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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred is an expansion that continues the story against Mephisto in the new region of Skovos. It adds the Paladin and Warlock, new endgame activities, and expansion-specific systems. The base game, Diablo IV, is required; Blizzard’s announcement says the Lord of Hatred bundle includes Vessel of Hatred.
What is Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred?
Lord of Hatred is a story expansion for Diablo IV. Blizzard describes it as a climactic campaign following Vessel of Hatred, with the player making a final stand against Mephisto. The conflict moves to Skovos, a region with a long connection to Sanctuary’s history. Blizzard’s expansion announcement says the purchase bundle includes Vessel of Hatred; check the edition and terms shown in your regional store before buying.
Blizzard announced April 28, 2026 as the expansion’s availability date. Xbox Wire lists PC via Battle.net, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Store availability and edition details can vary by region, so verify them with the platform where you plan to play. Xbox Wire’s overview provides the platform list.
What is the new region?
Skovos is the expansion’s new region. Official descriptions present it as varied terrain: volcanic areas in the west, forests in the east, and sunken lands. The region is also tied to the histories of Lilith and Inarius. Xbox Wire’s overview and the PlayStation feature listing describe its setting.
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#1 Best Overall
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
- NEW CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEPHISTO — Make your stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new story featuring new enemies, regions, and narrative twists.
Which classes does Lord of Hatred add?
The expansion names two new classes: Paladin and Warlock. The PlayStation feature listing describes the Paladin as a holy melee fighter and the Warlock as a wielder of demons and hellfire. Those descriptions establish their broad themes, not their current balance or the details of every skill.
Which features are expansion-only, and which are broader updates?
Not every system change promoted alongside Lord of Hatred requires buying the expansion. Xbox Wire says the skill-tree rework and level-cap update are available to all players, while additional skill variants, Horadric Cube crafting, and Talisman set bonuses are expansion features. The PlayStation listing also names a Loot Filter, but the sources do not establish that every listed feature is exclusive to the expansion.
| Feature | Availability described by the sources |
|---|---|
| Reworked skill trees and level-cap update | Available to players whether or not they buy Lord of Hatred, according to Xbox Wire. |
| Extra skill variants | Expansion feature, according to Xbox Wire. |
| Horadric Cube crafting | Expansion feature, according to Xbox Wire. |
| Talisman set bonuses | Expansion feature, according to Xbox Wire. |
| Loot Filter | Named in the PlayStation feature listing; the available descriptions do not establish its purchase requirement. |
What are War Plans and Echoing Hatred?
War Plans
War Plans let players arrange activities and modifiers into a chosen progression path. The feature is presented as a way to structure endgame play around selected content rather than simply choosing activities one at a time.
Echoing Hatred
Echoing Hatred is an escalating wave challenge that tests a character against successive waves of enemies. The feature description does not establish its current tuning or rewards.
Rank #3
- DELUXE EDITION CONTENT — Includes Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition, Lord of Hatred, the High Heavensguard Paladin Cosmetic Bundle, Skartaran Basilisk Mount Bundle, Mini Chimera Pet, and Premium Battle Pass Bundle.
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
Fishing
Fishing is another activity named in the PlayStation feature listing. That listing identifies it as a new activity but does not provide further mechanics.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need Vessel of Hatred or the Diablo IV base game?
You need the Diablo IV base game. Blizzard explicitly states: “Lord of Hatred and Vessel of Hatred Expansion require Diablo IV base game.” It also lists an internet connection and Battle.net account as requirements. The PlayStation listing identifies the expansion offer as an add-on pack. Blizzard’s announcement says Lord of Hatred includes Vessel of Hatred, so the sources do not indicate that you must separately own the earlier expansion when buying that bundle. Confirm what is included in the specific edition offered in your region.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- ULTIMATE EDITION CONTENT — Includes Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition, Lord of Hatred, Ultimate Edition cosmetic bundles, a Premium Battle Pass Bundle, and 3,000 Platinum.
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
