Diablo 4's Expansion Post-Vessel of Hatred Delayed to 2026

If you were eagerly anticipating a new expansion for *Diablo 4* in 2025, you'll need to adjust your expectations. According to Rod Fergusson, the general manager of Diablo, the next major expansion for the game is slated for release in 2026, not 2025.

During his recent talk at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, Fergusson shared insights into the future of *Diablo 4*. He emphasized the team's commitment to enhancing their relationship with the community by adopting strategies similar to those used in *Diablo Immortal* and *World of Warcraft*. This includes the release of content roadmaps. Fergusson announced that a roadmap detailing the 2025 plans for *Diablo 4*, including seasons and updates, will be available soon. However, he made it clear that this roadmap will not include the next expansion, as it is scheduled for 2026.

"In 2025, or just before Season 8, we will have a 2025 roadmap for *Diablo 4*. Now, our second expansion won't be on that roadmap, because our second expansion is coming in 2026, but at least players will have the road ahead," Fergusson stated.

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Fergusson did not delve deeply into the reasons behind the delay of the second expansion, but he did provide some context earlier in his talk. Initially, Blizzard had planned to release expansions annually, with *Vessel of Hatred* set for 2024 and another expansion expected in 2025. However, *Vessel of Hatred* ended up being released 18 months after the game's launch, rather than the intended 12 months. Fergusson explained that this delay was due to the team's need to work a season or two ahead while also responding to player feedback and making necessary adjustments to live content. These adjustments temporarily diverted resources from *Vessel of Hatred*, causing a ripple effect that pushed back all subsequent planned content.

*Diablo 4* has recently launched its Season of Witchcraft, introducing new witchcraft powers, an engaging questline, and more. The base game of *Diablo 4* received a stellar 9/10 rating from us, praised for its "stunning sequel with near perfect endgame and progression design that makes it absolutely excruciating to put down."