Perhaps Diablo 4's worst-kept secret at the moment is the new class planned to join the game with the release of the game's next major expansion. With some pretty clear teases at the end of Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion, along with a recent leak, all signs are pointing toward the return of the fan-favorite Paladin class. While the Paladin joining Diablo 4 seems like an inevitability, there is room for the class to deviate from the typical Paladin archetype, but it shouldn't pass up the opportunity to keep one feature from Diablo 3's take on the class.
The Paladin made its Diablo series debut in Diablo 2, sporting holy magic and wielding a one-handed weapon along with a shield. While not exactly the same class, Diablo 3's Crusader class takes the Paladin archetype and dials its abilities up a notch. The stars are aligning for Diablo 4 to follow in Diablo 2's footsteps, with the Paladin leaked to be the new class coming with expansion two, but the ideal incarnation of the class would draw elements from Diablo 3's Crusader as well.
Diablo 4's Leaked Paladin Class Needs the Crusader's Heavenly Strength Skill
Diablo 3's Crusader Could Wield an Unusual Weapon Combo
The traditional setup for Diablo Paladins is to utilize a one-handed weapon with a shield in their offhand. While the class can equip two-handed weapons, the extra protection provided by shields is virtually unbeatable, making the best Paladin builds for Diablo 2 those that stick with the one-handed weapon and shield combo. However, Diablo 3 introduced a twist on this build with the introduction of the Crusader, giving players a new gear option that would make sense for Diablo 4 to continue with its version of the Paladin.
If Diablo 3 players invested in the Crusader's Heavenly Strength passive skill, they could wield both a two-handed weapon in one hand, along with a shield in the other. This passive opened the door for more build combinations than previous incarnations of the class could utilize, and would be a great way to make the Paladin in Diablo 4 feel like a competitive alternative to other class options.
Diablo 2's Barbarian had a similar ability to wield both a two-handed weapon and a shield simultaneously, but this was the only class in the game that could do this.
How Diablo 4 Could Adapt D3's Crusader for the Modern Era
The benefit of using a two-handed weapon in one hand and a shield in the other is obvious, as a two-handed weapon offers much higher damage potential than a one-handed weapon, while the shield still grants the class increased defense. To fit with Diablo 4's mechanics, the Crusader's Heavenly Strength would likely need to be reworked from a passive into an inherent part of the Diablo 4 Paladin's mechanics. Since all Diablo 4 classes have a Specialization Quest that unlocks a unique part of their skill set once players hit a specific level, the Paladin could have a Specialization Quest that allows them to choose between the ability to equip a two-handed sword, a two-handed axe, or a two-handed mace as if it were a one-handed weapon upon completion.
Taking this approach to blending the Paladin and Crusader for Diablo 4's specific style of gameplay gives the class a wide variety of build options that play into the game's story as well. For example, a Paladin that wields a two-handed mace and a shield would essentially allow players to play as one of the Church of Light's Knights Penitent. With the next Diablo 4 expansion rumored to heavily focus on the Church of Light, there has never been a better opportunity for Diablo 4 to carry on the tradition of Diablo 3's Crusader class.
Diablo 4
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WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
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