Lord of Hatred proves that this Diablo game will forever reign as the king of the franchise

Identity Diablo 4 has changed drastically over the past 2 years since launch, with core features undergoing rework and overhauls that ultimately improved the game. While seasonal changes Diablo 4 routinely has an effect on the overall state of the game, it's the expansions that really demonstrate the evolution in the game's core identity. With Lord of Hatred on the horizon, it's getting clearer Diablo 4 draws heavy inspiration from the series' past, with one entry serving as the biggest influence.

Although Diablo 4 has seen a number of ups and downs throughout its existence, the game is probably at the best place it's ever been at the start of season 11. Paladin Class Edition for those who pre-purchase Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred is just the icing on the cake for a solid season of upgrades, with more on the way when the Lord of Hatred expansion comes out in April 2026. Diablo 4 itself may not be every fan's cup of tea, but the fact that it draws so heavily on it Diablo 2 reveals to much credit that the classic entry is responsible for the success of the modern franchise, and this is likely to continue with the upcoming expansion.

Diablo 4 is slowly turning into Diablo 2, and Lord of Hatred reinforces that trend

While Diablo 4 draws from every entry in the series, such as Butcher from Diablo 1 and the Paragon system from Diablo 3, Diablo 2 is the foundation upon which the majority rests Diablo 4 is built Diablo 4 reintroduces players to Lilith, who was first mentioned in Diablo 2and brings back a similar skill tree and weapon attachment system. In addition to the core game, marquee features Diablo 4's expansion were major parts Diablo 2 an experience that almost makes the game feel like it's transforming into a different version Diablo 2 completely.

Diablo 2 features added to Vessel of Hatred

Mercenaries
Nahantu and Kurast
Runes

Vessel of Hatred and Update 2.0 for Diablo 4 it has really changed the game since its launch and brought it more into line Diablo 2. This expansion brought back the Mercenary system, which allowed players to hire NPCs for help, and has since become a critical feature for players looking to stay competitive in Diablo 4 meta. The runes were also a Diablo 2 function that got into them Diablo 4 via Vessel of Hatred and the like have become meta staples. The setting of Vessel of Hatred in the jungles of Nahant and the city of Kurast felt familiar Diablo 2 the fans too because the place was the place Diablo 2 Act 3, in which the players fought against Mephisto and the corrupted children of Zakarum.

Diablo 2 Features in Lord of Hatred

Paladin class
Horadric cube

It comes with a notification Diablo 4The second Lord of Hatred expansion is even more so Diablo 2– original properties. The first of these features is already available in the form of the Paladin class, a fan favorite and one of the most requested classes to be added. Diablo 4. The Horadric Cube also returns in Lord of Hatred, bringing with it a new crafting mechanic that sounds similar to his Diablo 2 a counterpart where certain items can be transformed into others using recipes in the cube.

With Diablo 4 adopting so many features from Diablo 2, it's clear which game is the most popular within the franchise

Although Diablo 4 is currently final Diablo experience, it is hard to overlook its major influence. With so many oft touted mechanics being derived Diablo 2it's clear that the franchise owes much of its continued popularity to this entry. Diablo 2 is widely regarded as the best entry in the series, so it's no wonder that Diablo 4 will build on its foundations. However to what extent Diablo 4 took over the functions of Diablo 2 shows that Blizzard captured lightning in a bottle way back in 2000, and to repeat that success is to lean on its proven mechanics 25 years later and probably beyond.