Since the release of Diablo 4, especially veterans have been wishing for a very specific class in the game: the Paladin. In an interview, Game Director Brent Gibson talks about the next expansion and the next class. A little bit of Paladin could be hinted at.
Where do these statements come from? Shortly after Blizzard announced the roadmap for Diablo 4, there was considerable backlash from the community. It all looks quite dull for an entire year.
At the very end, however, the new expansion is teased, which is supposed to be released in 2026. In this context, Diablo expert and YouTuber Rhykker conducted an interview with Brent Gibson, the Game Director of Diablo 4 (via YouTube).
This is what Gibson says about the new class: The roadmap does not specifically mention a new class, but a piece of burnt fabric at least looks like it indicates that. Rhykker asks about the new class and how much the Paladin will rate on a scale from 1 to Paladin. Gibson’s answer:
It wouldn’t be a Diablo interview without a question about the Paladin. […] We haven’t revealed anything yet, but I’m very excited about the new class for the upcoming expansion. I think we will surprise people with what we have to offer. Buckle up, keep talking about the Paladin, and hopefully, on the day we release, everyone will be happy.
Brent Gibson on YouTube, around the 25:37 minute mark
Since the release, players have been wishing for the Paladin as a new class, simply because there is a lack of both a holy class and one that plays with sword and shield. Both are still not in the game, and Blizzard has previously explained that they want to incorporate various archetypes in Diablo 4.
However, the developers brought in the Spiritborn, a hybrid class from earlier classes, a kind of remix of Witch Doctor, Monk, and Amazon. Gibson’s statement about continuing to talk about the Paladin could be interpreted as something similar happening here.
At least a holy class with a connection to the Zakarum Church makes sense considering the story. The Crusaders are the guardians of Mephisto, who has now been freed and whom we will likely hunt in the upcoming expansion.
Diablo 4 gets leaderboards, updates, and new collaborations
Gibson explains that Diablo 4 is now at a point where the developers no longer just have to react but can proactively plan new content. They still want to consider feedback and incorporate it into future content.
In the interview, Gibson and Rhykker discuss further topics from the roadmap, including leaderboards, changes to the seasonal journey, and collaborations. Regarding upcoming collaborations with other IPs, Gibson did not comment specifically, but after the crossover with World of Warcraft, they want to broaden their approach.
The upcoming ranking system, on the other hand, apparently has taken a much clearer form. Unlike the current leaderboards from the trials, which are received quite controversially, the upcoming rankings are supposed to be more integrated into the game and relevant for every player.
Regarding the seasonal journey, it has only been mentioned so far that they want to incorporate several small steps instead of fewer large steps. However, there are still no further details on this. Already, the franchise head of Diablo, Rod Fergusson, has shared his opinion on this: Diablo chief finds battle passes “outdated”, teases something new for Diablo 4
