Diablo 30th Anniversary Event Promises Game Changing Reveal

Blizzard Entertainment is gearing up for a landmark celebration in the world of action-RPGs, as the Diablo franchise marks its 30th anniversary with a highly anticipated livestream event. On February 11th, 2026, at 2 p.m. Pacific Time, the Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight will broadcast live on the official Twitch and YouTube channels, promising to unveil major developments across the series' flagship titles: Diablo IV, Diablo Immortal, and Diablo II: Resurrected.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this event is shaping up to be a pivotal moment. The centerpiece of the showcase is the official reveal of the next playable class for Diablo IV, set to arrive alongside the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion. According to Blizzard's own teaser, this mysterious new class is described as a "new force in Sanctuary" that will "reshape how you fight, survive and master the battlefield." The language alone has set the community abuzz, with anticipation building around what this addition could mean for the game's evolving combat system.

Speculation has reached fever pitch thanks to recent datamines from the Season 12 public test realm. As reported by several gaming outlets, these leaks point to a Warlock class, a dark spellcaster archetype that would be a first for the franchise. Leaked concept art paints a vivid picture: a figure channeling sinister red magic, summoning demonic forces, and wielding a menacing sword—an aesthetic and mechanical foil to the Paladin, the holy warrior who made an early return for pre-purchasers of Lord of Hatred. While Blizzard has yet to confirm the Warlock officially, the evidence is mounting, and the community is hungry for details.

The Paladin's reintroduction has already brought a wave of nostalgia, letting players wield holy hammers and shields reminiscent of Diablo II's golden era. Now, the prospect of a Warlock—a class centered on curses, demonic pacts, and area-denial spells—signals a bold leap into new territory. As GameSpot noted, "the Warlock class introduces a new archetype not previously featured in the Diablo series," potentially offering a completely fresh playstyle for veterans and rookies alike.

But the 30th Anniversary Spotlight isn't just about new classes. Blizzard has promised a comprehensive look at sweeping changes to Diablo IV's core systems, including a large-scale skill tree rework, new high-level game mechanics, and a level cap increase. These updates, first teased in December, are designed to address player feedback on build diversity and endgame progression. With the game having undergone significant tweaks since the Vessel of Hatred expansion, many are eager to see if these changes will reignite the spark for lapsed players and keep the grind rewarding for the dedicated.

The expansion itself, Lord of Hatred, is set for release on April 28th, 2026. Continuing the Age of Hatred saga, it promises new campaign content in regions like Skovos and a deeper exploration of Mephisto's corrupting influence. Players can expect not only fresh storylines but also a revitalized endgame experience, with Season 12—launching March 10th and running until the expansion's debut—bringing back the popular killstreak mechanic from Diablo III. This feature will reward players for chaining kills with bonus XP, reputation, and new "Bloodied" items that interact with killstreaks in unique ways.

Beyond Diablo IV, the Spotlight will shine on the broader franchise. Diablo Immortal is expected to receive updates, potentially including new classes, regions, or a 2026 content roadmap. Meanwhile, fans of Diablo II: Resurrected are eagerly awaiting news, as the community has been vocal about its desire for expansions, new acts, and additional features. Legacy lead producer Matthew Cederquist teased, "Be sure to tune into Diablo's 30th Anniversary Spotlight on February 11th, where we'll have major updates across all of our games to share, including Diablo 2: Resurrected." After a period of relative quiet for D2R, this announcement has sparked hope that the classic will finally get the attention its loyal fanbase has been clamoring for.

The excitement isn't just confined to official channels. On social media, the Diablo community is a whirlwind of speculation, wishlists, and playful rivalry. As seen on Twitter, fans are demanding everything from a new Act VI and mercenaries for D2R to nerfs for overpowered runewords and even a Witchdoctor class. The pressure on Blizzard is palpable, with one user pleading, "Please don’t mess it up," and another quipping, "I look forward to seeing you will take my free time for the next 30 years." The debates are fierce, with diehards defending their favorite entries and skeptics voicing doubts about whether the promised changes will live up to the hype.

To sweeten the celebration, Blizzard is launching a limited-time Twitch Drops campaign. From February 11th at 2 p.m. PST through February 25th at 11:59 p.m. PST, viewers who subscribe to participating Diablo IV streamers can unlock an exclusive gothic badge—the "mark of Diablo"—for their Twitch profiles. It's a small but meaningful nod to the community's enduring passion and a chance for fans to show off their allegiance.

The festivities continue on February 12th at 11 a.m. PST with the "Sanctuary Sitdown," a developer Q&A session hosted on the Sanctuary Discord. Here, players will have the opportunity to ask questions directly about the new class, balance changes, and the expansion's timeline. This open dialogue is a welcome gesture, offering transparency and fostering a sense of collaboration between developers and the player base.

All eyes are now on February 11th. For Blizzard, the stakes couldn't be higher. As the franchise enters its fourth decade, the 30th Anniversary Spotlight represents both a celebration of Diablo's storied legacy and a crucial test of its future direction. With new classes, system overhauls, and long-awaited content on the horizon, the event has the potential to redefine what it means to battle the forces of evil in Sanctuary.

Whether you're a diehard, a skeptic, or a curious newcomer, one thing is certain: the next chapter in Diablo's saga is about to unfold, and the world will be watching.