The Game Awards 2025: Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred - New DLC, New Season Announcement, Two New Characters, And Much More

At The Game Awards 2025, Blizzard officially unveiled the Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred expansion. The new season was revealed through a cinematic trailer, which, as expected, was polished, atmospheric, and highly intriguing. Alongside this announcement, Blizzard confirmed the addition of two new playable characters. It is clear that the emergence of strong competitors on the market has pushed Blizzard to significantly step up its efforts. Let’s take a closer look at what awaits players next.

Diablo 4 New DLC: Lord of Hatred Release Date and New Characters

At The Game Awards 2025, Blizzard revealed the release date for the Lord of Hatred expansion, scheduled to launch on April 28, 2026. This expansion will serve as the final chapter of the Age of Hatred Saga. In the campaign, players will once again face the Eternal Evil, Mephisto, but that is not the only threat in this story. Lilith, the key antagonist of Diablo 4, returns from the dead after the events of the main storyline - an unexpected yet telling twist. In addition, Lord of Hatred introduces a brand-new region, Skovos, and brings major gameplay changes.

One of the most surprising and welcome announcements is tied to the expansion’s pre-purchase. Pre-ordering grants immediate access to the Paladin class, a legendary favorite dating back to Diablo 2. Blizzard is still keeping the second new class under wraps, maintaining intrigue by withholding its details for now.

New Diablo 4 DLC: What to Expect from the Upcoming Season

After the events of Vessel of Hatred, the story enters its final stage of confrontation with Mephisto. His manipulation and growing influence threaten to corrupt Sanctuary, turning it into a world completely consumed by hatred. As the legions of Hell intensify their assault and the ancient Pools of Creation draw Mephisto ever closer to his goal, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. To stop the coming catastrophe, the Wanderer is forced to form an alliance with someone long believed to be dead. Lilith returns, and her final prophecies begin to come true, pushing the heroes into a union born not of trust, but of desperation. With time and allies running out, the Wanderer races against fate itself, trying to stop Mephisto before hatred reshapes the world forever.

The Paladin, as expected, focuses on hammer-and-shield combat, wielding the power of Holy Light to smite enemies. As for the second class, Blizzard is keeping it a secret for now, only hinting that it is “looming on the dark horizon” and has the potential to significantly shift the balance of power when Lord of Hatred launches in April.

Diablo IV | Lord of Hatred | Official Release Date Cinematic

Diablo 4 New DLC: New Region

In the new Diablo 4 season, a brand-new region called Skovos will be introduced. It is the cradle of the first civilization and the former home of Lilith and Inarius, making it the oldest and most lore-rich region of Sanctuary. The land is now ruled by the Oracle and the Amazon Queen. Players will explore never-before-seen locations, including volcanic coastlines, storm-battered forests, and flooded ruins that conceal the forgotten secrets of the past.

New Diablo 4 Season: Skill Tree Changes

The expansion also brings a major overhaul of the skill trees, introducing new class-specific variations and increased level caps. This significantly expands build possibilities and adds more strategic depth to gameplay across all eight classes. A new Loot Filter system is being introduced, making it easier to target and find desired gear. Crafting is also receiving meaningful updates - the Horadric Cube makes its return, while the new Talisman system unlocks powerful set bonuses and offers additional endgame customization.

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred Endgame Update

The revamped endgame will be especially appealing to veteran players. After completing the campaign, the War Plans system becomes available, allowing players to shape their own endgame progression path, combine different activities, and enhance them with modifiers in pursuit of high-value rewards. Echoing Hatred serves as the ultimate challenge of the Age of Hatred era - an endless survival trial against waves of demonic enemies, designed to test even the most optimized builds.

For an unexpected change of pace, the expansion also introduces a new activity - fishing. Yes, fishing. But on second thought, why not? After intense battles, taking a moment to relax and cast a line doesn’t sound like a bad idea at all.

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred: DLC Rewards and Conclusion

Lord of Hatred includes the full Vessel of Hatred content and becomes available immediately after pre-purchase. As mentioned earlier, players who pre-purchase the expansion receive early access to the Paladin class, one additional Stash Tab, two extra Character Slots, and three cosmetic items for World of Warcraft.

The rework of existing systems, the introduction of new mechanics, a brand-new region, and new characters all make Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred one of the most anticipated and ambitious seasons and expansions to date. The release of Path of Exile 2 has clearly pushed Blizzard to step up its efforts to retain its audience and attract new players, and the results of that work are already visible in Diablo 4 Season 11, where the groundwork for the upcoming DLC and future content began to take shape.

Stay tuned for more updates with us, consider pre-ordering, and don’t miss the launch of Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred.