Diablo 4’s Decision to Delay Expansion Release Carries Significant Risks

Fans of Diablo 4 were met with some unexpected news recently when Jason Schreier of Bloomberg shared on his Bluesky account that the eagerly awaited next expansion for the beloved action RPG may be postponed until 2026. Diablo 4 made its debut in the summer of 2023, thrilling fans with promises of dynamic ongoing content, especially in terms of downloadable expansions.

Last year marked the release of the game’s first DLC, Vessel of Hatred. This addition brought excitement to many players by introducing the Nahantu region and the new Spiritborn class. While it added a fresh layer to the game, there were elements of Vessel of Hatred that didn’t quite hit the mark. If Schreier’s insights hold true, the absence of a new DLC this year might be a letdown. Yet, there is a silver lining: Blizzard stepping back from its expected release schedule might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

An intriguing development surfaced on February 12, when Jason Schreier attended a panel at DICE in Las Vegas. At the event, Diablo’s General Manager Rod Fergusson reportedly stated that the next downloadable content would not see the light until sometime in 2026. This is a noteworthy shift, given Blizzard’s previous commitment to more frequent expansion announcements.

Shortly after its release, Rod Fergusson had mentioned that Diablo 4 was set to enjoy annual expansions alongside quarterly season updates to keep its post-launch buzz alive. Although the game has maintained its seasonal updates, missing out on a 2025 DLC signals a departure from Blizzard’s original plans. This may cause discontent among players banking on consistent content drops. The lack of a new DLC might shake up the community, potentially leading to a decline in player interest, which could be challenging to recover. On a positive note, this delay might allow Blizzard to ensure its next expansion greatly improves upon what Vessel of Hatred introduced.

The reception of Vessel of Hatred offered some high notes. The introduction of the Spiritborn class was well-received, but the storyline felt as though it only began to uncover a larger narrative. Criticism arose due to the absence of a new World Boss and the controversial focus on the Dark Citadel’s co-op gameplay. Despite these areas for improvement, Vessel of Hatred laid a solid foundation. If Blizzard takes advantage of the extra time, the extended wait for the next expansion may well be worth it.

Let’s not overlook the fact that Diablo 4 carved a name for itself, swiftly becoming Blizzard’s fastest-selling game with over $650 million in sales in just five days. Now, as the game moves into its seventh season, known as the Season of Witchcraft, players are engaging with novel features like Eldritch powers and battling new adversaries, such as the Headrotten demons.

Looking ahead to 2025, Diablo 4 faces formidable competition. The release of Path of Exile 2 late last year has certainly turned heads. Skipping a year of new content might leave Diablo 4 at a disadvantage in retaining its player base. While Schreier’s information appears credible, Blizzard has yet to issue an official statement, which leaves room for potential changes. As fans wait, the hope is that 2026 will unveil content that makes this lengthy hiatus worthwhile.