You Can Play Diablo 4's New Paladin Class Right Now

Diablo 4 players don't have to wait until next year's Lord of Hatred expansion to play one of its new classes, as the fan-favorite Paladin is playable right now.

As announced at The Game Awards, Diablo 4's second expansion, Lord of Hatred, will release on April 28, 2026, but the Paladin will be playable immediately for those who preorder Lord of Hatred. Those who preorder will also instantly unlock an additional stash tab, two more character slots, and three World of Warcraft housing decor items.

The Paladin last appeared in Diablo 2, with Diablo 3 and the mobile spin-off Diablo Immortal instead featuring the Crusader. In a press release, Blizzard said the Paladin will use melee weapons and divine powers to strike down enemies with "unwavering faith and overwhelming force."

Paladin isn't the only new class coming to Diablo 4. Though Blizzard is keeping it under wraps for now, another class will arrive with the expansion's release next year, one that will "reshape the battlefield."

In addition to new classes, Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred will revitalize the ARPG's endgame, overhaul its class skill trees, and see the return of the franchise's iconic Horadric Cube. Preordering Lord of Hatred will grants access to last year's Vessel of Hatred expansion and its Spiritborn class.

Blizzard's Paladin shadowdrop was just one of The Game Awards' big announcements, with the show also revealing a new Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic game, two Tomb Raider games, and more.

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