For years, players demanded the Paladin as a new class in Diablo 4. Now it is a reality. Out of nowhere, Blizzard announced the holy warriors not only, but they are even directly playable – at least if you dig deep into your pockets, as Paladins are linked to the next expansion.
What is the Paladin all about?
- Since release, players have been demanding the Paladin as a new class in Diablo 4 because the game lacks both a sword and shield class as well as a holy spellcaster.
- Paladins also have significant importance in the story against Mephisto, whose daughter plays the main role in Diablo 4.
- Some fans were sure that the Paladin would appear as a Shadow Drop, because they discovered a new weapon. Many dismissed this as wishful thinking. Now the suspicion is coming true.
This is what Blizzard announced: During the Game Awards 2025, Blizzard released the Paladin for Diablo 4 without prior announcement. Kickoff is Season 11, which starts right at the end of the stream. There will also be a second, yet unknown class.
Paladins expand Diablo 4 as the second new class since release – after the Spiritborn – and as the seventh class overall in the roster. Originally hailing from Diablo 2, they were one of the most popular classes there. They have long been a wish of the community.
However, the Paladin will not be playable for everyone. Those who want to play the new class must purchase the upcoming expansion Lord of Hatred, which is also available for pre-order now. The cheapest version of Lord of Hatred costs 39.99 euros (on Battle.net).
Just like the Spiritborn and all classes in Diablo 3 before, Paladins are tied to a paid expansion. In the interview with the colleagues at GameStar, there is already a bit more information about the new class.
Not a Crusader, but a real Paladin – and more
Since Diablo 2, the Paladin has evolved significantly. In Diablo 3 and later in Diablo Immortal (and Heroes of the Storm), only one of their orders was playable: Crusaders. Unlike Paladins, Crusaders are more battle-oriented elite soldiers.
The playable Paladins, on the other hand, came from a more protective order, and the new class in Diablo 4 is oriented towards exactly those. They will be more “priests on the battlefield” rather than warlike saints. Nevertheless, there will be various playstyles reflected in the unique class mechanics, the vows, which you can change at any time:
- Juggernauts are walking fortresses focusing on defense and shields – with the latter also becoming your weapon through the “Shield Strike” ability. The Ultimate “Fortress” grants you immense defense.
- Zealots focus on attack speed, as you might already know from the Zeal skill from earlier. The Ultimate “Zenith” summons a giant sword of fire that hacks into your enemies.
- Judicators summon blessed shields, consecrate the ground, and use the popular “holy hammers” that circle around you and crush enemies. The vow leans more towards the Crusader, where holy magic is the focus.
- Disciples focus more on the priest aspect of the Paladin, allowing you to temporarily assume the form of an angel, hurling holy lances at enemies and flying over the battlefield with angelic wings.
However, the most interesting aspect might be the auras that return, one of the Paladin’s most popular abilities. With auras, you buff yourself and all players around you with strong bonuses, making you a welcome addition to any group.
Story-wise, Paladins fit well into the story. With Lord of Hatred, Mephisto will (again) be the final boss, and this time the story is supposed to have a real ending. Paladins, especially Crusaders, are the declared arch-enemies of Mephisto, who has caused much havoc in Sanctuary. Their goal is to completely eradicate his corruption.
How well that will work remains to be seen, after all, we as players have all been “blessed” by mother Lilith… and she is known to be Mephisto’s daughter. His influence will therefore probably not be so easy to remove.
Along with the Paladin, Diablo 4 is getting a second, previously unknown class in Lord of Hatred. However, the DLC and its corresponding update also bring a ton of improvements for the endgame and new features, not all of which seem to fit quite right: Diablo 4 announces the new expansion Lord of Hatred, bringing a feature no one expected
