Blizzard presented in full Diablo 4 expansion, Lord of Hatredconfirming that it includes not one, but two new classes, including the Paladin.
At The Game Awards 2025, Blizzard announced about April 28, 2026 as the release date for Lord of Hatred, which will be the culmination of the “Age of Hatred” saga, as Blizzard calls it. As for the campaign, players will face off against the eternal evil, Mephisto, but there’s the surprise return of Diablo 4’s antagonist, Lilith, who has come back from the dead — horror! — after the events of the Diablo 4 campaign. Lord of Hatred adds a new region of Skovos and also includes significant gameplay changes.
Lord of Hatred launches on April 28 with the Paladin class
The great news is that pre-purchasing Lord of Hatred grants grants Immediate access to the Paladin classa fan favorite from Diablo 2 and one of the most requested for Diablo 4. Blizzard has not revealed what the mysterious second class is.
Here’s a quick summary of the story:
Following Vessel of Hate, this new chapter leads players into their final battle against Mephisto, whose deception and growing influence threaten to turn Sanctuary into a world consumed by evil. As the legions of Hell circle and the ancient pools of creation close in on Mephisto, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. To stop him, the Wanderer must hug an old enemy who was believed to be dead. Lilith returns with her final prophetic words that ring true, forcing a dangerous alliance based on necessity rather than trust. With time and allies running out, the Wanderer embarks on a desperate race to stop Mephisto before hatred changes the world forever.
Paladin, as it should be, focuses on hammer and shield game mechanicsand punishes enemies with the power of the Holy Light. The mysterious second class “looms over the dark horizon,” Blizzard said, adding, “His power is undeniable, and his arrival is poised to change the battlefield when Lord of Hatred launches in April.”
Skovos is the birthplace of the first civilization and the ancient home of Lilith and Inaria. This is the oldest and most historic region of the Sanctuary. This new-to-the-game land is now ruled by the Oracle and Queen of the Amazons Volcanic coast, storm-battered forests and flooded ruins steeped in a forgotten tradition.
Extension too skill tree redesign to introduce new class-specific options and expanded level caps, offering new build and strategic depth across all eight classes. There is a new mining filter system that will help you get the gear you want more efficiently. Crafting has been improved with the return of the Horadric Cube. The new Talisman unlocks powerful power-ups, expanding the end-game customization.
Veteran players will be happy to learn about the updated endgame that they will be able to access at the end of the campaign. War plans allow players create your own progression path at the end of the gamechoosing your favorite classes and applying strategic modifiers as you progress towards valuable rewards. Resounding Hate is the ultimate test of the Age of Hate: the relentless challenge of demonic hordes built to challenge even the strongest builds. Meanwhile, for something completely different, the expansion adds Fishing!
Lord of Hatred includes The complete Vessel of Hate expansionwhich players can instantly access through pre-purchase. Those who pre-purchase will receive early access to the Paladin class, an additional stash tab, two additional character slots, and three World of Warcraft trinkets.
Be sure to check it out all announced at The Game Awards 2025 for more information as well complete list of winners.
