Diablo 4 Devs Address Demand for Paladin Class

Key Takeaways

• Diablo 4’s director stands by the new Spiritborn class being added to the game in Vessel of Hatred, despite player demands for the return of the Paladin.
• Fans are divided between those excited for Spiritborn and those longing for the classic Paladin experience.
• The game’s developers believe the Spiritborn class is a perfect fit for the new Vessel of Hatred expansion’s jungle setting, feeling that it matches the vibe of the DLC’s jungle far better.

Diablo 4‘s game director Brent Gibson addressed player demands to add the Paladin class to the game. This response follows player feedback on the addition of a new, unfamiliar class to Diablo 4.

Warriors wielding holy magic and wearing heavy armor are a staple of the RPG genre and were featured as the Paladin and Crusader class in Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, respectively. These quickly became one of the fan-favorite classes, and players have been clamoring for their return in Diablo 4. The new class coming to Diablo 4 is Spiritborn, however, and it’s like has not yet been seen in the Diablo franchise. This caused a rift in the community, between those who sing Spiritborn’s praises and others who want the classic Diablo class with the newest expansion.

In a recent interview with Gamesradar+Diablo 4‘s game director Brent Gibson and systems designer Aislyn Hall had some comments aimed at addressing the fans who wish for the Paladin class to make a return. Brent Gibson stated that they hear the fans “loud and clear” and explained that “the team wanted the opportunity to go big,” with the addition of a new class instead of a sixth original.

Diablo 4 Devs Satisfied With Decision to Add Spiritborn to Vessel of Hatred

According to him, the feedback from the players who got to experience the Spiritborn during the recent Gamecom described the new class coming with the Vessel of Hatred expansion in Diablo 4 as “exactly what we’re looking for.” Thus, this confirmed to the game director that sticking with the new class was the right decision, rather than adding the Paladin.

The systems designer Aislyn Hall further added that she believes Spiritborn to be more suited to the Vessel of Hatred expansion, as it accurately reflects the jungle environment of the expansion. She explains that the vibe of the class would make the experience even more immersive when placed against the backdrop of the jungle of Nahantu, the iconic Diablo 2 region making a comeback in Diablo 4.

Most fans are captivated by the Spiritborn class and express that they are looking forward to the opportunity of trying out the various builds in-game. Some, however, point out that the Paladin class would make more sense regardless of the new region coming in the Vessel of Hatred. Players will be visiting the tomb of Akarat in the new expansion, whose lore is that of the founder of Zakarum, the faith practiced by Paladins themselves.