WithDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatredhaving the chance to settle in the months after its launch, players are finally getting a clearer picture of what Blizzard has in store for the future of the game. In a recent campfire chat, theDiablo 4developers discussed changes that would be coming in the upcoming Season 7 update scheduled to launch early next year. Among the items discussed was the addition of the new seasonal mechanic Witchcraft, which could sound familiar to fans of one classicDiabloclass.
Despite having just released Vessel of Hatred, it’s clear Blizzard intends to keep the content train rolling forDiablo 4and adhere to its plan of yearly expansions for the game. Going by this roadmap would suggest that another expansion the size of Vessel of Hatred could be launched around the same time in 2025, and the cliffhanger of Vessel of Hatred’s ending warrants a follow-up story. Like the Spiritborn was for this first expansion, players will likely see another new class added in the next one, and theWitchcraft mechanic of Season 7could be giving players a taste of what’s to come.
Diablo 4 Season 7’s Witchcraft Theme Would Be the Perfect Prelude to the Witch Doctor’s Addition
Among the most exciting features announced to be coming inDiablo 4 Season 7is the new seasonal power known as Witchcraft. These powers sound similar to theVampiric powers added inDiablo 4 Season 2, where players could earn and equip specific powers by using potent blood unlocked during the seasonal quest line. Witchcraft looks like it will follow a similar trajectory, with players needing to unlock and equip specific powers before they will be able to use them.
While some of these powers sound like wild new additions, such as one that willallowDiablo 4players to summon exploding frogs, Season 7 shouldn’t be the only time players get to experiment with Witchcraft. The series is no stranger to dark magic, asDiablo 3introduced the brand-new Witch Doctor class that emphasized the use of magic and summons to slay the demonic hordes. IfDiablo 4is planning to bring the Witch Doctor class back in a future expansion, then teasing players with the Season 7 Witchcraft mechanic would be a great way to herald its return.
Although the Witch Doctor was a brand-new class inDiablo 3, it utilized similar skills as pastDiabloclasses such as the Sorcerer, Druid, and Necromancer.
Why the Witch Doctor Would Be Perfect for Diablo 4
While some might see the Spiritborn asDiablo 4’s replacement for the Witch Doctor, the two classes could actually be the perfect complement to each other. Many players view theSpiritborn as a combination ofDiablo 4’s Druid andDiablo 3’s Monk, and while this argument is valid, it also shows where the Witch Doctor could fit into the class line-up. A core part of the Witch Doctor’s kit is its ability to summon zombies and vermin, making it a close cousin of the Necromancer, but there is still a lot of room to makeDiablo 4’s version of the Witch Doctor unique.
Aside from summoning minions, Witch Doctors can also wield ceremonial daggers as their primary weapons, making them similar to the Rogue in terms of basic weapon attacks. ADiablo 4Witch Doctorcould combine a number of elements from two popular classes in the Necromancer and the Rogue, leaning into the agility of the Rogue with the Crowd Control support offered by minions to create a brand-new play style. Although the ending of Vessel of Hatred leaves a Paladin or Crusader-type class the likely next option, Season 7’s Witchcraft mechanic should open the door for the Witch Doctor’s return as well.
Diablo 4
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Diablo® IV is the ultimate action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or explore an expansive end game and shared world where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle world bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play, cross-progression, and couch co-op on Xbox.This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.
