Diablo 4 expansions currently number two: Vessel of Hatred, released on October 8, 2024, and Lord of Hatred, released on April 28, 2026. Both are paid add-ons that require the Diablo IV base game, and both are unlocked when you buy any edition of Lord of Hatred.
That last point is what trips up most buyers. Understanding how the Diablo 4 expansions fit together saves you from paying twice, buying the wrong bundle, or skipping content you actually wanted.
This guide explains what each expansion adds, how the editions differ, what you need to own, and which purchase suits your situation. Prices and offers change, so treat every figure here as a guide and confirm the final amount in your platform’s store.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: What Are the Diablo 4 Expansions?
The two Diablo 4 expansions are Vessel of Hatred (the first expansion, with the Spiritborn class and the Nahantu region) and Lord of Hatred (the second expansion, with the Paladin and Warlock classes and the Skovos region). Seasons, free patches and cosmetic packs are separate things and are not Diablo 4 expansions.
If you are new to the series, our Diablo franchise guide gives helpful background on the games that came before.
How Many Diablo 4 Expansions Are There?
There are two paid Diablo 4 expansions as of October 17, 2026. The base game launched in June 2023 and is the foundation everything else needs. Each expansion adds a campaign chapter, a region, at least one class and new endgame content on top of it.
| Product | Official release | Main additions | Status | Purchase note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo IV (base game) | June 2023 | Original campaign, five regions, five launch classes | Available | Required for both expansions |
| Vessel of Hatred | October 8, 2024 | Nahantu, Spiritborn, Mercenaries, Runewords, Dark Citadel | Available | Unlocked by any Lord of Hatred edition |
| Lord of Hatred | April 28, 2026 | Skovos, Paladin, Warlock, War Plans, Echoing Hatred, Fishing | Available | Requires base game; buy once per platform |
The table shows why the Diablo 4 expansions feel like a pair. The second picks up the story where the first left off, and Blizzard sells them together so new players can start from the beginning.
The base game launched with five classes: Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Rogue and Sorcerer. With the two Diablo 4 expansions, Diablo IV now has eight classes, which matches Blizzard’s own wording about “all 8 classes.”
Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred Explained
Vessel of Hatred is the first of the Diablo 4 expansions and continues the story after the base campaign. Your search for Neyrelle, who is suffering from her decision to imprison the Prime Evil Mephisto, leads into the jungle region of Nahantu. The expansion is about uncovering Mephisto’s plans before they can be carried out.
What Vessel of Hatred adds
- Nahantu: a new region with towns, dungeons, strongholds and enemies ranging from demons to warring tribes, set in jungle terrain inspired by Kurast and the desert of Teganze.
- Spiritborn: a class that fights with glaives, quarterstaves and polearms and channels four Spirit Guardians. It is agile and mobile, and it plays differently from the base-game classes.
- Mercenaries: recruitable allies who fight beside you, grow stronger as they progress and bring unique abilities.
- Runewords: a progression system that lets players build powerful item effects by socketing runes.
- Dark Citadel: a cooperative PvE endgame activity, described by Blizzard as a first of its kind for Diablo.
- Party Finder: a tool to find teammates for group content.
What is expansion-exclusive and what is not
Blizzard says Vessel of Hatred also shipped with large base-game updates: leveling adjustments, new max levels, a new difficulty system, Paragon changes, a realm-wide Paragon level shared across characters, and itemization updates. Those changes are described as permanent quality-of-life updates to the base game, which is why you should not credit them to the expansion alone.
Content that remains tied to the expansion includes the Nahantu campaign, the Spiritborn class, the region itself and the expansion-specific activities such as the Dark Citadel. If a feature is not clearly listed as expansion content, check the official patch notes before assuming it requires a purchase.
Who benefits most
Players who like campaign chapters, who want a faster and more mobile class, or who enjoy group endgame will get the most from this expansion. For many buyers it now arrives automatically with the second of the Diablo 4 expansions, so the decision is less about whether to buy it and more about whether you will use it. Spiritborn builds are a good starting point, and our Diablo 4 builds guide can help you plan.
Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Explained
Lord of Hatred is the second of the Diablo 4 expansions and the more recent one. It launched officially on April 28, 2026. Blizzard’s final pre-launch stream unlocked it in the Americas on April 27 at 4:00 p.m. PDT, so players in some time zones could start a day earlier than the headline date suggested.
Timing matters for one more reason. Players who pre-purchased the expansion could play the Paladin early, during Season 11, before the full release. That early access is not the same as the full launch, which is when the campaign, region and Warlock became available.
Story and the Skovos region
The campaign continues directly from Vessel of Hatred. Mephisto, the Prime Evil of Hatred, spreads corruption toward the sacred isles of Skovos while Neyrelle struggles to contain him. Blizzard describes a final reckoning in which players race to stop him before he reaches the Pools of Creation.
Skovos is the ancient birthplace of the first civilization and the former home of Lilith and Inarius, now ruled by the Oracle and the Amazon Queen. Blizzard describes volcanic territory in the west, forests in the east and sunken lands between, with new towns, dungeons and monsters to find.
The Paladin
The Paladin is a holy warrior from the Wardens of Light. Blizzard lists four specializations for the class: the Arbiter, the Zealot, the Judicator and the Juggernaut. They cover an angelic-form melee style, a fury-driven fighter, a ranged holy bombardment style and a defensive, retaliation-focused tank.
The Warlock
The Warlock binds demons and weaponizes Hell’s power. Its four specializations are the Legion, the Vanguard, the Mastermind and the Ritualist. They range from summoning swarms of hellspawn to transforming into a hulking monstrosity, controlling the fight with fear and suppression, or chaining rituals into large payoffs.
New endgame and systems
- War Plans: a way to craft your own endgame progression by choosing activities and applying modifiers for rewards.
- Echoing Hatred: a challenge against unending waves of demons, built to test strong characters.
- Fishing: a relaxed activity in Sanctuary’s waterways.
- Item and skill systems: Blizzard’s page also mentions bonus skill variants, a fresh take on crafting inspired by the Horadric Cube, and a Talisman that provides set bonuses.
Blizzard states that skill tree reworks with new variants for every class, higher level caps and a new Loot Filter reach all Diablo IV players alongside the expansion. Because the official page lists some other systems under expansion features without spelling out each one, check the patch notes before assuming a specific item or crafting feature is locked behind the purchase.
Who should buy it
Of all the Diablo 4 expansions, Lord of Hatred suits players who want the current main campaign, either new class, the newest endgame systems, or the conclusion of the Mephisto story arc. It is also the product you buy if you want Vessel of Hatred, because it includes it.
Diablo 4 Expansions Compared
Here is a side-by-side look at the two Diablo 4 expansions. Neither is “better” in an absolute sense, because they offer different classes and different kinds of endgame.
| Feature | Vessel of Hatred | Lord of Hatred |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | October 8, 2024 | April 28, 2026 (Americas unlock April 27) |
| Story focus | Search for Neyrelle, Mephisto’s plans | Final confrontation with Mephisto |
| New region | Nahantu | Skovos |
| New class | Spiritborn | Paladin and Warlock |
| Major activities | Dark Citadel, Mercenaries, Party Finder | War Plans, Echoing Hatred, Fishing |
| Progression additions | Runewords, new max levels (base-game updates) | Skill variants, Horadric Cube-style crafting, Talisman, Loot Filter |
| Ownership requirement | Base game | Base game |
| Included in another purchase | Yes, any Lord of Hatred edition | Yes, Age of Hatred Collection (Standard Edition) |
| Best fit | Campaign fans, Spiritborn players | Players wanting the current story, Paladin or Warlock |
Remember that the final column is guidance for choosing among the Diablo 4 expansions, not a ranking. A Spiritborn fan gets nothing from the Paladin, and a Warlock fan will not care that Nahantu exists, yet both purchases are tied together by Blizzard’s bundling.
Does Lord of Hatred Include Vessel of Hatred?
Yes. According to Blizzard’s official pages, buying any edition of Lord of Hatred instantly unlocks Vessel of Hatred. That includes the Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, and it also applies to the Age of Hatred Collection.
This is the clearest answer to a common question about the Diablo 4 expansions: you do not need to buy Vessel of Hatred first. In fact, the Vessel of Hatred page itself says the first expansion is unlocked with a Lord of Hatred purchase.
Expansion versus collection
Buying Lord of Hatred on its own, like any of the Diablo 4 expansions, assumes you already own the base game. The Age of Hatred Collection is different. Blizzard’s FAQ says it includes the base game, Vessel of Hatred (playable immediately) and Lord of Hatred Standard Edition. It is meant for players who own nothing yet.
What owners should check
- Platform: Blizzard states you need to purchase the expansion once per platform. Owning it on Battle.net does not automatically grant it on Xbox or PlayStation.
- Vessel owners: If you already own Vessel of Hatred, the bundled copy is redundant. We found no official discount path for existing Vessel owners, and one community-facing guide reports there is none. Check your store page for any offer before you pay.
- Upgrades: Blizzard says upgrades to Deluxe and Ultimate will be available in-game, and that upgrading does not re-grant items you already unlocked.
Diablo 4 Expansion Prices and Editions
Prices of the Diablo 4 expansions vary by store, region and promotion. We could not open live checkout pages for every platform, so the numbers below are launch-window US dollar prices reported by Insider Gaming and esports.gg. Treat them as a reference and confirm the final price on Battle.net, Steam, PlayStation Store or Xbox Store before buying.
| Edition | Reported USD price | Includes base game? | Includes Vessel of Hatred? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lord of Hatred Standard | $39.99 | No | Yes |
| Lord of Hatred Deluxe | $59.99 | No | Yes |
| Lord of Hatred Ultimate | $89.99 | No | Yes |
| Age of Hatred Collection | $69.99 | Yes | Yes |
Gameplay versus cosmetics
Every edition in the Diablo 4 expansions lineup delivers the same gameplay content: the Lord of Hatred campaign, Skovos, the Paladin, the Warlock and the included Vessel of Hatred expansion. The higher tiers add rewards. Blizzard lists the Ultimate Edition rewards as cosmetic bundles for the Paladin and Warlock, a cross-class armor bundle with six class sets, a Skartaran Basilisk mount, the Skorch Chimera pet, more mounts, back trophies and town portal skins, plus 3,000 Platinum, two additional character slots and one extra stash tab, and World of Warcraft decor items.
Two of those extras are practical rather than cosmetic: the character slots and the stash tab. Platinum is the in-game currency used for shop cosmetics or Battle Pass tier skips. If you only care about gameplay, the Standard Edition is enough. Deluxe also unlocks the same expansion content with additional rewards, though you should read the exact Deluxe item list on the store page, because Blizzard’s overview emphasizes the Ultimate list.
How to verify price before checkout
- Choose your platform on the official Diablo IV page.
- Look for regional pricing and taxes at checkout.
- Check whether you already own Vessel of Hatred or the base game.
- Confirm the edition name matches what you intend to buy.
The World of Warcraft decor items require a World of Warcraft subscription or game time, and some regions may require World of Warcraft: Midnight, both sold separately.
Do You Need the Diablo 4 Base Game?
Yes. Both Diablo 4 expansions require the Diablo IV base game, according to the official pages. You also need a Battle.net account and an internet connection to play.
The simplest way to picture it: owning an expansion is like owning a key to extra rooms, but you still need the house. If you bought Lord of Hatred without the base game, you could not play it. The Age of Hatred Collection exists to solve that problem because it bundles the base game with the expansions.
Blizzard also notes that your progress is shared across platforms, but the license for the Diablo 4 expansions is not. That is why the per-platform purchase rule matters, even though your account progress follows you.
Which Diablo 4 Expansion Should You Buy?
The right choice among the Diablo 4 expansions depends on what you already own. Because every Lord of Hatred edition includes Vessel of Hatred, most readers end up buying Lord of Hatred or the collection.
- Completely new player: Buy the Age of Hatred Collection. It gives you the base game, Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred Standard Edition in one purchase, and it is the intended starting point for newcomers.
- Owns the base game only: Buy a Lord of Hatred edition. You receive both expansions. Choose Standard unless you want the extra rewards.
- Already owns Vessel of Hatred: Buying Lord of Hatred is the only way to get the second expansion. You will not pay less for already owning the first, as far as the official pages show, so decide based on the Paladin, Warlock, Skovos and endgame.
- Interested in the Spiritborn: Any Lord of Hatred edition unlocks Vessel of Hatred, so you will get the Spiritborn with it.
- Interested in the Paladin or Warlock: These classes require Lord of Hatred.
- Campaign-focused: Play Vessel of Hatred first, then Lord of Hatred, because the second story continues directly from the first.
- Endgame-focused: Lord of Hatred adds War Plans and Echoing Hatred, while Vessel of Hatred adds the Dark Citadel. Both matter, and both come with a Lord of Hatred purchase.
- Bundle versus separate: For a new player, the collection avoids buying pieces separately. For an existing owner, a single expansion edition is the straightforward option.
Are Diablo 4 Expansions Worth It?
It depends on how you play. The Diablo 4 expansions are worth it if you want new classes, a continuing campaign and fresh endgame systems. They are less compelling if you are satisfied with the base game and only play a few hours per season.
Consider these questions:
- Do you want the Spiritborn, Paladin or Warlock? Classes are the clearest reason to buy.
- Do you enjoy story chapters? Each expansion has its own campaign.
- Do you care about endgame choice? War Plans and Echoing Hatred are the headline additions.
- Do you already own parts of the bundle? That changes the value considerably.
If you are undecided about the Diablo 4 expansions, you can reasonably wait for a promotion. Blizzard’s own FAQ states that the base game keeps receiving updates for Seasonal and Eternal characters outside the expansion content, so waiting does not leave you without a playable game. If you already know you want a specific class, buying now is fine. No offer here is time-limited, and we are not suggesting urgency.
Diablo 4 Expansions vs. Seasons and Free Updates
The Diablo 4 expansions are often confused with the game’s seasons, so the distinction is worth stating plainly.
- Paid expansions: Large products such as Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred that add campaign chapters, regions and classes.
- Seasons: Time-limited content cycles with their own themes and mechanics. Season 14 began on June 30, 2026, and Season 15, reported as “Hell’s Legacy,” followed in September, according to secondary sources. Seasons do not require an expansion purchase for their basic access.
- Free patches and balance changes: Updates such as skill tree reworks, level cap increases and the Loot Filter that Blizzard says reach all players.
- Cosmetics and edition bonuses: Mounts, pets, armor sets and Platinum. These change appearance or convenience, not the core campaign content.
This matters when comparing products. A friend who says “the new patch added a loot filter” is not telling you the expansion is required. And the Diablo 4 expansions are separate from the Battle Pass, which Blizzard’s FAQ says can be redeemed for a season through the premium bundle.
If you want to explore earlier Diablo expansions for context, our Diablo 2 LOD guide covers Lord of Destruction, and our Diablo 1 guide covers the original game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diablo 4 Expansions
How many Diablo 4 expansions are there?
There are two paid expansions: Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred. Both are released and available as of October 17, 2026. Seasons and free patches are separate and are not counted among the Diablo 4 expansions.
What are the Diablo 4 expansions called?
The first expansion is Vessel of Hatred, and the second is Lord of Hatred. Together with the base game they form the “Age of Hatred” storyline, which is also the name of Blizzard’s collection bundle.
What is the release date of each expansion?
Vessel of Hatred released on October 8, 2024. Lord of Hatred released on April 28, 2026, with an earlier unlock in the Americas on April 27 at 4:00 p.m. PDT, according to Blizzard’s pre-launch stream as reported by Icy Veins.
Does Lord of Hatred include Vessel of Hatred?
Yes. Blizzard’s official pages state that purchasing any edition of Lord of Hatred instantly unlocks Vessel of Hatred. You do not need to buy it separately first.
Do I need the Diablo 4 base game to play an expansion?
Yes. Both expansions require the Diablo IV base game, a Battle.net account and an internet connection. New players can use the Age of Hatred Collection, which includes the base game.
Which expansion introduces the Spiritborn?
Vessel of Hatred introduces the Spiritborn. It is unlocked with any Lord of Hatred edition, so owners of the second expansion also receive the class.
Which expansion introduces the Paladin and Warlock?
Lord of Hatred introduces both the Paladin and the Warlock. The Paladin was available early to pre-purchasers during Season 11, while the Warlock arrived with the full release.
Which of the Diablo 4 expansions should a new player buy?
A new player should buy the Age of Hatred Collection, which contains the base game, Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred Standard Edition. Confirm the current price in your platform’s store first.
Can I buy an expansion separately?
You can buy Lord of Hatred separately if you already own the base game. Blizzard’s Vessel of Hatred page presents that expansion as unlocked through a Lord of Hatred purchase, so check your store to see whether it is sold on its own.
Are Diablo 4 expansions the same as seasons?
No. Expansions are paid products that add campaigns, regions and classes, while seasons are recurring content cycles with themed mechanics. Skill tree reworks, level cap changes and the Loot Filter are free updates, according to Blizzard.
Do I need to buy the Diablo 4 expansions on every platform?
Yes. Blizzard says you must purchase Lord of Hatred once for each platform you want to play on. Playing on both Xbox and Battle.net means buying it on each.
Final Verdict
Two Diablo 4 expansions exist today, and one purchase covers both. Vessel of Hatred brings the Spiritborn, Nahantu, Mercenaries and the Dark Citadel. Lord of Hatred adds Skovos, the Paladin and Warlock, War Plans, Echoing Hatred and the final chapter of the Mephisto story.
The most important buying rule is simple: every Lord of Hatred edition includes Vessel of Hatred, and the base game is always required. If you own nothing, look at the Age of Hatred Collection. If you own the base game, buy a Lord of Hatred edition. If you already own Vessel of Hatred, decide whether the Paladin, Warlock and new endgame justify the full price.
Whichever route you take, confirm the edition, platform and price on the official store before you pay, because the Diablo 4 expansions are licensed per platform. Then plan your first character with our Diablo 4 builds guide.
Sources
- Lord of Hatred – Diablo IV (official Blizzard page): release status, campaign, classes, endgame features, editions and purchase terms.
- Vessel of Hatred – Diablo IV (official Blizzard page): Nahantu, Spiritborn, Mercenaries, Dark Citadel and the unlock with any Lord of Hatred edition.
- Lord of Hatred global launch times (Icy Veins): launch-day unlock times.
- Lord of Hatred release date (Blizzard Watch): release date and pre-purchase Paladin early access.
- Lord of Hatred prices and editions (esports.gg): launch-window US prices.
- Lord of Hatred release times and price (Insider Gaming): launch-window US prices.
Written by Daniel Carter
Daniel Carter is a dedicated gaming writer who enjoys turning complex gaming topics into clear, useful, and engaging content. He covers game guides, tips, reviews, features, and the latest developments across the gaming world. His approach focuses on research, accuracy, and practical value, helping readers discover new games, improve their gameplay, and stay informed about the industry. For Daniel, great gaming content is not just about information—it is about making every article genuinely worth reading.