Blizzard Entertainment is preparing to bring the Age of Hatred Saga to a dramatic conclusion with the release of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, launching on 28 April 2026 (AEST / UTC+8).
As the most ambitious expansion since Diablo IV’s debut, Lord of Hatred delivers a high-stakes narrative showdown against Mephisto, sweeping gameplay overhauls, powerful new classes, and an entirely new region that expands the dark world of Sanctuary in bold new ways.
This expansion represents the culmination of years of storytelling, building upon the events of Vessel of Hatred and pushing players toward an all-or-nothing confrontation that will decide the fate of humanity.
The Final Confrontation with Mephisto
At the heart of Lord of Hatred lies a desperate campaign against Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred, whose influence continues to spread corruption across Sanctuary.
Following the aftermath of Vessel of Hatred, Mephisto’s deceptions threaten to twist the world into a realm consumed entirely by malice. As Hell’s legions grow stronger and the ancient Pools of Creation draw Mephisto closer to godlike power, time is rapidly running out.
In a shocking twist, the Wanderer is forced into an uneasy alliance with a foe long believed to be gone. Lilith returns, her final prophecy echoing with terrifying clarity. Bound not by trust but by necessity, this alliance propels players into a race against time to prevent hatred itself from reshaping the world forever.
New Classes Answer Long-Standing Community Demands
One of the most anticipated additions in Lord of Hatred is the arrival of two powerful new classes, significantly expanding how players approach combat, identity, and progression.
Leading the charge is the long-requested Paladin, available immediately through pre-purchase. Armed with hammer, shield, and the radiant power of Holy Light, the Paladin excels in melee combat and divine abilities. This class offers players a righteous path of retribution, blending defensive strength with overwhelming offensive force to cut through Mephisto’s demonic armies.
Alongside the Paladin, Blizzard has teased a second, unrevealed class, shrouded in mystery. Its looming arrival promises to reshape the battlefield when Lord of Hatred officially launches, adding even more depth and variety to Diablo IV’s class roster.
Explore Skovos, Sanctuary’s Oldest Land
The expansion introduces Skovos, the ancestral birthplace of the first civilization and the former home of Lilith and Inarius. This never-before-seen region is Sanctuary’s oldest and most myth-laden land, now ruled by The Oracle and the Amazon Queen.
Skovos features a diverse and dangerous landscape, from volcanic coastlines and storm-lashed forests to flooded ruins steeped in forgotten lore. As players journey through this ancient land, they will uncover new towns, dungeons, and enemies, including sinister cultists, oceanic horrors, and lingering manifestations of Hell’s influence.
Major Gameplay, Skills, and Loot Evolution
Lord of Hatred delivers one of Diablo IV’s most comprehensive gameplay updates to date. Skill Trees across all eight classes have been deeply reworked, introducing class-specific variants, expanded level caps, and new opportunities for build experimentation.
Loot management also sees major improvements with the introduction of a Loot Filter, allowing players to more efficiently target desired gear. Crafting receives a powerful boost with the return of the legendary Horadric Cube, alongside enhanced systems that reward experimentation. A new Talisman system unlocks potent set bonuses, adding meaningful, class-defining customization to late-game builds.
A Revitalized Endgame Experience
After completing the campaign, players can dive into an overhauled endgame designed around choice, mastery, and escalating challenge. War Plans allow players to tailor their endgame progression, selecting preferred activities and layering strategic modifiers to pursue high-value rewards.
For those seeking the ultimate challenge, The Echoing Hatred offers a brutal gauntlet of demonic hordes intended to test even the strongest builds. Meanwhile, players looking for a change of pace can explore Sanctuary’s perilous waterways through the newly introduced Fishing activity.
Editions and Pre-Purchase Rewards
Lord of Hatred includes full access to Vessel of Hatred, playable immediately upon pre-purchase. Players also gain early access to the Paladin class, an extra Stash Tab, two additional Character Slots, and exclusive World of Warcraft décor items.
The expansion is available in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions, each offering escalating cosmetic bundles, mounts, Platinum, Battle Pass bonuses, and exclusive armor sets.
With its sweeping narrative conclusion, deep mechanical updates, and bold new content, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred stands poised to redefine the ARPG experience when it arrives in April 2026.
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