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Blizzard has finally answered your requests: the Paladin class is coming to Diablo 4 in 2026. It’s been a long wait—this holy warrior last appeared over 25 years ago in Diablo 2. With the upcoming Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred expansion exploring Mephisto’s growing threats in Sanctuary, it feels right that this revered divine figure makes a comeback now.
A lot has changed over the past quarter-century—both for the game genre and the Diablo series itself. Blizzard promises that the new Diablo 4 Paladin will blend familiar elements from previous games with fresh features. Here’s what we currently know about this new class, including how it fits into the story and how it might shake up gameplay.
What is the Diablo 4 Paladin?
The Paladin in Diablo 4 is a faith-driven hero, similar to the one from Diablo 2 and the Crusader introduced in Diablo 3. This class draws strength from belief and will respond to Mephisto’s corruption spreading across Sanctuary.
Like its predecessors, the Diablo 4 Paladin is a classic holy warrior. It’s a melee fighter armed with swords, shields, and divine power, capable of taking hits and unleashing powerful holy attacks. The class will feature celestial-themed weapons and abilities, including holy hammers and transformations into a radiant Arbiter, inspired by the angel Tyrael—making it a force to reckon with in the fight against evil.
Gameplay and Combat
There are still many skills, weapons, and mechanics to learn about, but what’s clear is that the Paladin will stand out with its connection to divine energy. This means that traditional elements like Auras and Holy Conjurations will play a central role in combat—now enhanced with new angelic forms that can devastate groups of enemies with area damage.
The return of the Holy damage type marks a key identity for the Paladin in Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred. Expect mechanics and attacks designed specifically to make the most of this damage type.
Blizzard is also bringing back popular skills from Diablo 3’s Crusader. So far, we know about two:
- Condemn (a utility skill)
- Heaven’s Fury (a conviction skill)
Paladin Oaths and Playstyles
The Paladin’s gameplay will be guided by the Oath system, which offers different paths that shape how you play. These include:
- Juggernaut: Focused on shields, unlocking abilities like Shield Bash and a powerful ultimate called Fortress, which makes you nearly untouchable for a short period.
- Zealot: Emphasizes melee attacks with a sword, powered by the Zeal skill. The ultimate, Zenith, is a mighty celestial strike that cleaves foes.
- Judicator: Balances holy conjurations and defense, with skills like Blessed Shield, Hammer, and Heaven’s Fury to deliver Holy damage.
- Disciple: Revolves around angelic transformations, allowing you to summon Spears of the Heavens or take on the Arbiter form, radically changing combat tactics.
Release Date
The Diablo 4 Paladin will be part of the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion—scheduled to launch on April 28, 2026. However, if you pre-order the expansion, you’ll have access to the Paladin class right now in-game.
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