Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred — Release Date, Classes and What You Get
The second expansion launched in April 2026 with the Skovos Isles, Paladin and Warlock, Horadric Cube crafting, Talisman set bonuses and Echoing Hatred.
Lord of Hatred is out now. It is Diablo IV’s second expansion, and both the official expansion page and the store page list it as available.
It released in April 2026. The Steam store page says 27 April, while public release records say 28 April; the difference comes from time zones and store refresh timing.
It requires the base game, but buying it also includes the first expansion, Vessel of Hatred.
What it adds
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New region | The Skovos Isles, homeland of the Amazons and one of humanity’s birthplaces |
| New classes | Paladin (four oaths) and Warlock (hellfire and summoned demons) |
| Crafting | The Horadric Cube returns for reshaping and crafting gear |
| Sets | Talisman adds a new source of set bonuses |
| Endgame | War Plans for self-directed progression, and Echoing Hatred for endless demon waves |
| System reworks | Skill tree rework for every class, a higher level cap, and a Loot Filter |
| Downtime | Fishing in Sanctuary’s waterways |
The skill tree rework and level cap increase apply to every player, whether or not you buy the expansion. Blizzard’s own wording is that “alongside the release of Lord of Hatred, all Diablo IV players will experience reshaped hero progression”.
Is it worth buying
- Long-time players who want new endgame: yes. War Plans and Echoing Hatred are the main endgame drivers, and the Horadric Cube changes how gear comes together.
- Anyone who wants Paladin or Warlock: required. Neither class is sold separately.
- Story-only players: this is where the main thread ends. See the story recap.
- New players: do not buy the expansion alone. The bundle is cheaper; compare on price and editions.
How it was received
Reviews are broadly positive. Public score aggregation puts it at “generally favorable”, with roughly nine in ten critics recommending it on OpenCritic.
IGN’s review video focuses on the campaign payoff and the endgame changes; the breakdown is on the IGN review page. The wider picture is on reviews and reception.
What to do after buying
- Make sure the expansion content is installed on the platform you play. Expansions are bought per platform, as Blizzard’s FAQ states.
- When you create a Paladin or Warlock, settle the oath direction first: see the Paladin guide.
- Finish the expansion campaign, then move into War Plans and shape your own endgame loop.
- If you want set bonuses, unlock the Talisman early and then finish the build’s damage multipliers.
Sources
Related pages
updates
Inside the Lord of Hatred Cinematic: Why Mephisto Is a Leviathan
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updates
IGN Gave Lord of Hatred an 8/10: What the Review Argues
IGN's 15-minute review scores Lord of Hatred 8/10. Here is what it praises, why the campaign length matters, and which endgame questions it leaves open.
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