Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Expansion Announced With Paladin Unlock

Diablo 4 just took a decisive step into its next chapter. Blizzard officially announced Lord of Hatred during The Game Awards 2025, the next full expansion for Diablo 4, and it does far more than tease future content. With one announcement, Blizzard connected the current live game to the future of Sanctuary in a way Diablo has not attempted before.

The expansion is themed entirely around Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred himself, continuing the story threads that have been quietly building since launch. At the same time, Diablo 4 Season 11, Divine Intervention, is now live as of December 11th, making this one of the most content dense moments in the game so far.

If you want to know more about the announcement for new games during The Game Awards 2025, check out our article for some of the most promosing game announcements!

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Lord of Hatred Brings Mephisto to the Front

Lord of Hatred places Mephisto at the center of Diablo 4s ongoing narrative. Blizzard confirmed that the expansion will push deeper into the consequences of his influence, both on Sanctuary and on the player character. This is not a side story. It is positioned as the next major arc following the base campaign.

New regions, endgame systems, and story driven activities are planned for the expansion, with a heavier focus on corruption, faith, and the cost of divine power. Blizzard has made it clear that Lord of Hatred is designed to reshape the long term direction of Diablo 4 rather than simply add more content on top.

You can Pre-Order the Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred expansion and get access to the new Paladin Class today at the official Diablo IV website from Blizzard Entertainment.

The Templar Returns as the Paladin

One of the biggest surprises is the return of the Templar archetype. Blizzard officially named the new class the Paladin, a holy warrior focused on faith driven combat, defensive auras, and brutal close range judgment.

Players who pre purchase the Lord of Hatred expansion gain immediate access to the Paladin starting today. This means the class is fully playable right now within the current Diablo 4 ecosystem, including Seasonal content.

The Paladin blends classic Paladin identity with Diablo 4s darker tone. Shields, consecrated ground effects, and divine retaliation mechanics define the class, while moral choices and devotion systems are woven directly into gameplay.

In our article about the Diablo IV New Paladin Class, you can read more indepth about the Paladin and the four Oaths.

Season 11 Divine Intervention Is Live Now

Alongside the expansion reveal, the 11th Season 11 for Diablo 4, Season of Divine Intervention, launched on December 11th. This season ties directly into the themes of Lord of Hatred, focusing on divine forces interfering in mortal affairs.

Season 11 introduces new seasonal mechanics built around blessings, sacrifices, and temporary divine boons that can dramatically alter builds. These systems are designed to experiment with power in ways that foreshadow mechanics coming in the expansion.

For players jumping in today, Season 11 serves as both a fresh seasonal reset and a narrative bridge toward Mephistos rise in Lord of Hatred.

Read more about Diablo IV Season 11 in our Season of Divine Intervention article.

Release Date and What Comes Next

Lord of Hatred is scheduled to release on April 28th, 2026. Blizzard emphasized that more details will be revealed over time, including endgame changes, expansion exclusive activities, and how seasonal content will evolve leading up to launch.

What matters most right now is momentum. Diablo 4 is no longer waiting for its next era. With Season 11 live, the Paladin available today, and Mephisto looming over the future of Sanctuary, Blizzard has clearly signaled that Diablo 4s long game has officially begun.

For players who stepped away, this is a 'Divine Intervention' for you to return. For those already grinding Season 11, Lord of Hatred gives that grind meaning beyond the current season.

Diablo IV | Lord of Hatred | Official Release Date Cinematic