Blizzard has officially confirmed that Diablo IV’s expansion schedule won’t follow an annual release cycle, with the second expansion set to arrive sometime in 2026. This shift in approach marks a departure from the original plan to release expansions every year, similar to Destiny 2’s early model. While some players may be disappointed, the decision reflects Blizzard’s focus on delivering polished content rather than rushing updates.
Why the Delay?
The first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, was initially expected within a year of launch, but it slipped by six months due to ongoing bug fixes, community feedback, and the challenges of maintaining a live-service game. According to Diablo franchise boss Rod Ferguson, Blizzard wants to ensure the next expansion meets player expectations without compromising quality.
At DICE Summit 2025, Ferguson explained that while a roadmap for Diablo IV’s future will be revealed before Season 8, the second expansion won’t be included, as it’s slated for 2026. However, players can still look forward to upcoming seasonal content and improvements to the game.
Building Player Trust
Blizzard is shifting its approach to live-service development by emphasizing transparency over surprise content drops. Public test servers and broader roadmaps will give players a clearer idea of what to expect. Lessons from previous patches, such as the controversial 1.1 nerfs, have influenced this strategy to ensure a more engaging and rewarding experience for the Diablo IV community.
Get Ready for Season 8
Diablo IV Season 8 is set to launch in April 2025, bringing new gameplay updates and balance changes. While players wait for the next expansion, there’s still plenty to experience in Sanctuary.
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