Summary
The sixth class to enter the fray inDiablo 4is set to launch as part of its first paid expansion, Vessel of Hatred. Between developer interviews, teaser trailers, and some recent leaks, fans are filling in the blanks, but between Blizzard’s stating it would be a zone-appropriate class and the assurance that it would not be a retread,Diablo 4’s upcoming addition to its roster remains an enigma.
Diablo 4is in a somewhat precarious position, albeit one Blizzard seems confident it can navigate. After an initially positive reception to the game at launch,Diablo 4has seen its player base drop off in droves, with a seasonal model yet to accomplish its task of keeping players engaged in the long term. There have been highs and lows across its three seasons so far, and all signs point to Vessel of Hatred as the crucial turning point forDiablo 4, which many hope will be akin to Reaper of Souls, pointed to asDiablo 3’s saving grace. Arriving at the tail-end of 2024,Diablo 4’s first paid expansion is, in the eyes of most, a make-or-break moment for the game.
Diablo’s Heart of Darkness
The first trailer for Vessel of Hatred launched in late 2023 as a part of Blizzcon. The verdant rain forest and Aztec architecture ofthe Nahantu regionwas teased over an ominous monologue, confirmed later as the same geographical location of Kurast, the fondly recalled third act ofDiablo 2. Given that the new class would be tied to the zone, there was an immediate consensus that the Witch Doctor and Amazon classes would fit the mold beautifully. Fan-favorite classes which were omitted fromDiablo 4, either one would be a crowd-pleaser, but a later interview with associate game director Brent Gibson confirmed the new class will be one never played before in anyDiablogame.
The task of creating something unique in such a storied franchise is no small task. Given the covered archetypes ofDiablo 4’s current five classes, and the hints given by Blizzard about what the next one will be, fans have been scraping the internet for any insight that might shed some light onto the mystery. Among the notable theories include:
Blizzard Needs to Take a Big Swing With The Next Diablo 4 Class
Of the potential new classes, the Spiritborn currently has the most traction, with the backing of a data-mining leak to grant it some legitimacy. A capable spell-slinging, melee-fighting hybrid class, wielding a pair of glaives, boasting an affinity for nature and spirit magic, the Spiritborn wouldslot in nicely toDiablo 4’s roster. Although it shares some common traits with Druids, Amazons, and Witch Doctors, the Spiritborn would also hold true to Blizzard’s intention of providing something wholly unique to theDiablouniverse. A magical melee fighter is a role thatDiablo 4certainly has room for, with fans still clamoring for a Crusader or Paladin type of class. The Spiritborn could present a healthy compromise to that need, fulfilling the role without creating another pantomime of a holy warrior.
Striking While the Iron is at Least Lukewarm
It is likely that Blizzard will divulge more on Vessel of Hatred in the coming months, perhaps ahead of the launch of season 4 on April 16. The ARPG genre is facing inundation with therelease ofLast Epoch, the upcoming launch ofPath of Exile 2, and a new expansion forGrim Dawn, which will ideally light a fire under Blizzard to maintain some momentum as it maneuvers for a share of an increasingly competitive market. Once a pioneer in the genre, Blizzard will no doubt be banking on Vessel of Hatred to restore theDiablofranchise as the de-facto name in slaying hordes of demons for a mountain of loot.
