It has been announced that Diablo 4 will have multiple annual expansions, but the exact number has not been disclosed. Each expansion has the potential to introduce a new or familiar antagonist. Here are seven Diablo bosses that could possibly make a comeback in future DLC.
The upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion for Diablo 4 will feature the return of Mephisto as the main antagonist, following the defeat of Lilith. The DLC is also expected to introduce other notorious villains from the Diablo series, including The Butcher, Andariel, and Duriel.
In the upcoming Diablo 4 expansions, we can expect to see a variety of returning villains ready to wreak havoc in Sanctuary. However, it is also probable that new threats will emerge, such as vampires or other adversaries.
It is highly likely that Blizzard has a well thought out plan for their DLC roadmap, which includes the reemergence of various notorious villains from the series. There have been subtle hints towards this possibility, so here are 7 bosses who may make a comeback in Diablo 4’s DLC, and potentially even have a dedicated expansion centered around them.
Below are spoilers for Diablo 4 and previous installments.
1. Leoric: The Skeleton King
Leoric has already returned from death twice before.
Leoric, who served as the boss in both Diablo 1 and 3, was the ruler of Khanduras in Diablo 1. In that game, he and his youngest son Albrecht were both corrupted and manipulated by Diablo. In a battle against his eldest son Aiden and his companions, Leoric appeared to be defeated and vanquished. However, it was later revealed that he had merely entered a state of hibernation.
After being resurrected in Diablo 3, he once again wreaked havoc in the Cathedral, this time setting his sights on New Tristram. However, the Nephalem were able to defeat him in a boss battle. Although it is unlikely that Leoric will return in the Diablo lore, given his portrayal as somewhat of a parody in D3, there is a possibility that he could be featured as an endgame boss in Diablo 4. Similar to the Butcher, he could appear in random dungeons, requiring players to either defeat him or flee from his wrath.
Malthael: The Angel of Death
Malthael is the Angel of Death and considers humans to be demon-spawn.
After Diablo was defeated, Malthael became the final boss of Diablo 3 and took on the role of the main antagonist in the Reaper of Souls expansion. He launched an attack on Sanctuary and ruthlessly killed a significant number of its inhabitants. Despite being ultimately defeated and destroyed by the Nephalem, the question remains whether an angel can truly be eradicated, just like demons.
Malthael’s portrayal as a formidable villain was enhanced by his embodiment of the extreme elements of the Heavenly forces, following his three-game-long battle against Hell. If the character were to make a comeback in a future DLC, he would seamlessly resume his role.
3. Belial: The Lord of Lies
Belial could cause a lot of trouble if he returned.
Belial, a major boss in Diablo 3, used espionage and duplicity to bring the empire of Caldeum to its knees. Despite being defeated and absorbed into Diablo by the Nephalem, he was freed by Maltheal after the destruction of the Black Soulstone. This indicates that the Lord of Lies is now residing in Hell, most likely scheming his return.
Belial, one of the Lesser Evils, chose not to align himself with Lilith, but holds no affection for Diablo and the other Prime Evils. Despite this, he may choose to join forces with them should the offer be enticing enough. Additionally, history has shown that he has sided with his brother Azmodan in the past, suggesting that they may team up to attack Sanctuary in a future expansion for Diablo 4. Alternatively, the Lord of Lies may choose to strike out on his own.
The Historical Background
The Historical Background
Azmodan nearly conquered Sanctuary on his own.
In Diablo 3, Azmodan was a major boss who played a pivotal role in the game. Following the defeat of Belial and before the resurrection of Diablo, Azmodan acted as the primary antagonist, leading his demonic army in a siege on Sanctuary. However, after being defeated and cast into the Black Soulstone, it was revealed that Azmodan had been unknowingly manipulated by the Prime Evils in their plan to bring back Diablo. As a result, Azmodan may harbor feelings of resentment towards the Prime Evils for using him in their scheme.
Despite being a competent demon lord with a large following, Azmodan was once manipulated by the Prime Evils into leading a revolt against them. It is possible that the Lord of Sin is tired of being used as a pawn in Diablo’s game and may seek revenge and the chance to prove himself. He may form an alliance with Belial once again, or he could emerge as the primary antagonist in a future DLC for Diablo 4.
5. Baal: The God of Destruction
Baal is nearly as dangerous as Diablo and was the final boss of Diablo 2.
Baal, a Prime Evil and the brother of Diablo and Mephisto, was the main boss in Diablo 2’s Lord of Destruction expansion. After being defeated, he disappeared and was not seen until being absorbed by Diablo in D3. However, during Maltheal’s rampage, Baal was cast back to Hell.
While it is expected that Mephisto will serve as the antagonist in Diablo 4’s initial expansion, it is likely that Baal will take on the role of the primary villain in the second installment. Similar to his actions in Diablo 2, Baal may join forces with his brothers, although both he and Diablo have a history of betraying and manipulating their fellow Prime Evils when it suits their own agendas.
6. Diablo: The Lord of Terror
Diablo is always pulling the strings.
It is undeniable that Diablo’s return in a future expansion is inevitable, as he is the mastermind behind this franchise. The Lord of Terror is known for his strategic thinking and always has a plan in place to ensure his eventual comeback. In the past, he has even willingly suffered defeat if it meant achieving a greater victory in the future. Despite his actions in Diablo 3 causing him to lose support from his fellow Lords of Hell, Diablo remains the most dominant and wicked of the Prime Evils, making him self-sufficient and not reliant on their aid.
At the end of Diablo 4’s campaign, both the playable character and Lilith foreshadowed Diablo’s return. Lilith, in particular, issued a warning while standing beneath a stained glass window depicting the Prime Evil. Although humanity is expected to prevail against the forces of evil, Diablo’s possible next attack on Sanctuary is believed to be his most devastating yet. Nevertheless, he may choose to wait and observe the progress of his brothers’ invasions.
7. Lilith: Daughter of Hatred
We don’t think we’ve seen the last of the Daughter of Hatred.
Did you expect this outcome? Although it may have seemed like Lilith was defeated at the end of Diablo 4’s campaign and either killed or banished, we believe that this isn’t the final encounter with her. Lilith’s main objective is to reclaim her world, Sanctuary, and eliminate the influence of both Heaven and Hell from it. The problem is that she sees humanity as her possession and shows little concern for their well-being.
Ultimately, Lilith’s demonic nature led to her downfall, but there is a possibility of her unexpected comeback, presenting a transformed Daughter of Hatred who alters her strategies and is not solely driven by her desire for retribution and control. It is evident that Blizzard put a great deal of thought and complexity into the character of Lilith, even portraying her in a sympathetic light at times, and it is unlikely that they would simply discard her. As demons are immortal, we believe that Lilith will resurface, possibly in a future expansion of Diablo 4.
Therefore, those are the 7 Diablo bosses that have the potential to make an appearance in Diablo 4. Don’t forget to explore our additional Diablo 4 articles listed below:
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