Blizzard Entertainment has announced Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, the action RPG’s second expansion and the next major step in the ongoing Age of Hatred saga. Revealed during The Game Awards 2025, the expansion is set to launch on April 28, 2026, and will bring a new campaign centered on Mephisto, two additional classes, a fresh region, and some of the most sweeping gameplay overhauls Diablo IV has seen to date.
A new cinematic release date trailer debuted alongside the announcement, showcasing the darker tone of Mephisto’s return and the looming threat to Sanctuary.
Narratively, Lord of Hatred pushes the story toward its climax. Mephisto’s design is finally coming into focus as Hell’s forces begin pouring openly into Sanctuary. As the Pools of Creation draw the Prime Evil closer to full manifestation, humanity faces an existential crisis. To stand a chance, the Wanderer is forced into an uneasy alliance with a returning figure, with the partnership framed as one of necessity rather than trust.
On the class front, Blizzard is leading with one of Diablo’s most iconic archetypes. The Paladin, described as a radiant, sword-and-shield warrior, becomes playable immediately for anyone who pre-purchases the expansion.
A second, still-unrevealed class will join the roster when Lord of Hatred officially launches in April. The expansion’s campaign takes players to Skovos, a new region described as the birthplace of Sanctuary’s first civilization. Lord of Hatred introduces a fully reworked skill tree with expanded caps and fresh class-defining variants, a long-requested Loot Filter for more targeted farming, and enhanced crafting powered by the return of the Horadric Cube.
A new Talisman system promises build-defining set-style bonuses, while “War Plans” are pitched as a way for players to chart their own endgame progression. Echoing Hatred offers an endless gauntlet-style activity for high-end players, contrasted by a quieter diversion in the form of fishing across Sanctuary’s dangerous waterways. Pre-purchase incentives include early access to the Paladin class, an extra stash tab, two additional character slots, and three décor items for World of Warcraft.
All editions of Lord of Hatred include immediate access to Vessel of Hatred, Diablo IV’s first expansion, while Deluxe and Ultimate tiers add exclusive pets, mounts, armor bundles, cosmetics, Platinum, and other digital bonuses.
Exciting news for Diablo fans! The focus on Mephisto sounds intriguing, and the Paladin early access is sure to bring back some nostalgia. Looking forward to seeing how this expansion unfolds!