Stand Against Mephisto in the Climactic Finale of the Age of Hatred

Blizzard has officially unveiled Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, the next major expansion for Diablo IV, setting the stage for an epic confrontation with the Prime Evil Mephisto. The expansion will launch on April 28, 2026 and promises to deliver a sprawling new campaign, fresh regions to explore, new playable classes, and sweeping updates to core systems that redefine the Diablo IV experience.

A Final Stand Against the Lord of Hatred

In Lord of Hatred, players will face Mephisto himself in Sanctuary’s ancient heartland, the long-rumored region of Skovos. Skovos is described as the ancestral cradle of the first civilization and the former home of legendary figures such as Lilith and Inarius, bringing new atmospheric locales filled with sinister cultists, sea-borne horrors, and lingering shadows of Hell.

This expansion is positioned as the culmination of the ongoing Age of Hatred Saga, which began with the base game and continued through 2024’s Vessel of Hatred expansion. Players will pick up the narrative thread after the events of Vessel of Hatred as Mephisto’s influence spreads and the fate of Sanctuary hangs in the balance.

New Classes and Immediate Play

One of the most exciting reveals is the addition of two new classes. The first, the Paladin, is available to play right now with any Lord of Hatred pre-purchase. This class embodies the iconic sword-and-shield archetype infused with divine powers. Like its classic predecessors, the Paladin channels Holy Light to smite demons, support allies, and alter the tide of battle with potent abilities.

The second new class remains unannounced but is teased to arrive alongside the expansion at launch. Details are scant, but Blizzard promises it will bring a fresh style of play and reshape combat when it arrives next year.

Pre-purchase bonuses include instant access to the Paladin, the Vessel of Hatred expansion if not already owned, additional stash tabs, character slots, cosmetic bundles, and other rewards across all editions.

System Overhauls and New Endgame

Lord of Hatred isn’t just about new story and classes. Blizzard is pushing big changes to how Diablo IV plays at a fundamental level. Every existing class is getting major skill tree updates with new variants and increased level caps that enrich character customization and build diversity. A new Loot Filter feature aims to make item hunts smoother and more targeted.

Crafting is also evolving. Classic elements like the Horadric Cube are returning in updated form alongside a new Talisman system that introduces set bonuses and further expands build choices.

Endgame receives a full rethink too. War Plans will allow players to curate their own progression paths by choosing activities and modifiers that suit their preferred playstyle while chasing high-tier rewards. For those seeking relentless challenge, Echoing Hatred offers endless waves of adversaries designed to put builds and teamwork to the ultimate test.