Diablo 4 is set to introduce its first new class since launch with the Spiritborn, coinciding with the highly anticipated Vessel of Hatred expansion.
The Vessel of Hatred expansion for Diablo 4 will unveil a new region, storyline, and the Spiritborn class. This unique voodoo practitioner will also be playable during Season 6 of Diablo 4, which will launch simultaneously with the expansion.
Officially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, the Spiritborn class marks the first arrival of a new character in Diablo 4 since its release. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what we know so far.
The Vessel of Hatred expansion will introduce the Spiritborn class and their homeland.
When will the Spiritborn class be available in Diablo 4?
The Spiritborn Class will be available as part of the Vessel of Hatred expansion starting October 8, 2024.
To access the new Spiritborn class, players will need to purchase the expansion. Players involved in Season 6 can only utilize the Spiritborn if they have the expansion installed.
Spiritborn Class Reveal
Blizzard showcased gameplay footage of the Spiritborn class on July 18, providing insights into the class design, gameplay, lore, and more.
A gameplay trailer for this character class accompanied the streaming event.
What do we know about the Spiritborn class in Diablo 4?
The Spiritborn class is inspired by the trends established in Diablo Immortal, focusing on creating a new character instead of reusing previous ones. This class is native to the new Nahantu region introduced in the DLC and represents a warrior sect that has risen to defend their homeland against Mephisto.
Developers at Blizzard designed the agile Spiritborn class with influences from martial arts and the lush jungle of Nahantu. Eschewing heavy armor, these characters embody various elements of nature.
With a focus on speed and dexterity, the Spiritborn is set to be the fastest class in Diablo 4.
Similarities with the Witch Doctor
Much like the Witch Doctor, the Spiritborn carries a voodoo priest vibe, inviting speculation about potential similarities between the two classes. In Diablo 4, the Necromancer masters death, and the Druid commands nature, leaving little room for a class that merges their traits as the Witch Doctor does in Diablo 3.
This might explain Blizzard’s decision to create a new class for the Kurast region in Vessel of Hatred that leans more towards an Aztec theme rather than focusing solely on Voodoo. Additionally, it may draw inspiration from newer classes introduced in Diablo Immortal, such as the Tempest.
In terms of lore, the Spiritborn class aims to protect their homeland from Mephisto, who is known as one of the Prime Evils, being the father of Lilith and brother to Diablo. Mephisto’s destruction of Kurast in Diablo 2 serves as a historical backdrop, motivating the Spiritborn to join the battle, similar to the Witch Doctors’ involvement in Diablo 3.
What to expect from Spiritborn class gameplay
The Spiritborn class gameplay integrates aspects of both the Witch Doctor and the Monk, described by developers as a class that can “triumph over any foe with their imbued weapons, execute powerful combo attacks, and enhance their abilities with deadly poisons and shadow magic to eliminate demons seamlessly.”
During the reveal stream on July 18, developers highlighted that the Spiritborn class can summon spirit guardians like the Centipede, Eagle, Gorilla, and Jaguar, each embodying distinct martial arts characteristics.
The Centipede will inflict powerful damage while offering crowd control and life-stealing capabilities. The Eagle spirit focuses on movement speed, ranged damage, and precision strikes. Meanwhile, the Gorilla spirit emphasizes damage reduction and defense, alongside the Jaguar spirit, which centers around movement, AoE damage, and agility.
Utilizing these guardians in battle will not only fend off adversaries but also empower the Spiritborn character. Players can choose to enhance a single guardian or learn abilities from various spirits, as mentioned by the developers.
In the Q&A session, developers noted that the new class will wield only two-handed weapons and utilize a resource known as Vigor, which is generated by applying Basic Skills.
Furthermore, while the Druid transforms into and summons animals, the Spiritborn channels guardian spirits, differentiating the two classes.
Additionally, the Vessel of Hatred expansion will introduce two new weapon types: the Glaive and Quarter Staff.
Players who purchase the DLC will have access to the Spiritborn class and can use it to progress through the original campaign as well.
The Ultimate Edition of the Vessel of Hatred expansion includes a special War-Cat mount.
Deep Dive into Spirit Guardians
A detailed video shared by Blizzard explores how each of the Spirit Guardians enhances gameplay. Narrative Designer Eleni Rivera-Colon notes that these spirits have evolved alongside the Spirit Realm over millennia.
The mightiest Guardians can be summoned by the Spiritborn to extend their martial arts capabilities.
The Jaguar spirit, known as Rezoka, the Hunter, is characterized by its fiery nature, easily leaping into combat and striking foes. The Eagle spirit, Kwatli, manifests with intense mobility and can drop into battle with powerful lightning strikes, even allowing the Spiritborn to teleport briefly during combat.
Wumba, the Guardian, embodies the Gorilla spirit, symbolizing protection and strength, allowing it to dominate in battle. Lastly, the Centipede, referred to as Balazan, the Devourer, illustrates the cycle of life, emphasizing decay through poison and bile in combat.
Developer Insights on the Spiritborn Class
Spiritborn exemplifies an ancient warrior lineage with significant Mesoamerican influences from the Nahantu region, using ancestral spirits and the rich magic of their jungle environment.
Game Director Rod Fergusson shared with Windows Central that Spiritborn represents a novel gameplay style for Diablo.
“We aimed for a completely different experience,” Fergusson articulated. “This is what you see with the Spiritborn. It’s a reflection of our journey to Nahantu, warranting a class that aligns with that theme.”
This concludes our insights into the new Spiritborn class, poised to launch alongside the Vessel of Hatred expansion and Season 6.
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