While reviewing Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred last week, I spent a good 20 minutes simply lost in the new warlock skill tree. Blizzard has stuffed so many different skills and upgrades into this expansion that it is difficult to process them all at once. Beyond the new class, six existing classes have also undergone significant reworks.
Massive Skill Tree Reworks in Diame 4: Lord of Hatred
The changes extend far beyond the warlock. I noticed some truly transformative options for the Sorceress, such as the ability to turn burning meteors into icy comets. However, the real game-changers are found within the Druid and Necromancer trees.
Druid skills are no longer strictly tied to specific shapeshifting forms. Instead, you can now select which form a skill transforms you into directly within the skill tree for free. This offers incredible flexibility for players who want to:
- Play as a purely human druid using only storm and earth skills.
- Build around specific items that grant bonuses for sticking to one form.
- Avoid playing as a bear the entire time if that isn't your preferred playstyle.
The Rise of the Undead General: Necromancer Buffs
Necromancers are arguably the biggest winners in Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred. Blizzard has effectively promoted them to undead generals, giving them the power to command more minions than ever before. With the right items, players can gather up to 28 skeletons at once and finally direct them to attack specific targets.
The skill tree overhaul changes how your minions function on the battlefield:
- Skeletal mages are now summoned using a new version of mana and essence.
- Skeletal warriors appear passively whenever there are corpses nearby.
- Golems have been added to the tree for those who want one massive brute to smash enemies.
The Book of the Dead—the Necromancer's unique, minion-focused mechanic—will still allow you to sacrifice minions for powerful stat bonuses. However, it will no longer prevent you from summoning weaker versions of them during combat. This allows you to use them purely as tanks or specialized damage-dealers to activate specific gear effects.
Blizzard has clearly put extra effort into ensuring Druids and Necromancers can take full advantage of the new era of customization in loot, crafting, and skills. The expansion is set to launch on April 27 (April 28 for some regions), and all these features will be available from the moment you begin the new campaign.
