If you were eagerly anticipating a new expansion for Diablo 4 in 2025, you'll need to exercise a bit more patience. According to Rod Fergusson, the general manager of Diablo, the next major expansion for Diablo 4 is slated for release in 2026.
During his recent talk at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, Fergusson outlined Blizzard's strategy to enhance their connection with the community. Drawing inspiration from both Diablo Immortal and World of Warcraft, they plan to release content roadmaps. Fergusson mentioned that a roadmap detailing Diablo 4's 2025 plans, which will include seasons and updates, is expected to be released soon.
However, he clarified that the game's next expansion won't be included in this roadmap, confirming its release is set for 2026. He stated, "In 2025, or just before Season 8, we will have a 2025 roadmap for Diablo 4. Now, our second expansion won't be on that roadmap, because our second expansion is coming in 2026, but at least players will have the road ahead."
Fergusson provided some insight into the delay of the second expansion. Initially, Blizzard aimed to release expansions annually, with Vessel of Hatred scheduled for 2024 and another expansion planned for 2025. However, Vessel of Hatred was released 18 months after Diablo 4's launch instead of the intended 12 months. Fergusson explained that the team's need to work a season or two ahead, coupled with responding to player feedback and making necessary adjustments to live content, led to resources being temporarily diverted from Vessel of Hatred. This internal delay pushed back all other planned content, including the next expansion.
Diablo 4 has just launched its Season of Witchcraft, introducing new witchcraft powers, a fresh questline, and more. Our review of the base game awarded it a 9/10, praising it as "a stunning sequel with near perfect endgame and progression design that makes it absolutely excruciating to put down."
