Blizzard is turning up the heat on the Diablo franchise's milestone year with a major livestream announcement that has fans counting down the days. On February 11th, 2026, at 2 p.m. PST, the Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight will stream live on the official Twitch and YouTube channels, delivering what looks to be one of the biggest updates for Diablo IV since the Vessel of Hatred expansion dropped last year.
The main draw of this stream? The official reveal of the next playable class arriving alongside the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion. Blizzard's own wording is a great attempt to build hype stating: this "new force in Sanctuary" is described as something that will "reshape how you fight, survive and master the battlefield." It's a clear signal that the class brings fresh mechanics and playstyle shifts to Diablo IV's already deep combat system. The expansion itself, set for April 28th, 2026, continues the Age of Hatred saga with a focus on Mephisto's corrupting influence, new campaign content in regions like Skovos, and broader system refreshes.
This isn't the first new class tied to Lord of Hatred. The Paladin long a fan-favorite from Diablo II launched early for pre-purchasers, letting players wield holy hammers, shields, and divine smites right away. Now comes the mystery second class, and speculation is running wild. Recent datamines from the Season 12 public test realm have pointed strongly toward a Warlock being the class, complete with leaked concept art showing a dark spellcaster channeling sinister red magic and summoning demonic forces. The imagery suggests a heavy focus on curses, demonic pacts, and area-denial spells essentially the polar opposite of the Paladin's righteous frontline presence. If accurate, it would mark another bold move for Diablo IV, introducing a never-before-seen archetype rather than recycling classics like the Amazon many expected for the Skovos setting.
Beyond the class reveal, the broadcast promises deeper dives into major updates first teased in December. Expect substantial skill tree reworks, including new variants for every existing class, alongside level cap increases and refreshed endgame systems designed to keep builds feeling dynamic and rewarding. These changes aim to address community feedback on build diversity and long-term progression, especially as the game evolves post-Vessel of Hatred.
The event isn't limited to just Diablo IV. Blizzard is using the 30th anniversary as a full-franchise moment, so viewers can anticipate updates on Diablo Immortal (potentially new classes, regions, or a 2026 roadmap) and Diablo II: Resurrected. It's a smart way to celebrate the series' legacy while keeping momentum across all titles.
To sweeten the deal, Blizzard is rolling out a limited-time Twitch Drops campaign. From February 11th at 2 p.m. PST through February 25th at 11:59 p.m. PST, subscribing to any eligible streamer in the Diablo IV category unlocks an exclusive gothic badge the "mark of Diablo" for your Twitch profile. It's a nice nod to the community and a chance to show off some infernal flair.
Following the spotlight, players can jump into the Sanctuary Discord on February 12th at 11 a.m. PST for a developer Q&A session. The "Sanctuary Sitdown" will let fans ask questions directly about everything revealed, which could clarify details on the new class, balance tweaks, or expansion timelines.
The timing of this announcement feels pretty solid. Diablo IV has been in an interesting place since Vessel of Hatred, with the Spiritborn class introducing fresh spirit-summoning gameplay and ongoing seasons keeping the grind engaging. But adding another class especially one that could lean into darker, more chaotic fantasy has the potential to shake up metas and draw back lapsed players. If the Warlock leak holds up, it could deliver a spell-slinging powerhouse that contrasts beautifully with the Paladin's holy warrior archetype, giving players even more ways to approach Sanctuary's endless horrors.
Of course, until the stream hits, everything beyond Blizzard's official tease remains speculation. Leaks can change, and Blizzard has a history of surprising the community for better or worse. What we do know is that February 11th marks a pivotal moment for Diablo IV's future. Mark your calendars, grab some popcorn, and tune in because whatever this new class brings, it's poised to redefine battles in Sanctuary for years to come. Will you be ready for it?