As reported by Blizzplanet, the gates of hell have swung wide open in celebration of a monumental anniversary for one of gaming’s most enduring franchises. 2026 marks not only the 35th anniversary of Blizzard Entertainment but also the 30th year since the birth of its iconic action-RPG series, Diablo. In a sweeping move that honors the legacy while charting a course forward, the developer has unveiled plans that will reshape the franchise’s landscape across multiple titles.
Central to these anniversary revelations is the introduction of a completely new archetype of hero, a development that breaks a quarter-century tradition. For the first time in 25 years, a fresh character class is being added to the venerable Diablo II. This new class, known as the Warlock, represents a significant expansion of the game’s original roster, promising to inject novel gameplay mechanics and lore into the classic experience that defined a genre.
A Hellish Presence Across the Entire Franchise
The arrival of the Warlock, however, is not confined to the past. Demonstrating a unified vision for the series, Blizzard has confirmed that this nefarious spellcaster will not be limited to Diablo II. The class is slated to make its ominous presence felt across the franchise’s current and future titles, including the mobile hit Diablo Immortal and the latest mainline entry, Diablo IV. This cross-title integration signifies a coordinated effort to weave a consistent thread of new content and thematic depth throughout the Diablo universe.
This ambitious initiative forms the cornerstone of a celebration that meticulously encompasses the past, present, and future of Diablo. By revisiting and enriching a classic title like Diablo II while simultaneously ensuring the new content permeates the ongoing experiences in Immortal and Diablo IV, Blizzard is crafting a multifaceted tribute. The strategy acknowledges the franchise’s deep roots and its dedicated community, ensuring that players, whether they favor the timeless gameplay of the original or the evolved mechanics of the newest chapters, have a role in this hellish anniversary.