Summary
- Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred arrives April 28, 2026, on Battle.net, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam.
- New classes, new region, and a complete evolution of Skills and Itemization.
- The Paladin class is available today with a pre-purchase of Lord of Hatred.
- Wait, at the end of the cinematic, was that…?
It’s so rare that someone shows their true form at an awards show. I’m not saying it never happens, but generally, presenters are pretty buttoned up. Mostly. However, when it comes to Mephisto and The Game Awards stage, well… let’s just say he’s got some stuff to say and no way in Hell he’s sticking to a script!
Tonight, we announced that the next expansion for Diablo IV, Lord of Hatred, will be gracing our mortal realm on April 28, 2026, and holy moly is there a lot to look forward to.
Wait, that voice at the end of this cinematic…could it be? Is she…oh, my god. Yes.
Anyway, let’s break down what’s coming with Lord of Hatred, and what we can get amongst right now.
Two New Classes: Paladin Available Today with Lord of Hatred pre-purchase (the Other is a Secret, Playable at Launch!)
The “sword and board” is back, baby! And just in time for the reckoning that awaits us. The Paladin carries more than 25 years of Diablo legacy, and Lord of Hatred sees their return as Sanctuary’s last beacon of divine authority. Their skills are built around strength, faith, and overwhelming Holy impact. Iconic favorites like Auras, Blessed Hammer, Blessed Shield, Condemn, Zeal, and Heaven’s Fury return alongside the Oath System, which is a set of sacred paths which reflect the codes of faith that Paladins swear to uphold.
The Paladin is available today when you pre-purchase the Lord of Hatred expansion, so get in there and go bless some demons to death. And if you didn’t play through Vessel of Hatred, Diablo IV’s first expansion, no worries—that comes with your pre-purchase as well. Onto the next section!
Oh, right, the second new class… more on that soon. Heh.
Welcome to Skovos: Sanctuary’s Ancient Heartbeat
With Lord of Hatred, the world of Sanctuary expands to the legendary Skovos. I hope you like water, because Skovos is waterlogged as Hell: from the volcanic west to the forests of the east and the sunken lands in between, this zone is steeped in the history of Sanctuary.
Skovos is the ancient birthplace of the firstborn civilization and the former home of Lilith and Inarius (still a better love story than Twilight), full of sinister cultists, horrors from the sea, and the ever-lingering shadow of Hell.
The Wanderers of Hell Grow Stronger: Major Skill and Itemization Updates
This is one of the most comprehensive gameplay evolutions for Diablo IV since launch. All eight classes are getting major Skill Tree reworks, including new Skill variants for every class and a new level cap—this will become available whether you choose to grab Lord of Hatred or not. If you do, though, you will also be able to play with bonus skill variants across each class, explore a fresh take on crafting systems like the Horadric Cube, and equip set bonuses with the new Talisman.
Did I mention the Loot Filter? There’s a Loot Filter!
These updates will provide more choice and customization than ever before, so no matter which classes you prefer, there will be plenty to explore as you build your character. Fresh builds, more strategic depth, more meaning, more fantasy.
A Playlist of Demonic Death: The Overhauled Endgame
Lord of Hatred will bring a revitalized endgame, built around choice, mastery, escalating challenge, and loot.
This expansion introduces War Plans, which allows you to craft your own endgame progression path. We all have certain activities we prefer, or that are more suited for the character we’re building – War Plans allow you to create a playlist of those activities and layer strategic modifiers over the top of them, pushing you to earn higher-value rewards as you progress.
Additionally, we’ll be introducing Echoing Hatred, where you face endless, escalating waves of demons. For those who love pushing their characters’ limits against the deadliest threats, Echoing Hatred is a true test of your build, skill, and strategy.
The deeper you go, the greater the risk…and the more coveted the loot.
The Prime Evil and You: The Campaign Continues
Lord of Hatred is the culmination of everything that was set in motion the minute Lilith, Blessed Mother, entered Sanctuary. Following the events of Diablo IV and Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, the stakes have never been higher as the Prime Evil, Mephisto – Lilith’s father – now walks Sanctuary under the guise of the false prophet Akarat, gathering followers to set his ultimate plan in motion.
This isn’t just about domination; it’s about absolute corruption. The very essence of humanity is under threat, and you’ll need old friends, unlikely allies, and the determination to risk it all to even stand a chance.
Diablo IV has been dark, but it’s about to get even darker: this is a showdown against the Lord of Hatred himself in the very place Sanctuary was born.
P.S. Fishing Is Coming
I have always maintained that Diablo is a cozy game. I will not hear a word otherwise, and the upcoming addition of Fishing honestly solidifies it for me. Not only is slaying waves and waves of demons somehow calming in the year 2025, in 2026, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred will introduce one of the most soothing game features known to man. In the middle of a world on a fishhook, you truly are the wave, Wanderer.
Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred is available for pre-purchase today, and launches April 28, 2026, for PC via Battle.net, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Learn more on the official Diablo IV site, and get ready to face the reckoning.
Diablo® IV – Expansion Bundle
Blizzard Entertainment
$69.99
$55.99
– Diablo® IV for Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S
– Diablo® IV: Vessel of Hatred
– Standard Edition for Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S
Start demon-slaying today with the Diablo® IV – Expansion Bundle. Fight back endless hordes of Hell across beautiful but tormented regions of Sanctuary, traverse the campaign solo or with friends, and uncover the latest chapter in the new expansion, Vessel of Hatred.
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action-RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the epic campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through a gripping story in a beautifully dark world, or explore an expansive end game: battle iconic bosses for powerful loot, fight back the encroaching onslaught of Hell in Helltides, master the Forge to create your ultimate weapons and progress powerful characters, with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.
Uncover the next chapter of Diablo® IV in Vessel of Hatred. Continue your fight to thwart the diabolical plot of the Prime Evil, Mephisto. Battle as the all-new Spiritborn class, empowered by mystical Spirits. Expand your map to the new region of Nahantu and traverse through its lush jungles. Recruit new Mercenaries, take on new enemies, dungeons, a new PvE co-op challenge, and more. Plus, explore base game updates that introduce new power and continue to enhance the world of Diablo® IV.
Battle.net® account required. Internet connection required.
For more information, please visit Diablo.com.
© 2024 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries.
Diablo® IV
Blizzard Entertainment
This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, Seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.
Battle.net® account required. Internet connection required.
For more information, please visit Diablo.com.
© 2024 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries.
The post Daddy’s Coming Home with Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred appeared first on Xbox Wire.
