Diablo 4’s third major expansion, Lord of Hatred, launches April 28, 2026, and it brings one of the most requested features in the game’s history: two brand-new classes. After the Spiritborn arrived with Vessel of Hatred, Blizzard is doubling down with both the Paladin and the Warlock, two archetypes that sit at opposite ends of the moral spectrum. Whether you want to be a beacon of divine light or a wielder of demonic corruption, Lord of Hatred has a class for you.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about both new classes before you jump in. For a broader overview of the expansion, check out our Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred: Complete Guide.
The Paladin: holy warrior returns to sanctuary
The Paladin is the first of the two new classes. It is already available to players who pre-purchased Lord of Hatred. The class has deep roots in Diablo franchise history. It returns to Diablo 4 with a fresh identity. This new identity is built around the Wardens of Light. They are an order of warriors dedicated to protecting Sanctuary from corruption.
The Paladin is described as a holy warrior class focused on faith, protection, and divine retribution, emphasizing shielding allies, smiting evil, and delivering powerful bursts of holy damage. If you enjoyed playing a frontline tank or support-adjacent role in other ARPGs, the Paladin is built for you.
Paladin playstyle and key abilities
The Paladin is a melee-first class with a strong frontline presence. His kit revolves around heavy armor, divine shields, and devastating holy damage bursts. One of his signature abilities lets him channel the purest form of Light to ascend into Angelic Form, gaining divine speed and righteous clarity.
In terms of playstyle, the Paladin rewards patient, aggressive players who want to wade into the middle of demonic hordes, absorb punishment, and punish enemies with righteous counterattacks. He is not a glass cannon. He is built to survive and dominate the front lines. Players who enjoy the Barbarian’s durability but want a more thematic, faith-driven fantasy will feel right at home here.
The Paladin also brings a party-friendly dimension. His defensive abilities can extend to nearby allies, making him a strong pick for group play during Lord of Hatred’s new endgame activities.
The Warlock: forbidden power unleashed
Where the Paladin represents order and light, the Warlock is his philosophical opposite. Feared, hunted, and misunderstood, Warlocks are masters of forbidden knowledge who bend demons and the powers of Hell to their unbreakable will. They do not serve Hell, they weaponize it.
The Warlock is available to all Lord of Hatred players at launch on April 28. Unlike the Paladin, who had an early access period, the Warlock arrives fully formed on day one and has been kept deliberately mysterious by Blizzard in the lead-up to launch.
Warlock playstyle and key abilities
Through relentless discipline and iron resolve, Warlocks tear open the veil between worlds, binding demonic forces to protect Sanctuary by wielding the very corruption that threatens it. In practice, this means summoning and controlling demonic entities, channeling dark energy, and using Hell’s own tools against its armies.
Early reviews note that the Warlock offers many fun build directions that feel viable even on a more casual level. This is important for players who worry about a new class being overly complex. The Warlock has depth for theorycrafters but remains accessible for more relaxed players.
As a completely new class, the Warlock’s skill tree represents an entirely new system rather than a rework of an existing one. Every skill, passive, and ultimate was built from scratch for Lord of Hatred, giving it a fresh feel that stands apart from the six original classes.
Paladin vs Warlock: which class should you pick?
Here is a quick comparison to help you decide which new class fits your playstyle before you commit:
| Paladin | Warlock | |
| Playstyle | Frontline melee tank | Ranged summoner / dark caster |
| Fantasy | Holy warrior, divine light | Demon binder, forbidden magic |
| Difficulty | Beginner-friendly | Moderate to advanced |
| Group play | Strong support potential | More solo-focused |
| Availability | Early access via pre-purchase | Available at launch April 28 |
| Best for | Fans of Crusader, Barbarian | Fans of Necromancer, Sorcerer |
If you are returning to Diablo 4 after a long break and want something approachable, start with the Paladin. If you want to experiment with Diablo’s darkest corner of magic and have more flexibility in how you build, the Warlock is the more exciting long-term option.
For build recommendations for both classes, head over to our Best Builds for Lord of Hatred guide.
Skill tree reworks for existing classes
The two new classes are not the only major change. Lord of Hatred brings major skill tree reworks including new skill variants for every class, along with level cap increases, to refresh how players customize and build power.
Each active skill now has three branches that can be unlocked by leveling up the skill itself. Each active skill now has three branches. The first two provide general effects. The third introduces three additional variants that can change skill categories entirely. This creates new synergies with your gear. The result is deeper customization for veterans and a strong reason for returning players to revisit old favorites.
A new Loot Filter also arrives with the expansion, making it significantly easier to track down specific items during your runs. Combined with the Horadric Cube crafting system and the new Talisman slot for set bonuses, every class in the roster gets a meaningful upgrade, not just the two newcomers. For a full breakdown of the expansion’s features, visit the official Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred page on Battle.net or check the comprehensive class guides on Icy Veins.
With two classes this distinct in identity and playstyle, Lord of Hatred asks a big question on day one: light or shadow, which side of Sanctuary do you fight for?
