I had extremely high expectations coming into this DLC from the developers, Blizzard Entertainment. I reviewed the original base game Diablo IV on release back in May 2023, and the first DLC, Diablo IV: Vessel Of Hatred’ at the end of 2024.

Being incredibly pregnant at the moment, I felt it was fate that one of my favourite games just happened to be one of my final hurrahs into the despicable and beautifully sinful world of ‘Sanctuary’. This was one story I couldn’t wait to get my demonic claws into.

To me, personally, the story is the utmost important thing in this franchise. With gameplay loops specifically designed to be repetitive to chase the ultimate gear and loot, the narrative and endgame need to be the tightest to warrant the grind culture.

I unapologetically admitted in my Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred review that I enjoyed the story much more than the base game, and again, I feel the same way as Lord of Hatred elevates the events of the previous DLC to another level. Let me explain why as best as I can.

There is a pretty tight gag order on the narrative and rightly so, because it’s incredibly good. Our old friend, Lorath, as narrator, establishes the blight and downfall of the heroes in ‘Sanctuary’ very quickly, as we get a recap of the turmoil of the last DLC. God, I had missed Lorath just as much as my character, as he is just so damn badass of a Horadrim and so likeable. 

Mephisto’s grip over the lands is tightening through his manipulation of Akarat, and this Prime Evil has never been so horrifying. Travelling to Skovos and uniting with Queen Andreona of the Amazons, you and your collective of unlikely allies are racing an eclipse and the tainting of the pools of creation and humanity, which could cause devastating effects on all of Sanctuary.

There will be squeals of excitement, there will be gasps of shock, and there definitely will be trickles of tears. The narrative is incredibly streamlined to the other DLC and the base game, not a standalone story, making for a delectably magnetic experience of investment in scenarios and such well-rounded characters.

The first noticeable addition in the load menu is the introduction of the two new classes: the more well-known ‘Paladin’, which was available to test or play on preorder, and the newly playable ‘Warlock’. The Paladin is a templar guardian-like class empowered by heaven, and the Warlock, a harnesser of demonic powers rather than a Sorcerer to conjure fire and exploit the darkness of Hell. Each has some awesomely distinct play styles, and I honestly enjoyed both, favouring the Warlock though and his demonic draw for most of my review play due to the fiendish Ultimate skill tree powers.

With the added ‘Eternal Update’ comes a plethora of system upgrades, too. You will definitely now notice that the map overlays the game with transparency for undisrupted gameplay and even a loot finder;  big QOL improvements. The skill tree has also had a HUGE overhaul and revamp.

Not only are there now a ton of new addition variants for each class, but they unlock at certain levels with more skill points available for upgrades, with the level cap now being 70, handy for a more refined build. You can now even fish, yes, fish, don’t get me started. A novel little inclusion.

Lord of Hatred has added a new character mechanic in the form of a Horadric Relic, a talisman that can be used to equip seals and charms, unlocking new buffs in order to enhance your build even further. Charms also come in Horadric sets, and equipping all from a set can add additional power.

While the general game continues to play like a similar comfy blanket, there are some endgame changes. Not quite endgame, but towards the end you *miraculously* acquire the Horadic Cube somehow. This can be used to tweak gear, make new gear or customise their appearance, etc. This can be a game-changing tinkering device and a quicker way to get into customising loot for higher Torment levels. 

Speaking of endgame, Warplans was one of my more favourable endgame activities added. As you progress down a map of up to 5 events through branching paths of activity modifications, you can get better rewards. I loved this as there was a culmination of multiple types of activities to do to get to the end, whether it be Helltide chests, Nightmare Dungeons or Lair Bosses, for example. These high-tier activities often require a heavy investment in gear optimisation, leading many players to hunt for cheap D4 gold just to keep up with the rising costs of Masterworking and enchanting.

Echoing Hatred is another event, but ultra-rare in occurrence, so much so that I never got to experience it in my review build naturally. From what I have seen, though, you can fight infinite waves of enemies, lasting longer, giving you the ultimate loot drops.

As usual with Blizzard Studios, I was often picking my jaw up off the floor at the production value. Cinematic cutscenes are beyond gorgeous, even in the most viscerally grotesque moments. I would literally pay money to watch any full-length movie this team of artistic geniuses produced. Every scene is dramatic and compelling, so much so that you can’t look away; every cinematic requires your undivided attention.

The new area of Skovos is beautifully inspired by ancient Greek or even Sicilian architecture, with crumbling greco structures and temples littering the land. Very reminiscent of the Colossus of Rhodes visually. While at times the land does feel empty, even if it is crawling with the Drowned or the new Rat King clan of enemies, the additional flooded and volcanic areas do really make it feel like the home of creation.

The sound design is on brand and, as usual, impeccable. The game is fully scored by composers, who always nail the themes and ambience with a full musical production. The sound effects are also still high impact, whether it be the roar of flames travelling across the ground at high speeds, the screech of demons off-screen, or the flicker of sparks as electricity crackles around you.

In all, Lord of Hatred completely feels like a send-off for all key characters left, and almost a love letter in the series, as it is by far the best experience I have had in the Diablo IV journey and seasons. While I would love to be wrong, as you can still build on this in places, it feels like a crescendo, as we can assume, in speculation, that Blizzard has other projects in the works.

Anyway, regardless of the motives or future DLC hopes, I am just glad that a strong tale was still the backbone of this diabolical experience. ‘Fear not, child, for Hell is no longer coming, Hell is already here…’ – Mephisto

Written by: Stacey