5. Diablo V Classes
Johanna Faires: So Sanctuary is occupied, and survival is quite personal. But let’s shift for a second from where you are to who you effectively become. So Joe, how is the team thinking about Class identity in Diablo V?
Joe Shely: So we’ve talked about how you play as the heir to Westmarch, but of course, class identity in Diablo is fundamental. Standing around the campfire, looking at say, a demon hunter, standing there with their scarf, their twin crossbows, that’s not just any character. That’s part of who you’re choosing to be. And so today, I know we’re just announcing it, but I can announce a couple of classes here that are going to be joining Diablo V. The Demon Hunter.
Tiffany Wat: That’s Joe’s favorite class. Had to be there.
John Mueller: Scarf and all, right?
Joe Shely: John has promised me a scarf. The Demon Hunter, of course, incredible class, so agile, leaping through the air, pinning demons against the walls. How could we not bring the Demon Hunter back?
But also, the Monk will be returning. You’ll be able to once again pulpify demons with your fists. And if there are any that are out of range, call down Holy Light to smite them. But with Diablo V, we’re also going to be bringing new classes to the game.
And today, I can announce that the Plague Knight is the first new class that will be joining Diablo V. This is a heavily armored class. It’s a walking death. You’re going to be roaming the battlefield, spreading disease, and then consuming it for power.
Tiffany Wat: Sounds unsanitary, Joe.
Joe Shely: It is. We’re going to have to get the Skeleton King janitor up here, I think. But Diablo V is going to launch with more classes than ever before. And I don’t just mean more classes than another Diablo game at launch. I mean more classes total. And the thing about Diablo classes is that they’re approachable. You can jump in. You can immediately have an exciting time playing them. But there’s also deep ARPG mastery there, and a multitude of builds to explore.
| BLIZZCON 2026 DIABLO V: FORGING A NEW ERA PANEL TRANSCRIPT | ||||
| 1. Intro | 2. Story | 3. Art | 4. The World | 5. Classes |
| 6. Itemization | 7. Characters | 8. Environment | ||
