"Diablo 4's Expansion Post-Vessel of Hatred Delayed to 2026"

If you were eagerly anticipating a new expansion for Diablo 4 in 2025, you'll need to temper your expectations a bit. According to Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson, the next major expansion for Diablo 4 is slated for release in 2026, not 2025.

During his talk at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, Fergusson shared insights into the team's strategy for enhancing their connection with the community. He announced that they plan to adopt a content roadmap approach similar to those used for Diablo Immortal and World of Warcraft. This roadmap will outline the seasons and updates expected throughout 2025, providing players with a clear view of what's on the horizon.

However, Fergusson made it clear that the upcoming 2025 roadmap for Diablo 4 will not include the second expansion. 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."

While Fergusson didn't delve deeply into the reasons behind the delay of the second expansion, he did provide some context earlier in his talk. Initially, Blizzard had planned for annual expansions, with Vessel of Hatred set for 2024 and another expansion expected in 2025. However, Vessel of Hatred ended up being released 18 months after the game's initial launch, rather than the planned 12 months. Fergusson explained that the delay was due to the team's need to work on seasons and updates ahead of their release, as well as responding to player feedback and making necessary adjustments to live content. This shift in focus temporarily pulled resources away from Vessel of Hatred, causing a ripple effect that delayed all subsequent planned content.

Diablo 4 recently introduced its Season of Witchcraft, which brings new witchcraft powers, a fresh questline, and more to the game. 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."