During The Game Awards 2025, Blizzard revealed the next expansion for Diablo IV. Lord of Hatred will close out the game’s main storyline, bringing players face-to-face with Mephisto once again.
The expansion wraps up the current Diablo IV arc, adds a new region called Skovos, introduces sweeping gameplay changes, and brings in two new classes: the Paladin and a second class Blizzard hasn’t revealed yet.
Below is a breakdown of everything coming in the expansion.
AGE OF HATRED’S CULMINATION
FACE THE LORD OF HATRED
In the aftermath of Vessel of Hatred, this next chapter drives players toward their final stand against Mephisto, whose deception and spreading influence threaten to twist Sanctuary into a world consumed by malice. As Hell’s legions surge and the ancient Pools of Creation draw Mephisto ever closer, the fate of humanity hangs by a thread. To stop him, the Wanderer must embrace an old foe long believed to be dead. Lilith returns, her prophetic last words echoing true, forcing a perilous alliance bound by necessity rather than trust. With time and allies running out, the Wanderer is in a desperate race to stop Mephisto before hatred reshapes the world forever.
POWERFUL NEW CLASSES
The Lord of Hatred expansion answers years of community demand with two distinct new classes, dramatically broadening how players shape their playstyle, identity, and mastery in Sanctuary.
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The Paladin rises as the realm darkens, wielding hammer, shield, and Holy Light to smite Mephisto’s demon army with righteous fury. Through melee combat and divine abilities, the Paladin empowers players to strike with both unwavering faith and overwhelming force.
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A second, yet-unrevealed class looms on the dark horizon—its power undeniable, its arrival poised to reshape the battlefield when Lord of Hatred launches in April.
DANGEROUS LANDS
Skovos, the ancestral birthplace of the first civilization and the former home of Lilith and Inarius, stands as Sanctuary’s oldest and most storied region. Now ruled by The Oracle and the Amazon Queen, this never-before-seen in-game land blends volcanic coasts, storm-lashed forests, and waterlogged ruins steeped in forgotten lore.
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As the Wanderer embarks on their journey through Skovos, each expedition will reveal new towns, dungeons, and monsters. Players will test their mettle against sinister cultists, oceanic horrors, and lingering shadows of Hell.
SKILLS & ITEMIZATION
The Lord of Hatred expansion delivers one of the most comprehensive gameplay evolutions since launch.
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Deeply reworked Skill Trees introduce new class-specific variants and expanded level caps, offering fresh buildcraft and strategic depth across all eight classes.
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A new Loot Filter empowers players to target desired gear more efficiently.
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Enhanced crafting systems, including the return of the iconic Horadric Cube, reinforce experimentation and progression, while the new Talisman unlocks powerful set bonuses, expanding late-game customization in meaningful, class-defining ways.
OVERHAULED ENDGAME
After the campaign’s dramatic finale, players can tap into a revitalized endgame, built around player choice, mastery, escalating challenge, and ever-more rewarding loot.
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War Plans let players craft their own endgame progression path, selecting favoured activities and layering strategic modifiers as they push toward high-value rewards.
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The Echoing Hatred stands as the Age of Hatred’s ultimate test: a relentless gauntlet of demonic hordes designed to challenge even the strongest builds.
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Players seeking respite from demon-slaying can experience
How to Play the Paladin Early
It’s simple: pre-order the Lord of Hatred expansion to instantly unlock the Paladin class in the game’s latest season as those with the new expansion can get early access to the new class.
Pre-ordering, or even just owning the Standard Edition ($39.99) after launch, will also give you access to the first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, which is a solid bonus for those who skipped it last year.
Diablo IV Lord of Hatred Edition Breakdown
Deluxe Edition (59.99)
Includes: Mini Chimera Pet Skorch, the Skartaran Basilisk Mount Bundle, the High Heavens Guard Cosmetic Bundle, a Premium Battle Pass Bundle, and more when the expansion launches.
Ultimate Edition ($89.99)
Includes everything from the Standard and Deluxe Editions, plus: the Umbral Knights Armor Bundle (six class sets), 3,000 Platinum, the Steed of the Shining Realm Bundle, Tymn, Echo of the Spire Back Trophy, the Ascent of the Just Town Portal Skin, and more when the expansion launches.
Both the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions also include access to Vessel of Hatred.
Diablo IV’s Lord of Hatred expansion will launch on April 28 on consoles and PC.
Wondering who the winners of The Game Awards 2025 are? Here’s the full list.
About the Author – Carlos Hernandez
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Exciting news about the new expansion for Diablo IV! The reveal of the Lord of Hatred and the addition of the Paladin class sounds like a fantastic update for fans. Looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds!
It’s definitely exciting! The addition of the Paladin class is particularly interesting, as it brings back that classic feel from earlier titles. I can’t wait to see how the new abilities will enhance gameplay and strategies in the upcoming expansion!
It’s definitely exciting! The addition of the Paladin class is particularly interesting, as it brings a lot of versatility to gameplay. Plus, with the Lord of Hatred as a new antagonist, it seems like we’ll see some darker themes that could deepen the story even further. Looking forward to how these elements will intertwine!
I’m glad you’re excited! The Paladin’s unique abilities will really add a new layer to gameplay, especially with their focus on both offense and defense. It will be interesting to see how they balance with other classes in multiplayer settings!
Absolutely! The Paladin’s ability to support teammates while dealing damage can really shift the dynamics in group play. It’ll be interesting to see how players adapt their strategies with this new class!