Should You Buy Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred After IGN’s Review?

After IGN officially awarded it an 8/10 (Great), Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred has quickly become a hot topic among ARPG fans. But what makes this expansion stand out isn’t just the score—it’s how it reshapes the core experience of Diablo IV.

Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Review (IGN 8/10) – The Most Compelling Expansion Yet?

Since the beginning of the IGN First campaign, many pieces have been revealed, showcasing the quality and level of investment put into this expansion, Blizzard now delivers a clear answer: refine what matters most and make the game feel engaging from the moment you jump in.

A short but engaging story driven by Mephisto

The campaign in Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred lasts around eight hours and takes players to Skovos, a brand-new region filled with diverse environments—from misty coastlines to volcanic landscapes. Beyond its visual appeal, Skovos plays a key role in reinforcing the dark, oppressive atmosphere the series is known for.

At the center of the story is Mephisto, one of Diablo’s most iconic Prime Evils. According to IGN, the narrative leans into more mature themes, exploring faith and manipulation. While some critics note that the campaign feels a bit short and doesn’t fully reach its potential, it still serves its purpose well: leading players into what truly matters—the endgame.

New classes: Paladin and Warlock bring more flexible builds

One of the highlights of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred is the introduction of two new classes: Paladin and Warlock. The Paladin offers a familiar playstyle focused on defense and powerful auras, while the Warlock opens up a more flexible approach with summoning and transformation abilities.

However, the real strength lies not just in the new classes, but in how the systems around them have evolved. Skill Tree 2.0 ensures that every choice has a meaningful impact on gameplay, while the Talisman System reduces reliance on traditional set items, giving players more freedom in how they build their characters.

On top of that, the long-awaited Loot Filter makes gear management far more efficient, eliminating unnecessary clutter and allowing players to focus on what truly matters. As a result, character building feels smoother, clearer, and much more accessible.

Endgame improvements – the true highlight

According to IGN, the endgame is where this expansion truly shines.

The War Plans system streamlines access to activities, removing the need for excessive travel or preparation before jumping into action. This creates a much smoother gameplay flow and a satisfying loop: fight, refine your build, and take on greater challenges.

Additional features like Torment 12 increase the difficulty ceiling, while Echoing Hatred introduces a horde-style mode to truly test your build. Even lighter activities such as fishing are included, offering brief moments of downtime between intense battles.

All of this contributes to a more engaging and sustainable endgame—something the base version of Diablo IV previously struggled with.

Pros and Cons of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred

Pros:

• Significantly improved endgame with smoother pacing
• More flexible and accessible build system
• Addictive gameplay loop that keeps you engaged
• Dark, atmospheric tone true to the Diablo identity

Cons:

• Campaign is relatively short and not fully explored
• Exploration takes a backseat to progression
• Co-op progression still needs improvement

Should you buy Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred?

The short answer is: Yes, especially if you enjoyed Diablo IV or have been waiting for a reason to return. Rather than reinventing everything, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred focuses on refining the core experience—making combat feel more satisfying and progression more rewarding right from the start. An 8/10 score from IGN may not be perfect, but it clearly shows that Blizzard is moving in the right direction.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an ARPG with a compelling endgame, flexible builds, and a faster gameplay pace, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred is absolutely worth considering right now. This isn’t just a return to Sanctuary, it’s a chance to experience Diablo IV the way it was meant to be played.

Be sure to check out IGN’s dedicated Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred review coverage. With so many positive impressions from critics, there’s little reason to pass on this expansion. Don’t forget to visit our price comparison platform to pre-order Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred at the cheapest price.