Blizzard used the 30th Anniversary Spotlight to fully outline what is coming next for Diablo 4 and the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion. Naturally, the presentation covered far more than just the Warlock class. We now have a better idea of what will be coming with the new region, endgame systems, major class reworks, itemization changes, and long-requested quality-of-life updates.
Here is everything announced during the Diablo Spotlight showcase, specifically for Diablo 4.
The Warlock Arrives in Lord of Hatred
The Warlock was officially revealed as the second new class for Lord of Hatred.
In Diablo 4, the Warlock is described as an antihero who turns the wrath of Hell against itself. The class fantasy will make use of metal chains, flames, and destructive magic. Blizzard even called it “a heavy metal album cover come to life.”
As predicted, the Warlock acts as a dark mirror to the Paladin, embracing forbidden power and sacrifice.
A full Developer Update dedicated entirely to the Warlock is scheduled for March 5, where Blizzard will go deeper into gameplay, lore, and the skill tree.
New Zone: Skovos
Lord of Hatred introduces Skovos, a new region inspired by ancient Mediterranean landscapes.
This new zone will feature rugged coastlines and mountainous highlands, as well as ancient temples and marble cities. The new capital city, which serves as the hub of Skovos, is called Temis.
Skovos Isle might be new to visit for players, but it has very deep lore and ties directly to Lilith, Inarius, and the Prime Evils.
War Plans: A New Endgame System
Next to the Warlock class announcement, one of the biggest reveals was War Plans, a system that lets players create their own endgame “playlist.” You can select up to five activities from: The Pit, Infernal Hordes, Helltides, Nightmare Dungeons, Lair Bosses, and Kurast Undercity.
Completing activities progresses a unique skill tree linked to each mode. These trees allow you to:
- Modify rewards
- Change monster spawns
- Blend mechanics from different activities
The goal is to give players more control over how they experience the endgame.
Echoing Hatred: An Infinite-Wave Event
A new rare drop called the Trace of Echoes grants access to Echoing Hatred.
This is a new event that features infinite escalating waves of enemies, randomized monster combinations, as well as multiple bosses at once, all with increasing difficulty linked directly to player skill. So, in short: the longer you survive, the better the rewards.
Massive Skill Tree Overhaul
Blizzard also confirmed a complete rework of the skill tree system for all classes.
Changes include:
- Massively expanded skill trees
- More than 40 rework choices per class
- Over 80 additional customization options
- Transformative upgrades for Lord of Hatred owners
These changes apply to all players, even those without the expansion.
New Itemization: Talismans, Charms, and Sets
Diablo 4’s Lord of Hatred expansion will also introduce the new Talisman system. Once unlocked, Charms begin dropping.
Charms are a new item type that must be slotted into a Talisman to activate.
Set Charms unlock additional bonuses.
Yes, this new Talisman system officially marks the return of Sets.
Speaking of mechanics that were known from previous Diablo titles, the Horadric Cube is also returning in Diablo 4, reimagined for the new itemization system. It allows players to combine materials and unlock additional item properties.
Loot Filters Finally Arrive
Loot filters are officially coming to Diablo 4.
Players will be able to filter item types and control what appears on the ground. Blizzard confirmed continued refinement based on feedback.
A Major Systems Year for Diablo 4
Between the Warlock, Skovos, War Plans, Echoing Hatred, the skill tree overhaul, Talismans, Sets, the Horadric Cube, and loot filters, Lord of Hatred is going to be the most systems-heavy update Diablo 4 has received since launch. Blizzard made it clear that this expansion is focused on control, customization, and long-term endgame goals.
More updates on Lord of Hatred and Warlock can be found on our Diablo 4 news hub.
