Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Preview - Everything Coming April 28
Diablo IV's second expansion arrives April 28, 2026 with two new classes (Paladin and Warlock), the Skovos region, and instant Vessel of Hatred access for pre-purchases.
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Diablo IV is getting its second major expansion on April 28, 2026. Lord of Hatred follows Vessel of Hatred and brings something players have wanted since launch: the Paladin.
But Blizzard didn't stop there. This expansion includes two new classes, a new region, and continues the story of Sanctuary's struggle against the forces of Hell. Here's everything we know.
Two New Classes: Paladin and Warlock
The headline feature is the return of the Paladin, a fan-favorite class from Diablo II. Holy warriors wielding divine power, Paladins bring a mix of melee combat and auras that buff allies and punish demons. Pre-purchasing any edition of Lord of Hatred unlocks the Paladin immediately, letting you play the class months before the expansion launches.
The second class is the Warlock. Details remain scarce, but expect a caster focused on dark pacts and forbidden magic. Two classes in one expansion is generous by Blizzard standards. Vessel of Hatred only added the Spiritborn.
New Region: The Skovos Isles
Lord of Hatred adds Skovos to the world map. Diablo lore fans will recognize this as the homeland of the Amazons from Diablo II. The region is described as a dense archipelago with its own culture, threats, and secrets to uncover.
Expect new dungeons, world events, and endgame content spread across the islands. Blizzard has promised that Skovos will feel distinct from existing zones like Nahantu (added in Vessel of Hatred) and the base game's Fractured Peaks and Kehjistan.
Pre-Purchase Benefits
Blizzard is being aggressive with pre-purchase incentives. Buying any edition of Lord of Hatred now gives you:
- Instant access to the Vessel of Hatred expansion (if you don't already own it)
- Early access to the Paladin class (playable now)
- Additional cosmetic rewards depending on edition
Bundling the previous expansion is a smart move for players who skipped Vessel of Hatred. You get the Spiritborn class, Nahantu region, and all its content as part of the deal.
What to Expect
Lord of Hatred is shaping up to be Diablo IV's most substantial content drop yet. Two classes doubles what Vessel of Hatred offered. The Paladin's early access gives Blizzard months of player feedback before the full launch.
April 28 falls roughly a year after Vessel of Hatred, suggesting Blizzard is settling into an annual expansion cadence. For players who bounced off Diablo IV at launch, this might be the time to return. The game has evolved significantly since 2023, and Lord of Hatred looks like it's adding even more reasons to dive back into Sanctuary.
Whether you're a returning player or still grinding Nightmare Dungeons, mark your calendar. The Lord of Hatred awaits.