Fans of Diablo 4 recently encountered disappointing news from Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, who shared on his Bluesky account that the eagerly anticipated expansion for the action RPG might be delayed until 2026. Released initially in the summer of 2023, Diablo 4 had set high expectations for robust ongoing content, particularly in the form of DLC expansions.
Last year, players finally enjoyed the first DLC, Vessel of Hatred, which was welcomed with great enthusiasm. The update introduced the new Nahantu region and debuted the Spiritborn class. While the fresh content was exciting, Vessel of Hatred also fell short in some areas for many fans. If Jason Schreier’s report holds true, the absence of a new DLC this year could be a letdown. However, there’s a chance that Blizzard’s deviation from its expansion schedule might bring benefits, despite initial appearances.
While attending DICE in Las Vegas on February 12, Schreier sat in on a Blizzard panel where Diablo GM Rod Fergusson confirmed that the next DLC would not arrive until an unspecified time in 2026. This development is particularly unfortunate given Blizzard’s earlier promises for more frequent expansion announcements.
After Diablo 4’s launch, Fergusson had stated that the game would receive annual expansions alongside quarterly seasonal updates to keep the post-launch enthusiasm alive. Although the scheduled seasonal updates have continued, the potential absence of a 2025 DLC indicates a step back from Blizzard’s original plans. This could frustrate many players who relied on consistent content updates. Without new DLC this year, the Diablo 4 community could face discontent, risking a waning interest in the game. Regaining player interest after a prolonged content gap might be challenging. Yet, on the flip side, the delay could lead to a higher quality expansion than Vessel of Hatred.
Diablo 4 secured its spot as Blizzard’s fastest-selling title, earning over $650 million in just five days. From the perspective of gameplay, Vessel of Hatred added substantial value with a popular new class. However, the expansion’s story seemed to only hint at what could be explored further. The absence of a new World Boss and the co-op-only controversy around Dark Citadel were notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, Vessel of Hatred was a strong DLC, and if Blizzard receives more development time, a delayed expansion might prove worthwhile.
As it stands, Diablo 4 is currently in its seventh season, known as the Season of Witchcraft. The update features intriguing witchcraft powers, such as Eldritch, Psyche, and Growth & Decay, along with new demons called the Headrotten and a raven pet named Dorian.
Looking ahead, Diablo 4 finds itself facing significant competition in 2025. Even if the decision to delay expansions proves beneficial, any upcoming DLC will need to make a significant impact. Since its release last December, Path of Exile 2 has emerged as a strong competitor, and Diablo 4’s deferment of new content might be risky. Although Schreier’s report appears credible, Blizzard has not issued an official announcement, so things could still change. If no new DLC launches this year, 2026 will need to offer content that makes the wait worthwhile.
