Abyssal Lich

Barbarian

Druid

Necromancer

Paladin

Rogue

Sorcerer

Spiritborn


<p>Just a day after the upcoming <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-teases-a-new-class-that-will-reshape-the-battlefield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight</a>, which will happen on Wednesday, Blizzard is hosting a live community event to talk about the news that was shared during the showcase. <strong>On Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. PST / 8 p.m. CEST</strong>, the development team will be in the official Sanctuary Discord for a &#8220;Sanctuary Sitdown.&#8221;</p>



<p>These sessions are usually much more relaxed than the main broadcasts. Instead of a scripted presentation or pre-recorded video, it is a <strong>live Q&amp;A </strong>where the team talks about the newest reveals and explains some of the logic behind the changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Join the Sanctuary Sitdown</h2>



<p>The event takes place in the Sanctuary Sitdown stage channel within the <a href="https://discord.gg/GRrZACUdKx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord</a>. If you want to make sure you are there when it starts, you can register your interest on the <a href="https://discord.com/events/989899054815281243/1470031463629066423" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Discord event page</a> to get a ping.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Great Opportunity to Get Some Extra Details</h2>



<p>While we are all waiting for the big class reveal and the expansion news on February 11, this Q&amp;A is where we will likely get the smaller, more specific details.</p>



<p><a href="https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/article/24259137/tune-in-to-the-diablo-30th-anniversary-spotlight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The announcement</a> also ends with a familiar teaser: &#8220;You won&#8217;t want to miss what hell has wrought.&#8221; It sounds like Blizzard is confident that the news from the Spotlight will give us plenty to talk about during the Q&amp;A.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>For more updates on Season 12 &amp; Lord of Hatred, make sure to visit our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/">Diablo 4 news hub</a>.</p>


Official Blizzard Art of Lilith from Diablo 4. The image was used as promotion for the Sanctuary Discord Sitdown, and is zoomed in for a closer look at the character.

Do Not Miss the Diablo Developer Q&A This Thursday


<p>The <strong>2.6.0 PTR</strong> for Diablo 4 is currently live, and although most of the focus is on the returning Killstreak system, which Diablo veterans already know from <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 3</a>, as well as the new Bloodied items, one specific line at the end of the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-season-12-comes-with-major-paragon-buffs-and-qol-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 12 patch notes</a>, namely within the &#8220;Note on the Upcoming Season&#8221; section, stands out!</p>



<p>In the specific part of the official patch notes blog, Blizzard mentions that the PTR is meant to preview the &#8220;foundation&#8221; of the upcoming season, but then adds: &#8220;<strong>more surprise features will be revealed closer to launch.</strong>&#8220;</p>



<div class="blizzard-blue-post">
    <div class="d-flex align-items-center">
        <div>
            <img decoding="async" class="blizzard-logo" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/public/blizzard-icon-small.png" alt="Blizzard Logo" />
        </div>
        <div>
            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/article/24247516/the-2-6-0-ptr-what-you-need-to-know#Patch"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
        </div>
    </div>
    <hr class="blizzard-line" />
    <h3>A Note on the Upcoming Season</h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p>Season 12 is designed as a more focused, streamlined season that supports our broader roadmap toward launch of The Lord of Hatred expansion on April 28, while still delivering a fresh, rewarding and fun experience for players.</p>
<p>The 2.6.0 PTR will preview the foundation of the season, <strong>while more surprise features will be revealed closer to launch.</strong> As always, we are keen to hear your PTR feedback to ensure S12 is the best it can be!</p>
    </div>
</div>



<p>Since the <strong>Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight is happening on February 11</strong>, it is very likely that the season title and these &#8220;surprise features&#8221; are being saved for that broadcast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reading Between the Lines</h2>



<p>This is a very interesting choice of words. Usually, when Blizzard runs a PTR, we see most of the seasonal content upfront so players can help balance it. By calling the PTR a foundation and promising surprises later, it suggests that <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-reveals-season-12-with-killstreaks-bloodied-items/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Season 12 might have a bit more</a> &#8220;meat on the bones&#8221; than the current patch notes (or PTR) show.</p>



<p>Since Season 12 is supposed to be a &#8220;streamlined&#8221; experience to prepare us for the <strong>Lord of Hatred expansion on April 28</strong>, these surprises might not be massive new zones. Instead, we could be looking at:</p>



<ul>
<li>A Mid-Season Event similar to Midwinter Blight or the upcoming <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/lunar-awakening-returns-in-diablo-4-with-new-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lunar Awakening</a>.</li>



<li>Expansion Preview, such as small quests or world changes that begin to bridge the story, perhaps even the official season theme name, hinting at a Lord of Hatred connection.</li>



<li>New Cosmetics or Quality-of-Life Features that do not necessarily need weeks of combat testing.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the Secrecy?</h2>



<p>Keeping a few things hidden helps keep the hype alive once the <strong>PTR ends on February 10</strong>. It also prevents players from feeling like they have seen &#8220;everything&#8221; before the season even officially begins.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/d4-s12-two-butchers.webp" alt="Two Butcher attacking the player during a Nightmare Dungeon run in Diablo 4 Season 12" class="wp-image 122362" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>Either way, for now, we have plenty to test with the Killstreak system and those Bloodied Sigils and Items. But it is good to know that Blizzard has a few more things up its sleeve for the launch of <strong>Season 12</strong>.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>For more updates on Season 12 and Lord of Hatred, visit our main <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/">Diablo 4 news hub</a>.</p>


Official Diablo 4 Butcher Art by Blizzard Entertainment

Diablo 4 Season 12 Has Some Secrets Blizzard Is Not Sharing Yet


<p>With the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-reveals-season-12-with-killstreaks-bloodied-items/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4 Season 12 PTR</a> running for a few days, players have had a chance to test the new seasonal mechanics, especially the Bloodied Items. The idea sounded exciting at first, but <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1qxn7ks/season_12_ptr_feedback_for_bloodied_items/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web3x&amp;utm_name=web3xcss&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=share_button" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early impressions</a> suggest the system is not really what many expected.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Good Idea That Feels Small in Practice</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-season-12-adds-bloodied-items-that-grow-with-kills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloodied Items</a> are supposed to add a risk-reward mechanic. You gain more power the longer you keep a killstreak going, encouraging aggressive play. In theory, you sacrifice defense for more punch, and the faster you kill, the stronger you get.</p>



<p>In practice, though, a lot of PTR players say the bonuses <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-season-12-bloodied-sigils-endgame/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feel too minor</a> to really change how builds perform. Rather than feeling like a seasonal power that really changes things, it is more like a small modifier you can almost forget about. For a <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-battle-pass-model-questioned/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seasonal mechanic</a>, that is a problem. Most players usually want something that will change how the usual builds work, not just tiny boosts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Killstreaks vs. Bosses</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/d4-season12-killstreaks.webp" alt="D4 killstreak example during fight" class="wp-image 122086"/></figure>



<p>Another important issue is the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-brings-back-the-iconic-killstreak-system-in-season-12/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Killstreak system</a> itself. Bloodied Items rely on killstreaks, but a big part of <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-lore-bites-where-is-diablo-lord-of-hatred/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4&#8217;s endgame is about bosses</a>, and you are not really killing a ton of enemies during a boss fight. The moment your streak breaks, the bonus disappears. This can make the system feel unreliable exactly when you would need the additional power.</p>



<p>It works fine in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/the-pit-of-the-artificers-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pit Pushing</a>, where enemies come in waves, but if you are farming a boss or tackling slower encounters, your Bloodied Items suddenly lose their interest. This also favors fast, high-clear builds, but slower classes end up missing out more often.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ideas From the Community</h2>



<p>Not everything about Bloodied Items is bad. Players still like the concept and have already suggested some interesting changes:</p>



<ul>
<li>Make killstreak milestones permanent upgrades during a run</li>



<li>Unlock higher tiers based on difficulty, not streaks</li>



<li>Let the bonuses stay during boss fights</li>
</ul>



<p>The general feeling is that Bloodied Items might work better as a progression system. The fact that the bonuses disappear during the most important fights makes it feel way less useful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PTR Impressions Are Just the Start</h2>



<p>Of course, this is all early feedback! Keep in mind that the PTR is not final. Blizzard has a history of adjusting seasonal mechanics before launch, especially when it causes issues during endgame.</p>



<p>Bloodied Items still have room for changes, and that means stronger bonuses or just adjustments to how streak progression works. For now, the main idea is solid, but the current implementation might not yet deliver the kind of power players usually expect from a <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4 season</a>.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>For more guides and information, check out <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our latest news</a>!</p>


Diablo 4 Season 12 Bloodied Items Are Not Landing With Players


<p>It is that time of the week again, as we have a new community <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1qxzilt/diablo_4_should_adopt_the_permanent_battle_pass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">discussion on Reddit</a>, which is currently drawing a lot of attention to Diablo 4&#8217;s Battle Pass system, with players openly asking if it still makes sense compared to how other live service games handle monetization today.</p>



<p>The discussion focuses on permanent Battle Pass models now used by games like <strong>Marvel Rivals</strong>, <strong>Helldivers 2</strong>, and <strong>Arc Raiders</strong>. In those games, once a Battle Pass is purchased, it never expires. Players can complete it at their own pace, even across different seasons.</p>



<p>Some Diablo 4 fans are wondering why <a href="https://diablo4.blizzard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo IV</a> still relies on a time-limited model, especially given that it is a full-price game with paid expansions.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:316px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1qxzilt/diablo_4_should_adopt_the_permanent_battle_pass/">Diablo 4 should adopt the permanent battle pass system from other MODERN games</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Anilahation/">u/Anilahation</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote><script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paying Without Pressure</h2>



<p>Probably one of the biggest points brought up in this discussion is that a significant portion of the player base simply avoids buying Battle Passes (a.k.a <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/reliquaries-guide/#what_are_reliquaries?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reliquaries</a>), not because they dislike the cosmetics, but because they cannot guarantee they will have time to complete them within a season.</p>



<p>Work, family, other games, or just taking a break all get in the way. Paying for a pass that might expire unfinished feels bad, even if the rewards are cosmetic. <strong>Multiple players say they would be more willing to buy passes if they knew they could complete them later.</strong></p>



<p>A few commenters also point out that <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> already allows Favor Tokens to be stockpiled, which makes the idea of permanent or returning passes feel less unrealistic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Classes, Old Rewards</h2>



<p>Another recurring issue is how Battle Pass rewards age. New classes like <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/spiritborn/builds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiritborn</a> or <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/paladin/builds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paladin</a> cannot use most older armor sets, since those cosmetics were never made for them.</p>



<p>A lot of the comments back this up. If older Battle Passes returned, Blizzard would have a very good reason to update those, which would finally make them usable again instead of leaving them locked away forever.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Diablo_D4_S10_Web_Assets_Reliquary2_1920x1080_FP01.webp" alt="Diablo 4 Season 10 Battle Pass Reliquary - Armor and Portal Rewards" class="wp-image 122326" style="border-radius:8px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">D4 S10 Reliquary Armor and Portal Rewards</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Answers Yet</h2>



<p>Of course, not everyone agrees. There will always be players who feel the current system works fine and that <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/reliquaries-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4 Battle Passes</a> are easy to complete within a season. However, there are just as many who see the time limit itself as the problem.</p>



<p>Blizzard has not commented on the topic. So for now, it remains a community discussion, but one that shows expectations around Battle Passes are changing.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>Head back to our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/">Diablo 4 news hub</a> for more updates around the game.</p>


Diablo 4 Season 11 Reliquary Battle Pass Armor Rewards

Diablo 4 Players Are Questioning Its Battle Pass Model


<p>Blizzard has announced a Blizzard Showcase happening in early 2026, including discussion around updates to <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/wow/">World of Warcraft</a>, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/overwatch/">Overwatch</a>, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/hearthstone/">Hearthstone</a>, and the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d2/">Diablo</a> series. The Diablo portion of this showcase will happen on February 11th at 2:00pm PST, highlighting a variety of content coming to multiple Diablo titles as part of the Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight. Check out the video below:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Blizzard: The Next Chapter" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IYsAssECbR4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>While this is something to start building the excitement, the real hype began to grow on February 5th when the Diablo X account released a video from Matthew Cederquist, the Diablo Legacy Lead Producer, encouraging people to tune in for &#8220;Major Updates across all of our games to share, including Diablo 2 Resurrected.&#8221; With a specific name drop for D2R, it suggests there is more to come than a couple of small updates.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sanctuary&#39;s future is about to be transformed. 🔥<br><br>Witness what’s next for Diablo Immortal, Diablo IV, and Diablo II: Resurrected during our 30th Anniversary Spotlight on February 11 at 2PM PT.<br><br>Learn More: 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/fH734XllvI">https://t.co/fH734XllvI</a> <a href="https://t.co/ANmT6Idtob">pic.twitter.com/ANmT6Idtob</a></p>&mdash; Diablo (@Diablo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Diablo/status/2019474703870460028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>This was shortly followed by a <a href="https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/article/24246296/diablo-ii-resurrected-ladder-season-13-coming-soon">News post on Blizzard&#8217;s official website</a> stating the Ladder will be ending February 11th but Season 13 will not be starting until February 20th, leaving a 9 day gap without a Ladder Season that one can only wonder the reason why. They once again also leave a call to action to &#8220;tune into the Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight to witness a deep dive of what&#8217;s next for Diablo II: Resurrected.&#8221;</p>



<p>With this many clues, 2026 feels like it could be Diablo 2 Resurrected&#8217;s big year to get updates players have been wanting for a long time.</p>


Is the “Major Update” for Diablo 2 Resurrected Actually HUGE?


<p>With Blizzard confirming a major <strong>Diablo 30th Anniversary</strong> <strong>Spotlight on February 11</strong>, attention is naturally turning back to the Lord of Hatred expansion. Even if most eyes are on the new class reveal, Blizzard has already shown something just as important: our first real look at <strong>Diablo 4&#8217;s Horadric Cube</strong>.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/Lx1VN_G6hE0?si=YbPjwtLDey1V3OBG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short new video</a> released ahead of the Spotlight gives us small but important additional info about how this iconic system is being reimagined for Diablo 4, and it looks very different from what most players might expect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Different Take on the Horadric Cube</h2>



<p>The Horadric cube in D2 had some sort of magic that allowed certain items to be transmuted into other items. In <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 3</a>, there was another type of Cube (<strong>Kanai&#8217;s Cube</strong>). One of the major uses of Kanai&#8217;s Cube is its three-item slots for legendary power extraction.</p>



<p>Diablo 4&#8217;s version appears to also be a physical structure placed directly in the world. In the footage, the Cube floats above what appears to be a triangular statue or altar embedded in the ground, suggesting that it will also be a permanent fixture placed in towns or important locations, rather than something you carry around.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image-18.png" alt="Horadric's Cube floating above a pillar within a town hub in Diablo 4." class="wp-image 122292" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>Previous versions of the Horadric Cube, especially in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 2</a>, relied on crafting recipes that players had to discover on their own. It is still unclear if Diablo 4 will follow the same approach. Given that the game already features recipe-based systems like <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/tempering-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tempering</a>, it would not be surprising if the Cube also uses unlockable or discoverable recipes. However, Blizzard could just as easily go the route of experimentation, leaving players to uncover transmutations through trial and error instead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rune Fusion and Weapon Transmutation</h2>



<p>From what Blizzard has previously shown in Lord of Hatred trailers, the Horadric Cube seems closely tied to runes and item modification. The video suggests we will be able to fuse runes into weapons, which would then fundamentally alter how those items behave, instead of just boosting stats.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/d4-horadric-cube-transmute.webp" alt="Diablo 4 Horadric Cube Weapon Transmutation" class="wp-image 122293" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>So far, only weapons have been shown interacting with the Cube. We do not know if armor or other gear types can also be modified, but the focus appears to be on meaningful, build-defining changes rather than minor upgrades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What to Expect From the February 11 Spotlight</h2>



<p>Blizzard has confirmed <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-teases-a-new-class-that-will-reshape-the-battlefield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the upcoming Spotlight</a> will give more details on skill tree updates and new endgame systems, making it very likely we will see a proper breakdown of how the Horadric Cube really works.</p>



<p>There is also room for more details on other expansion features previously mentioned, such as <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/why-diablo-4s-war-plans-could-be-the-endgame-the-game-needs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">War Plans</a> or even <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-lord-of-hatred-fishing-feature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a>, which have so far remained mostly unexplained. With the Cube now visually revealed, February 11 will most likely be the moment Blizzard finally connects all the dots!</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>For more updates on Season 12 and Lord of Hatred, visit our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/">Diablo 4 news hub</a>.</p>


Close-up image of the horadric cube in Diablo 4, Lord of Hatred expansion.

Blizzard Teases Diablo 4 Horadric Cube Ahead of Spotlight


<p>Blizzard has officially announced a Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight livestream on <strong>February 11, 2026</strong>, and it comes with some important reveals for <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a>!</p>



<div class="blizzard-blue-post">
    <div class="d-flex align-items-center">
        <div>
            <img decoding="async" class="blizzard-logo" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/public/blizzard-icon-small.png" alt="Blizzard Logo" />
        </div>
        <div>
            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/tune-in-to-the-diablo-30th-anniversary-spotlight/241475"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
        </div>
    </div>
    <hr class="blizzard-line" />
    <h3>Tune-in to the Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight</h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p>Join us at 2 p.m., February 11th to behold the next class coming to Diablo IV.</p>
<p><a href="https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/article/24259137">View Full Article</a></p>
    </div>
</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Class That Will Change How You Fight</h2>



<p>During the broadcast, Blizzard will finally reveal the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-warlock-class-ptr-datamine-lord-of-hatred/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">next class coming with the Lord of Hatred</a> expansion, described as &#8220;<strong>a new force in Sanctuary that will reshape how players fight, survive, and control the battlefield</strong>.&#8221; This will be the first proper look at the class since the expansion was announced.</p>



<p>The spotlight will also go over the skill tree updates and new endgame systems. Those were first teased back in December, but we have not gotten a ton of details yet. These changes are expected to play an important role in how Diablo 4 evolves alongside the expansion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Updates</h2>



<p>Beyond Diablo 4, the event will include updates on <strong>Diablo Immortal</strong> and <strong>Diablo II: Resurrected</strong>, making it a bigger celebration of the franchise&#8217;s 30-year history. The stream will be available on Blizzard&#8217;s <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/diablo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Twitch</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/Diablo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube channels</a>. You can most likely also expect additional announcements, such as maybe various products or collectors for the 30th Anniversary.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/d4-anniversary-cover.webp" alt="D4 anniversary" class="wp-image 122208"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Twitch Badge and Developer Q&amp;A</h2>



<p>For the occasion, Blizzard is even introducing a new Diablo Twitch Badge! For those who do not know what those are for, it is simply a small badge that you can put next to your name on Twitch. </p>



<p>From <strong>February 11 at 2 p.m. PST to February 25 at 11:59 p.m. PST</strong>, you can unlock the badge by subscribing to any eligible streamer in the Diablo IV category on Twitch.</p>



<p>Blizzard will also host a Sanctuary Sitdown on <strong>February 12 at 11 a.m. PST</strong>, where developers will join the <a href="https://discord.gg/GRrZACUdKx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Diablo Discord</a> for a live Q&amp;A session. They will go over everything that was revealed during the spotlight.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/d4-anniv-sit-down.webp" alt="Sanctuary Sitdown Diablo 4" class="wp-image 122209"/></figure>



<p>With a new class, a ton of system changes, and the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-lore-bites-where-is-diablo-lord-of-hatred/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lord of Hatred expansion</a>, February 11 is going to be one of the most important moments for Diablo 4, so stay tuned!</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>For more guides and information, check out <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our latest news</a>!</p>


Diablo 40 30th anniversary image displaying Lilith and Mephisto

Diablo 4 Teases a New Class That Will Reshape the Battlefield


<p>The Diablo 4<a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-reveals-season-12-with-killstreaks-bloodied-items/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Season 12 PTR</a> is currently live, and early impressions are not that great. A lot of players are questioning the actual goal of this season. Right now, it does not really feel like it brings enough to justify a full seasonal reset, especially with the Lord of Hatred expansion launching not long after.</p>



<p>Most people expected Season 12 to be shorter, but after testing the PTR, many feel it might not be worth jumping into at all. There is not much that feels new, and some players argue they would rather <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1qvfpnm/i_would_have_much_preferred_if_they_kept_s11/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web3x&amp;utm_name=web3xcss&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=share_button" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keep playing Season 11</a> a bit longer. A few even suggested <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1qvh22q/just_combine_season_10_and_season_11_for_season/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web3x&amp;utm_name=web3xcss&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=share_button" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">combining ideas from Seasons 10 and 11</a> instead of starting over again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Small Seasonal Theme</h2>



<p>Season 12 <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-brings-back-the-iconic-killstreak-system-in-season-12/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduces killstreak</a> bonuses, <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-season-12-adds-bloodied-items-that-grow-with-kills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloodied items</a>, and a <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-season-12-bloodied-sigils-endgame/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new Butcher</a> that can show up pretty much anywhere, at any time. Even if the systems technically work, they have not really impressed players so far.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-season-12-points-to-a-hidden-butcher-lair-boss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Butcher is fun</a> the first few times, but it quickly turns into a constant &#8220;<em>Fresh Meat</em>&#8221; situation where your main feeling is just to run away and move on. As for Bloodied items, they do not offer much incentive to chase or build around, especially when compared to recent systems like Sanctification or Chaos Armor.</p>



<p>For many, the PTR ends up feeling like running the same old content again, just with extra modifiers on top, so not exactly the kind of change people were hoping for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coming Off One of Diablo 4&#8217;s Best Runs</h2>



<p>The timing also does not help. <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seasons 10 and 11</a> are considered some of Diablo 4&#8217;s best seasons. Because of that, some players are wondering why Blizzard did not simply extend Season 11 instead of rolling out a short season with features that still feel half-baked.</p>



<p>To be fair, not everyone hates the idea. Some players are fine with a quieter season before the expansion, and it is also worth remembering that Season 11 faced similar criticism during its PTR phase before turning out much better at launch. Blizzard has also confirmed that not everything planned for Season 12 is currently available on the PTR.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Placeholder Before Lord of Hatred</h2>



<p>With the expansion right around the corner, Season 12 may be intentionally restrained. It can act as a reset, a testing ground for mechanics like killstreaks, and a way to avoid burning players out before <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-warlock-class-ptr-datamine-lord-of-hatred/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lord of Hatred</a> arrives.</p>



<p>For now, Season 12 does not feel strictly necessary, but it might end up being &#8220;good enough.&#8221; A lot will depend on what Blizzard adds or changes before the season actually goes live.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>For more guides and information, check out <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-lore-bites-where-is-diablo-lord-of-hatred/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our latest news</a>!</p>


Diablo 4 Players Are Questioning the Point of Season 12 After PTR


<p>Welcome back to our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-mephisto-lore-before-lord-of-hatred/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo Lore Bites</a>, where we take a step back and look at the bigger picture behind Diablo&#8217;s ongoing story.</p>



<p>With Lilith rumored to return and Lord of Hatred putting Mephisto back at the center of things, one question keeps coming up again and again: where does Diablo himself fit into all of this?</p>



<p>Currently, the uncomfortable answer is simply that he probably does not need to do anything &#8220;yet&#8221;.</p>



<p>Diablo has never been the first to act. That role usually belongs to his brothers. Baal brings destruction. Mephisto spreads hatred. <strong>Diablo waits for what comes after</strong>.</p>



<p>Fear.</p>



<p>That has always been his domain. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diablo&#8217;s Role Has Always Come Later</h2>



<p>If you look back at the series, this is a very obvious pattern that is hard to miss.</p>



<ul>
<li>In <strong>Diablo I</strong>, corruption had already taken hold of Tristram before Diablo ever revealed himself. Fear and despair were already everywhere by the time he emerged.</li>



<li>In <strong>Diablo II</strong>, Mephisto and Baal destabilized kingdoms, religions, and entire regions first. Diablo only stepped forward once Sanctuary was already fractured enough for him to prosper.</li>



<li><strong>Diablo III</strong> followed the same idea. False hope, broken trust, and corrupted leaders weakened the world long before Diablo made his move and revealed himself in the guise of Leah.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Diablo-3-Art.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 122129" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>Diablo never creates the cracks himself. He arrives once they are already there.</p>



<p>And that is even more important right now, given where we are headed in Diablo 4&#8217;s next expansion: Lord of Hatred.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Diablo 4 Feels Like Things Are Still Being Set Up</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4</a> has spent most of its time breaking things apart. <strong>Lilith</strong>&#8216;s return divided Sanctuary. <strong>Inarius </strong>shattered what little faith remained. All while Mephisto secretly pushed events forward without ever being the focus of things.</p>



<p>What is left behind is a world that does not trust itself anymore.</p>



<p>Factions are fractured. Belief systems are broken. People are desperate for answers, protection, or purpose. That environment does not belong to Diablo yet, but it creates the exact conditions he needs.</p>



<p>Hatred weakens. Fear finishes the job.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lilith and Mephisto Are Not the End of the Story</h2>



<p>Lilith&#8217;s potential &#8216;return&#8217; and Mephisto&#8217;s schemes do not block Diablo from entering the picture. Historically, they do the opposite. They prepare the ground for <strong>the biggest of all evils</strong>. After all, the whole franchise is named after the <strong>Lord of Terror</strong>, Diablo himself.</p>



<p>And so, once hatred spreads far enough, fear follows naturally.</p>



<p>Of course, no one knows yet when Diablo will step into Diablo 4&#8217;s world, if it is during a later stage in Lord of Hatred&#8217;s lifecycle, or even beyond that, but the pattern has never really changed. He does not rush. He does not need to.</p>



<p>By the time Diablo shows up, the damage is usually already done.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/d4-loh-cinematic-mephisto-close-up.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 122125" style="border-radius:8px"/></figure>



<p>This is part of our <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-lore-bites-skovos-isles-diablo-4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lore Bites series</a>, where we revisit Diablo&#8217;s lore whenever it becomes relevant again. With Lord of Hatred approaching, the question is not <em>if</em> Diablo returns… but <em>when</em>.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>For more lore, updates, and <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/">Diablo 4 news</a>, make sure to check back regularly.</p>


The Lord of Hatred Is Approaching, but Where Is Diablo?


<p>The long-awaited Lunar Awakening event has officially returned to <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diablo 4!</a> From <strong>February 12 at 10 a.m. PST until February 26</strong>, players in both Eternal and Seasonal realms can join the New Year festivities and harness the mysterious power coming from Sanctuary&#8217;s shrines.</p>



<div class="blizzard-blue-post">
    <div class="d-flex align-items-center">
        <div>
            <img decoding="async" class="blizzard-logo" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/public/blizzard-icon-small.png" alt="Blizzard Logo" />
        </div>
        <div>
            <a class="source-link" target="_blank" href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/arouse-celestial-fortune-in-lunar-awakening/241430"><span class="white">(</span> Source URL <span class="white">)</span> </a>
        </div>
    </div>
    <hr class="blizzard-line" />
    <h3>Arouse Celestial Fortune in Lunar Awakening</h3>
    <div class="blizzard-blue-post-content">
        <p><a href="https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/blog_header/cm/CMA1N8PST7GU1770159141463.png" data-clicks="2" aria-label=" link clicked 2 times"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/blog_header/cm/CMA1N8PST7GU1770159141463.png" alt="Arouse Celestial Fortune in Lunar Awakening" width="833" height="295" /></a></p>
<p>The Lunar New Year is upon us! Activate any Shrine for 100% bonus experience and earn Ancestral Favor Reputation to receive festive rewards.</p>
<p><a href="https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/article/24247517" data-clicks="65" aria-label="View Full Article link clicked 65 times">View Full Article</a></p>
    </div>
</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lunar Shrines Bring Big Bonuses</h2>



<p>Every Shrine in Sanctuary, including Nahantu, has been transformed into a Lunar Shrine for the event. When you activate one of those shrines, you get a <strong>100% bonus experience for 2 minutes</strong>, more power, and Ancestral Favor Reputation. On top of that, each Lunar Shrine has a bonus with unique effects:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Artillery Shrine</strong> &#8211; Chance to summon a holy bomb</li>



<li><strong>Blast Wave Shrine</strong> &#8211; Explosions trigger cluster bombardments</li>



<li><strong>Channeling Shrine</strong> &#8211; Faster attacks and cooldown resets</li>



<li><strong>Conduit Shrine</strong> &#8211; Frequent, powerful shocking strikes</li>



<li><strong>Greed Shrine</strong> &#8211; Treasure Goblins appear on kills</li>



<li><strong>Lethal Shrine</strong> &#8211; Chance to instantly execute monsters</li>



<li><strong>Protection Shrine</strong> &#8211; Reflects incoming damage</li>
</ul>



<p>On top of that, Miserly Spirits spawn instantly when you activate a Lunar Shrine, letting you make the most of each Shrine&#8217;s power immediately. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Participate</h2>



<p>Head to the Lunar Night Market in Ked Bardu to trade your Ancestral Favor Reputation for various gifts and <strong>Lunar-themed rewards</strong>. You can unlock 10 Reputation Levels, including the new <strong>Trag&#8217;Oul&#8217;s Consort mount</strong> and six cosmetic rewards. This year, even players who missed previous Lunar events can earn all cosmetics.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/d4-lunar-rewards.webp" alt="" class="wp-image 122088"/></figure>



<p>Tejal&#8217;s shop is also updated with Lunar Awakening-themed skins, so go check it out on <strong>February 12</strong>, when Lunar Awakening will be live!</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p>For more guides and information, check out <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our latest news</a>!</p>


Do Not Miss the Diablo Developer Q&A This Thursday

How to Join the Sanctuary Sitdown

A Great Opportunity to Get Some Extra Details

Diablo IV News