Summary
Diablo 4’s game director, Brent Gibson, addressed player demands to add the Paladin class to the game. This response follows player feedback on the addition of a new, unfamiliar class toDiablo 4.
Warriors wielding holy magic and wearing heavy armor are a staple of the RPG genre and were featured as the Paladin and Crusader class inDiablo 2andDiablo 3, respectively. These quickly became one of the fan-favorite classes, and players have been clamoring for their return inDiablo 4. Thenew class coming toDiablo 4is Spiritborn, however, and it’s like has not yet been seen in theDiablofranchise. This caused a rift in the community between those who sing Spiritborn’s praises and others who want the classicDiabloclass with the newest expansion.
In arecent interview with Gamesradar+Diablo 4’s game director Brent Gibson and systems designer Aislyn Hall had some comments aimed at addressing the fans who wish for the Paladin class to make a return. Brent Gibson stated that they hear the fans “loud and clear” and explained that “the team wanted the opportunity to go big” with the addition of a new class instead of a sixth original.
Diablo 4 Devs Satisfied With Decision to Add Spiritborn to Vessel of Hatred
According to him, the feedback from the players who got to experience the Spiritborn during the recent Gamecom described the new class coming with theVessel of Hatred expansion inDiablo 4as “exactly what we’re looking for.” Thus, this confirmed to the game director that sticking with the new class was the right decision, rather than adding the Paladin.
The systems designer Aislyn Hall further added that she believes Spiritborn to be more suited to the Vessel of Hatred expansion, as it accurately reflects the jungle environment of the expansion. She explains that the vibe of the class would make the experience even more immersive when placed against the backdrop ofthe jungle of Nahantu, the iconicDiablo 2region making a comeback inDiablo 4.
With the theme of the jungle of Nahantu, the class ties in so well to the vibe of Vessel of Hatred - Aislyn Hall
Most fans are captivated by the Spiritborn class and express that they are looking forward to the opportunity of trying out the various builds in-game. Some, however, point out that the Paladin class would make more sense regardless of the new region coming in the Vessel of Hatred. Players will be visiting thetomb of Akarat in the new expansion, whose lore is that of the founder of Zakarum, the faith practiced by Paladins themselves.
