With Lord of Hatred, Blizzard has announced a major expansion for Diablo 4. Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, new classes, the region of Skovos, and the most important gameplay changes.
With “Lord of Hatred,” the second expansion for Diablo 4 will launch next year. Blizzard Entertainment continues the story surrounding Mephisto and introduces sweeping changes to the game. Alongside a brand-new region, two playable classes, and a revamped endgame, players can expect the biggest gameplay update since the base game’s release. We’ve rounded up all the key details on the upcoming expansion.
When does Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred release?
Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred launches on April 28, 2026, for all platforms that support the base game. This includes PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Steam. Owning the Diablo 4 base game is required to play the expansion.
Players who pre-order the expansion gain immediate access to the Paladin class as well as the first expansion, “Vessel of Hatred”. That expansion introduced the jungle region of Nahantu and told the story of Neyrelle and her attempt to cleanse Mephisto’s Soulstone. It also added the playable Spiritborn class, mercenaries, new biomes, and additional story content.
Which editions are available?
Blizzard is offering several editions of Lord of Hatred, primarily differentiated by their bonus content:
Standard Edition:
- Expansion 2: Lord of Hatred (available April 28, 2026)
- Immediate access to the Paladin
- Expansion 1: Vessel of Hatred
- 1 additional stash tab
- 2 additional character slots
- World of Warcraft decorative items
- Price: $39.99 / €39.99 / 33.59
Deluxe Edition:
- All content from the Standard Edition
- “Guard of the High Heavens” cosmetic set (Paladin)
- “Skartaran Basilisk” mount bundle
- Companion “Skorch”
- Premium Battle Pass
- Price: $59.99 / €59.99 / £50.39
Ultimate Edition:
- All content from the Deluxe Edition
- Class-wide “Shadow Knight” armor set
- Back trophy “Tymn, Echo of the Tower”
- Additional mounts, portal skins, and 3,000 Platinum
- Price: $89.99 / €89.99 / £75.59
Age of Hatred Collection (for newcomers):
- Base game Diablo 4
- Both expansions
- Access to the Paladin
- Additional bonuses such as character slots and decorative items
- Price: $69.99 / €69.99 / £58.79
All players who already own Vessel of Hatred will receive the “Herald of Hatred” bundle for free as a thank-you. It includes a companion with a reactive effect, a mount trophy, and an exclusive emblem.
Which new classes are coming?
Lord of Hatred introduces two new playable classes:
- Paladin: The Paladin is available immediately for all pre-order customers. As a holy warrior, the class focuses on abilities such as Blessed Hammer, auras, Zeal, and Heavenly Fury. It also features transformations like the Dominion Form, temporarily granting divine power.
- Second class: Another new class has been announced but will not be revealed or playable until the expansion’s official release.
How does the story continue?
The story of Lord of Hatred picks up directly after the events of Vessel of Hatred. Mephisto is on the brink of executing his plan to destroy Sanctuary. At the center of the narrative is the new region of Skovos—the ancient homeland of Lilith and Inarius and the birthplace of the Firstborn civilization.
In the capital city of Temis, a fanatical cult gathers around a mysterious prophet. Demonic forces advance as you fight alongside old and new allies to stop Mephisto and prevent the fall of Sanctuary.
What awaits you in Skovos?
Skovos expands the open world of Diablo 4 with a new area featuring volcanic coastlines, sunken islands, and overgrown temple complexes. The region is home to the Amazons and ruled by an Oracle Queen. Players can expect numerous new towns, dungeons, enemies, and sea creatures.
What new features does Lord of Hatred introduce?
Beyond new story content and classes, the expansion delivers major system upgrades and fresh gameplay elements:
- Reworked skill trees: All eight classes receive new skill variants and higher level caps.
- Loot filter: A new system makes targeted farming for specific items easier.
- Talisman system: New equipment with set bonuses opens up additional build options.
- Horadric Cube: The legendary crafting artifact makes its return.
- War plans: Players can customize endgame activities and define their own progression paths.
- Echo of Hatred: An endgame activity featuring endless waves of demons as the ultimate challenge.
- Fishing: If you need a break from demon slaying, you can now sit back and go fishing.
