With Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred having the chance to settle in the months after its launch, players are finally getting a clearer picture of what Blizzard has in store for the future of the game. In a recent campfire chat, the Diablo 4 developers discussed changes that would be coming in the upcoming Season 7 update scheduled to launch early next year. Among the items discussed was the addition of the new seasonal mechanic Witchcraft, which could sound familiar to fans of one classic Diablo class.
Despite having just released Vessel of Hatred, it's clear Blizzard intends to keep the content train rolling for Diablo 4 and adhere to its plan of yearly expansions for the game. Going by this roadmap would suggest that another expansion the size of Vessel of Hatred could be launched around the same time in 2025, and the cliffhanger of Vessel of Hatred's ending warrants a follow-up story. Like the Spiritborn was for this first expansion, players will likely see another new class added in the next one, and the Witchcraft mechanic of Season 7 could be giving players a taste of what's to come.
Diablo 4 Will Need a Shot in the Arm in December 2024
With a similar game launching in December 2024, Diablo 4 will need to do something big to avoid being overshadowed and placed on the back burner.
Diablo 4 Season 7's Witchcraft Theme Would Be the Perfect Prelude to the Witch Doctor's Addition
Among the most exciting features announced to be coming in Diablo 4 Season 7 is the new seasonal power known as Witchcraft. These powers sound similar to the Vampiric powers added in Diablo 4 Season 2, where players could earn and equip specific powers by using potent blood unlocked during the seasonal quest line. Witchcraft looks like it will follow a similar trajectory, with players needing to unlock and equip specific powers before they will be able to use them.
While some of these powers sound like wild new additions, such as one that will allow Diablo 4 players to summon exploding frogs, Season 7 shouldn't be the only time players get to experiment with Witchcraft. The series is no stranger to dark magic, as Diablo 3 introduced the brand-new Witch Doctor class that emphasized the use of magic and summons to slay the demonic hordes. If Diablo 4 is planning to bring the Witch Doctor class back in a future expansion, then teasing players with the Season 7 Witchcraft mechanic would be a great way to herald its return.
Although the Witch Doctor was a brand-new class in Diablo 3, it utilized similar skills as past Diablo classes such as the Sorcerer, Druid, and Necromancer.
Why the Witch Doctor Would Be Perfect for Diablo 4
While some might see the Spiritborn as Diablo 4's replacement for the Witch Doctor, the two classes could actually be the perfect complement to each other. Many players view the Spiritborn as a combination of Diablo 4's Druid and Diablo 3's Monk, and while this argument is valid, it also shows where the Witch Doctor could fit into the class line-up. A core part of the Witch Doctor's kit is its ability to summon zombies and vermin, making it a close cousin of the Necromancer, but there is still a lot of room to make Diablo 4's version of the Witch Doctor unique.
Aside from summoning minions, Witch Doctors can also wield ceremonial daggers as their primary weapons, making them similar to the Rogue in terms of basic weapon attacks. A Diablo 4 Witch Doctor could combine a number of elements from two popular classes in the Necromancer and the Rogue, leaning into the agility of the Rogue with the Crowd Control support offered by minions to create a brand-new play style. Although the ending of Vessel of Hatred leaves a Paladin or Crusader-type class the likely next option, Season 7's Witchcraft mechanic should open the door for the Witch Doctor's return as well.
Diablo 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
WHERE TO PLAY
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action-RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot.
Embark on the epic campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through a gripping story in a beautifully dark world, or explore an expansive end game: battle iconic bosses for powerful loot, fight back the encroaching onslaught of Hell in Helltides, master the Forge to create your ultimate weapons and progress powerful characters, with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.
Discover the critically acclaimed franchise that defined the Action RPG genre. As the battle between the High Heavens and Burning Hells rages on, hatred devours Sanctuary as evil spreads and a new wave of cultists and worshippers arise to embrace Lilith’s coming. Only a brave few dare to face this threat and bring light to the all-consuming darkness.
Expansive Open WorldForge your own path through the corrupted lands of Sanctuary, an ever-growing, fully explorable world teeming with challenges, quests, enemies, and loot. Join your fellow adventurers, rescue and retake besieged towns, delve into nightmarish dungeons and uncover lost secrets as you fight back evil. The many zones of Sanctuary are yours to explore, and with rotating areas of extreme peril like World Bosses and Helltide, danger lurks at every turn.
Immersive Character DevelopmentCreate and customize your character to face the encroaching darkness. Choose from one of five classes and build your hero with skills, abilities and cosmetics, creating a champion that is uniquely your own. Grow stronger as you progress through powerful Skill Trees and develop even more unique end game specializations with Paragon Boards.
Legendary Gear, Epic BattlesDiscover and experiment with a vast arsenal of powerful weapons, armor and more to fight back against the demons threatening Sanctuary. Explore unique combinations, create your own upgrades and collect a plethora of powerful tools to battle in immersive, action-packed combat against the deadliest of enemies.
Seasons & EventsThe tales of Sanctuary continue to unfold. Create Seasonal Characters and join in fresh adventures - master new mechanics and take on the latest threats in each new Season. Complete harrowing feats of the Season Journey and earn new Battle Pass rewards. Plus, sharpen your swords and get in the spirit of the seasons when Limited-Time Events sweep through Sanctuary.
End Game UndertakingsThere’s even more Diablo® IV to explore as you reach higher levels and more fearsome World Tiers. Face the greatest challenge yet as you take on the most powerful demons in The Pit, steel yourself against Uber Bosses to reap uber unique rewards, fight back overflowing armies of Hell as Helltides emerge across Sanctuary, battle larger-than-life World Bosses, and master the Forge to create the mightiest weapons fit for a hero.
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
