The Paladin already looked like the star of Diablo 4’s Lord of Hatred expansion, but one of its most exciting features is an angelic transformation called Arbiter Form, and it is basically a full Tyrael-style form.
According to Blizzard, the Paladin in Lord of Hatred is meant to embody over 25 years of Diablo legacy, returning as Sanctuary’s final beacon of divine authority as Mephisto’s corruption spreads. The classic Paladin with Auras and Holy Conjurations returns, but the expansion goes much further by letting the class literally ascend.
A New Transformation Mode – Arbiter Form
With Arbiter Form, players “ascend to the Heavens and crash upon the battlefield” for 20 seconds, dealing damage on landing and gaining massive mobility and damage boosts.
Here is what Arbiter can grant:
- Angelic Leap replaces Evade, letting you fly across the battlefield.
- Increased movement speed when transformed.
- Wing Strikes lash out automatically, damaging nearby enemies.
- Disciple Skills deal 50% increased damage with the Arbiter form.
- Using a Disciple Skill with a cooldown grants Arbiter for a short time, letting players trigger mini-transformations during combat.
- Wing Strikes can also inherit Disciple Skill benefits, adding even more bonuses.
It is not just a cosmetic glow-up. Arbiter acts as a full combat mode, mixing movement, offense, and class mechanics in a way that is completely new for Diablo 4.
A Tyrael-Inspired Form
Blizzard describes Arbiter as a “radiant, Tyrael-inspired avatar of celestial justice.” Given how iconic Tyrael is in Diablo lore, this is most likely a nod to longtime fans, especially players who have wanted a true angel-themed class since the start.
Arbiter Form also reinforces the theme of the expansion, with corruption overwhelming Sanctuary, and Paladins standing as the last divine counterforce.
A Game-Changer
Between Auras, Holy Conjurations, and now a full angelic transformation, the Paladin is going to be one of Diablo 4’s most thematically strong classes to date. If Arbiter Form plays as well as it sounds, it could end up being the best and most fun class to play.
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