Diablo IV has received a major expansion with the launch of Lord of Hatred, which is now available as of 28 April. The new content marks a significant evolution for Diablo IV, expanding its story, gameplay systems and overall scope with one of the most substantial updates since the game’s original release.
At the centre of Lord of Hatred is a new campaign that continues the overarching narrative surrounding Mephisto, the Prime Evil. The expansion pushes the story into darker territory, with Sanctuary facing renewed devastation as Mephisto’s influence spreads further across the world. Players are tasked with confronting this growing threat, working alongside returning characters and new allies in a high-stakes conflict that builds on the foundations of the base game.
A key addition comes in the form of two new playable classes. The Paladin brings a more traditional holy warrior archetype, combining melee combat with divine abilities, while the Warlock introduces a darker playstyle focused on demonic magic, summoning and destructive spells. Together, these classes significantly expand the range of combat approaches available, offering fresh options for both new and returning players.
The expansion also introduces an entirely new region known as Skovos. Described as an ancient part of Sanctuary with deep ties to the origins of its world, the area features a diverse range of environments, from volcanic terrain to dense forests and flooded landscapes. Alongside exploration, players will encounter new enemies, dungeons and settlements, all of which contribute to a broader and more varied world design.
Beyond its narrative and world additions, Lord of Hatred delivers major updates to Diablo IV’s core systems. These include extensive changes to skill trees, the introduction of new skill variants for all classes, and an increased level cap designed to deepen character progression. Additional features such as a loot filter, crafting updates inspired by classic Diablo systems, and the inclusion of set bonuses further enhance build customisation.
Endgame content has also been expanded significantly. The new systems allow players to shape their progression through a variety of activities, applying modifiers to increase difficulty and rewards. Large-scale combat challenges provide opportunities to test powerful builds, while additional features, including more relaxed activities, broaden the overall gameplay loop beyond combat alone.
Another notable aspect of the release is that Lord of Hatred includes access to Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, effectively bundling the game’s first expansion into the package. This allows players to experience the full narrative arc leading into the new content, including previously introduced regions and mechanics.
With its combination of new story content, expanded world design and sweeping gameplay updates, Lord of Hatred represents a major step forward for Diablo IV. As players begin to explore everything it introduces, it stands as one of the most comprehensive updates the game has received to date.
