Diablo 4 fans got some bad news recently, when Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reported on his Bluesky account that the next expansion for the action RPG may not arrive until next year in 2026. Originally released back in the summer of 2023, Diablo 4 promised fans stronger ongoing content, especially when it comes to DLC expansions.

Last year, the game finally received its first DLC with Vessel of Hatred. The arrival of the DLC was exciting, as it introduced the region of Nahantu alongside a brand-new class, the Spiritborn. Fresh content was thrilling, but Vessel of Hatred also left a lot to be desired in some aspects. If Jason Schreier's claims are true, then having no DLC to look forward to this year could be disappointing. However, there is the possibility that Blizzard breaking its promised expansion release schedule might actually be more positive news than it sounds.

Diablo 4 is now selling pets
Diablo 4 is Now Selling Pets

Diablo 4 adds non-combat pet bundles to the in-game shop as part of the latest update, with two pets featured alongside their own cosmetics.

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A Long Wait For the Next Diablo 4 DLC Hopefully Makes Way For an Even Better Expansion

Blizzard is Reportedly Skipping Over 2025

On February 12, Jason Schreier attended DICE in Las Vegas where he observed a Blizzard panel. Diablo General Manager Rod Fergusson apparently confirmed at the panel that the next DLC wouldn't be coming until an unspecified date in 2026. This is unfortunate, as Blizzard had previously promised players that expansions would be announced more frequently.

A few months after the game launched, Rod Fergusson claimed that Diablo 4 would receive annual expansions and quarterly seasonal updates to keep its post-launch momentum going. While the game has continued to receive its seasonal updates, the apparent lack of a 2025 DLC unfortunately means that Blizzard is pedaling back on its original plans, which could frustrate a lot of players who were expecting consistent content. No DLC this year could really rock the boat in the Diablo 4 community. Even worse, it also runs the risk of causing players to lose interest, and regaining their attention may be hard to accomplish after such a long hiatus between DLCs. On the bright side, though, Blizzard may be doing this in order to ensure that whatever its next expansion happens to be is a step up from Vessel of Hatred.

Diablo 4 is Blizzard's fastest-selling game of all time, making over $650 million in just five days.

Improving Upon Vessel of Hatred's Strong Start

From a gameplay standpoint, Vessel of Hatred was a great addition to the base game. The Spiritborn class proved to be a hit, but the expansion's story felt as if it was just scratching the surface of something larger. Furthermore, the lack of a new World Boss and controversy surrounding Dark Citadel's co-op only approach were also low points. Despite the few downsides, Vessel of Hatred was a solid DLC, and if Blizzard is given even more time with its next expansion, a longer wait will hopefully be justified.

Diablo 4 is currently in Season 7, titled Season of Witchcraft.

Diablo 4 Season 7 Features

  • New witchcraft powers, like Eldritch, Psyche, and Growth & Decay
  • New demons called the Headrotten
  • A raven pet named Dorian
  • Armory

Diablo 4 Faces Big Competition in 2025

Even if Diablo 4's walk-back on its expansion plans proves to be worth it, a fresh DLC will have to come out swinging. Since its launch in December of last year, Path of Exile 2 has made waves as a worthy competitor, and Diablo 4 side-stepping extra content that could keep players invested in 2025 is risky. Although Schreier's report seems legit, Blizzard has yet to make a full-blown announcement itself, so plans could always change. This remains to be seen, but if Diablo 4 foregoes a DLC launch this year, 2026 hopefully brings players content worth waiting for.

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9 /10

Diablo 4
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Action RPG
Hack and Slash
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Systems
PlayStation-1 Xbox-1 PC-1
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Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
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Released
June 5, 2023
ESRB
Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Publisher(s)
Blizzard
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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Diablo® IV is the ultimate action-RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot.

Embark on the epic campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through a gripping story in a beautifully dark world, or explore an expansive end game: battle iconic bosses for powerful loot, fight back the encroaching onslaught of Hell in Helltides, master the Forge to create your ultimate weapons and progress powerful characters, with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.

Welcome to Hell

Discover the critically acclaimed franchise that defined the Action RPG genre. As the battle between the High Heavens and Burning Hells rages on, hatred devours Sanctuary as evil spreads and a new wave of cultists and worshippers arise to embrace Lilith’s coming. Only a brave few dare to face this threat and bring light to the all-consuming darkness.

Expansive Open World

Forge your own path through the corrupted lands of Sanctuary, an ever-growing, fully explorable world teeming with challenges, quests, enemies, and loot. Join your fellow adventurers, rescue and retake besieged towns, delve into nightmarish dungeons and uncover lost secrets as you fight back evil. The many zones of Sanctuary are yours to explore, and with rotating areas of extreme peril like World Bosses and Helltide, danger lurks at every turn.

Immersive Character Development

Create and customize your character to face the encroaching darkness. Choose from one of five classes and build your hero with skills, abilities and cosmetics, creating a champion that is uniquely your own. Grow stronger as you progress through powerful Skill Trees and develop even more unique end game specializations with Paragon Boards.

Legendary Gear, Epic Battles

Discover and experiment with a vast arsenal of powerful weapons, armor and more to fight back against the demons threatening Sanctuary. Explore unique combinations, create your own upgrades and collect a plethora of powerful tools to battle in immersive, action-packed combat against the deadliest of enemies.

Seasons & Events

The tales of Sanctuary continue to unfold. Create Seasonal Characters and join in fresh adventures - master new mechanics and take on the latest threats in each new Season. Complete harrowing feats of the Season Journey and earn new Battle Pass rewards. Plus, sharpen your swords and get in the spirit of the seasons when Limited-Time Events sweep through Sanctuary.

End Game Undertakings

There’s even more Diablo® IV to explore as you reach higher levels and more fearsome World Tiers. Face the greatest challenge yet as you take on the most powerful demons in The Pit, steel yourself against Uber Bosses to reap uber unique rewards, fight back overflowing armies of Hell as Helltides emerge across Sanctuary, battle larger-than-life World Bosses, and master the Forge to create the mightiest weapons fit for a hero.

Genre(s)
Action RPG, Hack and Slash