After the launch of Season 2, there seems to be some information about the first expansion of Diablo 4 in the game files. Dataminers have taken a look at what new features there are and have come across interesting clues.
What we know about the new expansion:
- Diablo 4 is expected to get paid expansions in addition to free seasons and updates. Presumably, one of these will be annual. The 1st expansion is expected to be released in 2024.
- According to hints, this expansion is supposed to be titled “Lord of Hatred.” This title also belongs to Mephisto, the father of antagonist Lilith, whom you can also meet in Diablo 4.
- The story is apparently set to return to areas in Diablo 2, specifically: to Kurast, the capital of Kehjistan. There, one could find Mephisto in Diablo 2.
- The new class is likely named “Spiritborn.” Additionally, there are hints about a mercenary system, raids, and runewords that were supposed to be present in the game at launch.
How reliable is the information? Since datamining is never entirely reliable, you should take the new hints with a healthy dose of skepticism. Nevertheless, the topic around Mephisto has been explained as likely by experts before.
Given the connection to Lilith and the end of the Diablo 4 campaign, a reunion with the Prime Evil sounds plausible. The connection to Kehjistan has also been hinted at, as Meshif appears in the story of Diablo 4. The seafarer was born in Kurast. Additionally, zones have already been found that are directly adjacent to Kehjistan.
Furthermore, Blizzard is moving in a direction of “the old” with Diablo 4 and is trying to capture the feeling of Diablo 1 and 2. It would fit if a reunion with content from older parts occurs for nostalgia.
However, it is also possible that this simply concerns cut content. Since Mephisto is already in the game and runes were also planned, it could be that remnants have been found and not upcoming content.
Unlike expansions, seasons explore side strands of the story. Right now, it is about vampires:
“Spiritborn” – But no Paladin in Diablo 4?
The biggest question mark regarding the new hints is the class “Spiritborn,” which translates roughly to: spirit-born. There have already been many rumors and considerations about the new class, with two theories being the most plausible so far:
- a Crusader or Paladin, which many fans wish for
- a sort of Occultist/Demon Summoner or a Blood Knight like in Diablo Immortal
For a “dark” class, there were elements that suggested it would fit into the story surrounding Lilith. A Paladin/Crusader would fill the gap of a missing holy class as well as a plate and shield bearer. In an interview, the Paladin was even basically confirmed.
What “Spiritborn” will ultimately turn out to be, we do not yet know. The name sounds more like a placeholder and would most likely fit a sort of Monk from Diablo 3, who used “Spirit” as a resource.
Concrete and confirmed information about the first expansion and what it will contain is likely something you will not receive until BlizzCon 2023. This is scheduled for November 3:
