Diablo 4 Data Mines Hint at Long-Awaited Class Addition

Diablo 4 enthusiasts speculate that Blizzard may have unintentionally revealed the action RPG's next class through an internal build name.

Wowhead reported that the Paladin class, one of the most highly requested additions since the game's launch in June 2023, could arrive soon, potentially as part of Season 11. This speculation stems from the term "Paladin" appearing in a build name uploaded to Blizzard's servers (2.5.Xpaladin67961).

While this could ultimately mean nothing—and fans are already joking that the Paladin might be introduced as a Mercenary rather than a full class—a new class is anticipated for Diablo 4's second expansion, and the Paladin would undoubtedly be a popular choice.

As Blizzard confirmed earlier this year, Diablo 4's next expansion has been delayed from 2025 to 2026. The first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, introduced the Spiritborn class. A recently shared roadmap also teased a new ranking system, leaderboards, and other features alongside the 2026 expansion.

Last week, Diablo 4 made headlines when development chief Rod Fergusson announced his departure from Blizzard. "After five years of steering the Diablo franchise through four major releases, it's time for me to move on from Blizzard and Microsoft, sword in hand, to explore new opportunities," Fergusson stated. "The teams are well-prepared for success with an exciting lineup ahead. I'm immensely proud of what we've accomplished together and look forward to the future of Diablo, as well as my own."

Diablo IV Classes Tier List - Overall Rating

Diablo IV Classes Tier List - Overall Rating

     

This week, Blizzard's Story and Franchise Development (SFD) team voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America. “After more than ten years at Blizzard, I've experienced both the highs and lows,” said Bucky Fisk, a principal editor and member of the organizing committee. “For a long time, Blizzard was known as a place where people could build lasting careers, but that sense of stability has been eroding. By forming a union, we aim to protect what makes this company special, ensure genuine transparency in decision-making, and guarantee that policies are applied consistently to all employees.”