and Endgame Overhaul

Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred is scheduled for release on April 28, 2026. Until then, Blizzard intends to radically refresh the game.

Upon completing the campaign of the new expansion, players will enter a redesigned endgame, which will introduce "War Plan" modifiers. These will allow players to customize the challenges they face, targeting specific rewards they desire, thus offering greater control over their character’s progression.

At the same time, changes are coming that will affect all players, regardless of whether they purchase the expansion. The Skill Trees for all eight classes (including the Paladin and the unknown second class) will receive improvements and new customizations. Additionally, a new, highly anticipated Loot Filter will be added to the game, making treasure hunting clearer and less time-consuming.

Editions and Perks

The base edition of the expansion is priced at $39.99. Blizzard is following an aggressive commercial strategy, as pre-ordering "Lord of Hatred" not only unlocks the Paladin but also grants immediate access to the first expansion, "Vessel of Hatred," for those who have not yet acquired it.

Furthermore, players will receive an extra Stash Tab, two additional character slots, and cosmetic items for World of Warcraft. Naturally, there will be more expensive editions (Deluxe and Ultimate) containing more goodies for collectors.

With "Lord of Hatred," Blizzard demonstrates that it has long-term plans for Diablo IV, investing in nostalgia with the Paladin, but also in innovation with changes to the endgame and the plot. The journey to Skovos essentially begins today, with the first knights already sharpening their blades in Sanctuary.