Blizzard has revealed the first information about the new class Spiritborn in the first expansion of Diablo 4, Vessel of Hatred. Although the class has been largely well received so far, a significant portion of fans still demands a Paladin. Now, franchise head Rod Fergusson has responded.
This is the new class:
- According to the latest information, Spiritborn are the “ultimate predator” and sound a bit like a mix of Monk, Witch Doctor, and Amazon.
- There isn’t much information yet, except that the class fights with animal spirits and spears or glaives. Here you can find everything we already know about Spiritborn.
- Spiritborn are closely connected to the new area, Nahantu, the jungle in the south around Kurast. In our overview, you will find all information about the contents of Vessel of Hatred.
This is what the head says: In an interview with GamesRadar+, Diablo’s General Manager Rod Fergusson explains how the decision to introduce the new class was made. He says:
I am excited, but we are hearing very loudly [your demand for the] sword-and-board Paladin, Crusader fantasy, which we are not currently fulfilling. But we wanted to create an opportunity to do something new based on the region we are adding.
Rod Fergusson to GamesRadar+
They want to create something that is “creatively interesting” and brings “a new experience.” The Game Director of Vessel of Hatred, Brent Gibson, adds that this is a unique opportunity.
Gibson says: “We have delivered the fantasies that people are used to. Now we have a little room for something new.” Spiritborn will have their full reveal on July 18.
Blizzard has released the release date together with the intro cinematic of Vessel of Hatred:
“I have no interest in the new class”
Fans have been demanding a Paladin or Crusader as a new class since the release of Diablo 4 for some time. Players feel that this type of gameplay is currently missing from the game. Simply because there are shields that currently nobody really uses, except perhaps a few Necromancers.
Even after the recent announcement of the release of Vessel of Hatred and the accompanying information about Spiritborn and other contents, the calls for a Paladin remain loud.
On Reddit, for example, a user asks if others are as excited for Spiritborn, to which a comment with hundreds of upvotes responds:
Not me, certainly. I don’t hate them either, but I have absolutely 0 interest in them. I wanted a knight-type class that runs around with a one-handed weapon and shield or some specs that use a two-handed weapon and have aura mechanics from Diablo 2.
Possible_Baboon on Reddit
Other players add that Spiritborn apparently draw inspiration from Aztec, Mesoamerican warriors. They are known for their fighting with spear and shield – so at least that seems to be a likely playstyle.
While the debate about the class continues, Blizzard has already announced that mercenaries will come in Vessel of Hatred. Players have also been demanding this since the release. Mercenaries will accompany you on your journey and can learn skills similar to Diablo 3. And Blizzard has even fulfilled another wish: New patch brings companions exactly how fans want them since release.
