Diablo 4’s Leaked Class Is Reinventing the Wheel, but That’s a Good Thing

If a recent leak is to be believed, Diablo 4 may be finally adding the Paladin class. A new encrypted build of the ARPG was discovered featuring a file by the name of “2.5.Xpaladin.67961,” which many speculate is being used to test the class, ostensibly before its addition in the next expansion. After over two years of speculation, it seems like the iconic holy warrior archetype may be coming to Diablo 4 at last.

Of course, the Paladin isn’t exactly a new concept in the Diablo universe. Indeed, when compared to brand-new classes like the Spiritborn – the Glaive-wielding spiritual acrobats introduced in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred – one might even go so far as to say it is a “boring” idea, as it is ground that has been tread upon many times. However, in Diablo 4’s case, that may not actually be a bad thing.

The History of the Paladin Archetype in Diablo

One of Diablo’s Most Common Classes

Paladins have appeared in some form in most Diablo games. While the first entry lacked the archetype, Paladin was one of the base classes in Diablo 2, and was added to Diablo 3 in the Reaper of Souls expansion as the Crusader. Diablo Immortal repeated this trend, featuring the Crusader as one of its launch classes.

Only a few archetypes appear more frequently than these holy warriors. Barbarians, if one includes the Warrior of Diablo 1, have appeared in every single game. Rogues have as well, if counting D2’s Amazon and D3 and Immortal’s Demon Hunter, as does the Sorcerer when combining their appearances with the Wizard. At present, the Paladin and Crusader have shown up in three different games, the same number as the Druid and Monk. If these leaks prove true, the Paladin will tie the iconic Diablo Necromancer by appearing in every game except the first.

Classes by Appearance in Diablo Games

While some fans might be disappointed by the idea of repeating the Paladin instead of coming up with a brand-new idea – or porting over exciting Diablo Immortal classes like the Blood Knight or Tempest – there is a clear demand for a holy warrior in Diablo 4. Before Vessel of Hatred revealed the Spiritborn, Paladin and Crusader were heavily speculated to be the first post-launch classes.

What’s more, Diablo 4 is already ripe for the inclusion of the Paladin. Holy knights appear as NPCs and enemies frequently in the game, and the Cathedral of Light – who employ a great number of Crusaders and Paladins – is one of the major plot threads still dangling after the campaign. Additionally, every other playable class in the game, save Vessel of Hatred’s Spiritborn, are the “Greatest Hits” of Diablo, all of which hearken back to archetypes that began in Diablo 1 and 2, making the Paladin a perfect fit for the nostalgic lineup.

How Would the Paladin Play in Diablo 4?

While it is hard to say how Paladins would play in Diablo 4, a look at previous games can give players an idea. The class could provide a lot of buffs and utility in the form of Auras and Banners, and will likely be fierce in both close and midrange combat via melee combat and holy magic. This would be perfect for Diablo 4, as it would fill an underutilized niche, and provide a playstyle unlike any of the existing classes.

Perhaps one of the most important factors is that the Paladin would finally be able to add more relevance to Shields. This underused type of equipment has historically only been usable by Barbarians, Paladins, and Crusaders, but Necromancers in Diablo 4 are the only current class that can use them.

The Paladin may not be the most creative class Diablo 4 could get, but it may be the perfect addition all the same. Fans will have to wait and see if these Diablo 4 leaks prove to be real, and if these holy warriors will finally join the roster of Sanctuary’s heroes.

Diablo 4

9/10

Released

June 6, 2023

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language

Engine

Proprietary Engine