The Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred expansion has officially launched, bringing the dark “Age of Hatred” saga to a climax. With the return of Mephisto, a new level cap of 70, and the long-awaited arrival of the Paladin and Warlock (Demonologist) classes, there is a lot for Sanctuary fans to unpack. In this review, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of the DLC and determine which new class reigns supreme in the 2026 meta.
Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Review: Pros and Cons
Before jumping into the builds, let’s look at the state of the game following the April 28 release.
The Pros
- The Horadric Cube is Back: This fan-favorite from Diablo II returns, allowing for advanced gear transmuting and the new Set Charms system.
- Endgame Variety: The new “War Plans” and “Echoing Hatred” horde modes provide a refreshing break from standard Nightmare Dungeons.
- Massive Skill Tree Revamp: With 83 skill points now available, the build diversity is at an all-time high.
The Cons
- Visual Clutter: High-tier gameplay can become a “particle soup,” making it difficult to see boss telegraphs in the Skovos Isles.
- Microtransactions: Despite being a premium expansion, the shop remains heavily pushed.
Paladin vs. Warlock: Which Class Should You Choose?
The biggest question for any player starting the Lord of Hatred DLC is which new class to main. Both offer vastly different playstyles.
The Paladin: The Ultimate Tanky Vanguard
The Diablo 4 Paladin is exactly what fans have been asking for since launch. Using Faith as a resource, this class excels at “smashing and surviving.”
- Best Paladin Build: The Wing Strike Arbiter build is currently dominating. It utilizes “Angelic Form” to deal passive Holy damage while maintaining nearly 100% Fortify.
- Why use it: It’s the best solo class for farming Torment XII difficulty. If you want to be unkillable, pick the Paladin.
The Warlock: The Master of Demonology
The Warlock (Demonologist) is a high-skill, high-reward caster that manages Wrath and Dominance. Unlike the Necromancer, your demons are aggressive and require active commands.
- Best Warlock Build: The Hellfire Ritualist build. It focuses on summoning Greater Demons like Laalish to melt world bosses in seconds.
- Why use it: It has the highest DPS (damage per second) in the game. Pick this if you enjoy complex rotations and “glass cannon” playstyles.
Final Verdict: Who is the Best Class in Lord of Hatred?
For most players in the UK Diablo community, the Paladin is the winner for general gameplay and ease of use. However, if you are looking to top the leaderboards in Echoing Hatred, the Warlock’s damage ceiling is currently unmatched.
Price Check: The expansion is currently retailing for £34.99 on the Battle.net and Xbox stores.
Diablo 4 vs Path of Exile 2
Gear Up for Sanctuary: Essential Diablo IV Deals
If you are jumping into the Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred expansion, having the right gear and lore knowledge is essential. Check out these top picks and deals available now on Amazon UK:The Ultimate Lilith Collection
- McFarlane Toys Lilith (7in Deluxe Figure) – A stunningly detailed sculpt of the Mother of Sanctuary. A centerpiece for any shelf.
- Funko Pop! Games: Diablo IV – Inarius – Complete the set with the Rogue Angel to recreate the eternal conflict on your desk.
- Good Smile Company: Lilith (Pop Up Parade Figure) – A stunning, high-quality figure that captures the dark elegance of the Blessed Mother without breaking the bank.
