Holy Leak! Diablo 4 Datamine Points to a New Class, and It’s a Fan Favorite

The dark and demonic world of Diablo 4 is set to get a little brighter, as a new leak from the game’s internal files has sent the community into a frenzy. Dataminers have reportedly uncovered a server build named with a cryptic “paladin” tag, leading to widespread speculation that the long-awaited Paladin class is the next hero to join the fight against evil. This news comes just after the launch of the new Spiritborn class in the Vessel of Hatred expansion, and it points to a very deliberate roadmap from Blizzard Entertainment for the future of the game. The Paladin has been one of the most requested classes since the game’s launch, and its potential return would mark a significant moment for the franchise, bringing a classic holy warrior archetype to a modern and evolving Sanctuary. For players of the ARPG and gaming industry at large, this leak is a strong signal that the developers are listening to their community and are committed to expanding the game’s class roster in a meaningful way.

The Evidence: What We Know About the Paladin Leak

The leak, which originated from a Spanish fansite called DiabloNext and was quickly corroborated by other dataminers, is a technical one. The build name found on Blizzard’s servers, “2.5.Xpaladin.67961,” is a strong indicator that the Paladin class is in the early stages of development. Here’s a breakdown of what this leak could mean:

• The Return of the Holy Warrior: The Paladin is a staple of the Diablo series, known for its mix of melee combat, defensive abilities, and powerful auras. In previous games, the Paladin was a shield-wielding, righteous fighter who used the power of the Light to smite his enemies and protect his allies. Its return would fill a much-desired role in Diablo 4, which currently lacks a true “sword and board” hero.
• A New Expansion: The “2.5” build designation suggests that the Paladin is being developed for a future patch, likely not Season 10, which is scheduled for late September. With a new expansion already confirmed for 2026, it is highly likely that the Paladin will be the headline feature of that major content drop, similar to how the Spiritborn was introduced with Vessel of Hatred.
• A New Class, A New Playstyle: The Paladin would bring a new playstyle to Diablo 4. While the game has the Barbarian as a melee class, the Paladin’s focus on shields, holy magic, and auras would offer a distinct experience. The class could have a number of different build paths, from a tanky, defensive hero to a fast-paced, offensive one.

The Community’s Reaction and What to Expect

The leak has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from the Diablo 4 community. Players have been vocal about their desire for a holy warrior class, and the Paladin is a perfect fit. The discussions on forums and social media are a mix of excitement and speculation, with many players debating what the class’s unique mechanics and abilities will be. Some are hoping for a return of the classic auras from Diablo 2, while others are hoping for a more modern take on the class, perhaps with a system similar to the Crusader from Diablo 3. While the leak is not an official confirmation from Blizzard, it is the strongest evidence to date that the Paladin is on the way. It’s important to remember that these are just leaks, and things can change. However, the timing of the leak, just before Gamescom 2025, has many players hoping that an official announcement is imminent. The new class will likely be revealed at a major event, and Gamescom would be the perfect stage for such a reveal. The future of Diablo 4 is looking bright, and the potential addition of a new class is a major step in the right direction. For now, players will have to wait for an official announcement, but the prospect of a new holy warrior fighting to save Sanctuary is enough to keep the community hyped for what’s to come.