Blizzard stunned the Diablo community today with the surprise launch of the Paladin class in Diablo 4, available immediately for players who pre-purchased the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion. The reveal, made during The Game Awards 2025, marks one of the biggest mid-season additions in the game’s history.
As of December 11, 2025, players can create and play Paladin characters ahead of the expansion’s full release on April 28, 2026. The move has electrified the player base, fulfilling years of community requests for Diablo’s most iconic holy warrior.
A Divine Return to Diablo’s Holy Warrior Legacy
The new Paladin combines the classic identity of Diablo 2’s beloved warrior with the heavy-armor spectacle of the Diablo 3 Crusader. Wielding swords, flails, and tower shields, the Paladin brings frontline combat back into focus with divine magic and brute force.
What sets this class apart is its Holy Oath System—a groundbreaking design that allows players to choose among four sacred combat paths. Each Oath dramatically alters abilities, bonuses, and playstyle, effectively offering four sub-classes within one character.
This level of customization is unprecedented for Diablo 4 and adds significant replay value as players explore different divine identities and combat philosophies.
Four Holy Oaths Redefine Paladin Combat
The Disciple, Judicator, Juggernaut, and Zealot Oaths each provide a unique thematic approach supported by signature skills.
| Oath Path | Core Playstyle | Key Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Disciple | Holy conjurations, angelic transformation | Divine Lance |
| Judicator | Hammer & shield, divine judgment | Blessed Hammer |
| Juggernaut | Defensive mastery & protection | Consecration |
| Zealot | Sword-based aggression, updated Zeal | Zeal |
These Oaths determine how players engage enemies, whether through transforming into angelic avatars or unleashing righteous hammers that dominate the battlefield. Blizzard designed each specialization to support different types of endgame builds.
Early Access Through Pre-Purchase
Players who pre-order Lord of Hatred gain instant access to the Paladin class today across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Others must wait until the expansion’s official launch.
The Paladin arrives alongside Season 11, giving early-access players a head start in testing builds, leveling paths, and mastering the class before the next major content cycle.
Blizzard also teased a second secret class launching exclusively at expansion release, adding further anticipation for 2026.
The Lord of Hatred Expansion Sets Up Mephisto’s Return
Launching April 28, 2026, Lord of Hatred focuses on Mephisto’s resurgence and introduces new zones, dungeons, story chapters, and divine combat systems designed around the Paladin’s lore.
Developers stated that the class was created specifically with Mephisto’s arc in mind, tying Paladin mechanics into the expansion’s narrative themes of judgment, corruption, and holy resistance.
Why Paladin Matters for the Diablo 4 Meta
The Paladin’s arrival fills a major gameplay gap in the roster, offering a flexible hybrid capable of tanking, supporting, or delivering sustained melee damage. With its four Oaths, the class supports diverse builds—from defensive juggernauts to hyper-aggressive zealots.
Community response is overwhelmingly positive, with players praising Blizzard for finally adding a class that blends nostalgia with modern mechanics.
Today’s release marks a new chapter for Diablo 4—and the first step toward one of its largest expansions yet.
