At BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard confirmed not only the existence ofDiablo 4, but alsothree of the five starter classesplayers will get to choose from when the game comes out. Blizzard showed off the Druid, the Sorceress, and the Barbarian, three staples of classicDiablogames. However, since they confirmed that there will be five starting classes in the game, it begs the question: what will the remaining two classes be?
The Classes Confirmed So Far
Diablo 4’s three confirmed classes so far are the Sorceress, the Druid, and the Barbarian. Each of these classes specializes in a unique way of fighting that really sets them apart from the rest. For the Sorceress, she uses magic to harness the power of the elements to deal massive damage and control the field. She can use electricity, fire, and ice to rack up damage or freeze foes in their place.
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Thereturning Druid classbecomes one with nature to either pummel nearby foes into the ground with beastly attacks or damage enemies from afar with elemental fury. Lastly, the Barbarian excels at leaping into the fray and slashing away at everything with primal fury. These classes have been in theDiablofranchise before, but their abilities have been updated forDiablo 4.
Classes in Previous Games
TheDiabloseries has featured several classes that could make a return inDiablo 4. There are two slots to fill forDiablo 4’s starting classes, but there are well-over two classes to choose from inDiablohistory.Diablo 2andDiablo 3both featured 5 starting classes to choose from, each with very different rosters. While there is a chance that Blizzard may create an entirely new class, there are some great choices already in place within the series that would fit well into the gritty,bloody gameplay ofDiablo 4.
All three of the currently announced classes are inDiablo 2, so there is a good chance the remaining classes may come from there as well.Diablo 2’sstarting classes were the Amazon, the Necromancer, and Paladin in addition to the Sorceress and Barbarian. The Assassin and Druid were added to the game later.Diablo 3featured some new classes to try out, as well as some familiar ones. The starting classes forDiablo 3were Barbarian, Witch Doctor, Wizard, Monk, and Demon Hunter. Crusader and Necromancer were added later on. While none of the other classes were seen in theDiablo 4gameplay reveal trailer, it doesn’t mean they aren’t coming to the game. Even if they are not a starting class, some classes will likely be added later on as DLC.
Class Stat Breakdown
If looking at stat archetypes, the Druid and Sorceress are likely Intelligence-based classes, though Druid could also favor Strength as well. Barbarian is classically Strength, which means that at the moment there are no Dexterity-based classes to choose from. Classically, the Demon Hunter, Monk, Rogue, and sometimes Assassin relied on Dexterity, while the Amazon benefited from both Strength and Dexterity - depending on build. Necromancer and Witch Doctor are both classically Intelligence-based, so there’s a chance one of them might make the cut (Wizard is as well, but theSorceress abilitiesare too similar to a Wizard to have both). Paladin and Crusader rely on Strength, so one of them may make the cut as well, though they are pretty similar overall since they are both holy warriors.
Different Playstyles
Looking at the three starting classes so far, one is geared as a close-quarters melee fighter, one is a ranged spellcaster, and one splits the difference and features both styles. The Druid also features pets as well, so it has the “pet class” archetype covered (sorry Witch Doctor). The perfect balance would be another melee fighter and another ranged fighter to have a good mix of playstyles. Again, this would lend itself well to theDiablo 2classes like the Paladin and the Amazon, as both feature a mix of ranged and close-combat abilities that could fill nearly any needed role for co-op play orPvP combat inDiablo 4.
The Necromancer fills more of a ranged or pet class role, though has some more close-ranged possibilities depending on the skills available. Monk is usually pretty close range as well, while Demon Hunter is almost exclusively long-range (save for Impale Demon Hunter builds). While theBarbarian’s abilities inDiablo 4make him perfect to be a heavy hitting tank, players will likely want at least one more tank character to have some variety in melee fighting.
InDiablo 4, two more classes are still a mystery, but there is a good chance they will be a returning class - perhaps even fromDiablo 2like the other three starting characters. The most likely candidates right now seem to be the Amazon and the Paladin (or Crusader, since they are similar), as that would make all the returning classes be fromDiablo 2. Regardless, players will just have to wait and see what new classes will join thefight against Lilith inDiablo 4as time goes on.
Diablo 4is currently in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
