Blizzard Entertainment has revealed Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, the second expansion in the Age of Hatred saga, at The Game Awards 2025. The expansion is set to launch on 28 April 2026 AEST/UTC+8, introducing a high-stakes campaign, two new classes, major gameplay updates, and the series’ oldest region, Skovos.
Players who pre-purchase the expansion can immediately access the Paladin, Diablo IV’s most-requested new class. Described as a radiant sword-and-shield champion, the Paladin channels holy power to combat Mephisto’s darkness. Pre-purchase also grants access to Vessel of Hatred, Diablo IV’s first expansion, including the Spiritborn class, Mercenaries, and the region of Nahantu.
“The Age of Hatred reaches its climax as Hell’s legions spill freely into Sanctuary,” Blizzard stated. Humanity faces imminent peril as the Pools of Creation draw Mephisto closer. The Wanderer must form an uneasy alliance to confront the Prime Evil.
The expansion introduces Sanctuary’s new region, Skovos, the ancient birthplace of the firstborn civilisation and former home of Lilith and Inarius. Skovos, now ruled by The Oracle and the Amazon Queen, features volcanic coasts, rain-soaked forests, forgotten temples, and ocean-worn ruins, alongside new demons, dungeons, and lore.
Lord of Hatred also brings Diablo IV’s most significant gameplay updates since launch, including:
- Reworked skill tree with expanded caps and new class-defining variants
- New Loot Filter for targeted farming
- Enhanced crafting with the return of the Horadric Cub
- Player-driven War Plans shaping endgame progression
- Echoing Hatred, an endless gauntlet of demonic hordes
- Fishing along Sanctuary’s waterways
Pre-purchase bonuses include early access to the Paladin, an extra Stash Tab, additional Character Slots, and World of Warcraft décor items.
All editions of Lord of Hatred include Vessel of Hatred, with Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offering pets, mounts, armour bundles, cosmetics, and Platinum. Blizzard also introduced the Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection, bundling the base game and both expansions for new players, with eight classes and full cross-play and cross-progression.
