News May 6, 2026

Diablo 4's Lord of Hatred expansion brings a conclusive end to the storyline started in the base game of Blizzard's live-service ARPG, but already players are wondering what comes next. According to those following Diablo 4's lore, it might not be Diablo himself.

Mephisto's defeat in the expansion brings an end to the Age of Hatred, wrapping up the storyline that started in 2023 with Diablo 4's release. Lilith is gone for the time being, having been defeated in the base game, and her connection to the player-character severed in Lord of Hatred. Mephisto is sent into the Void, from which he can't reform in Hell.

What Changed

The expansion wraps up a narrative arc that has defined Diablo 4 since launch. Key lore developments include:

Mephisto has been defeated and banished to the Void, where he reportedly cannot reform in Hell

The Age of Hatred storyline concludes with this chapter

Lilith remains absent after her defeat in the base game

A power vacuum exists in Sanctuary with both major antagonists removed from play

What This Means for Players

That leaves a bit of a power vacuum in Sanctuary, and while many fans would likely love to see the franchise's namesake appear as the next big bad of Diablo 4, the more likely candidate is Baal, the Lord of Destruction. For players invested in lore-driven content, this shift means future seasonal narratives may pivot away from the trilogy of Prime Evils that defined earlier entries. Build considerations around demonic enemies may face changes if new antagonist factions emerge instead.

What's Next

Blizzard has not announced what storyline will follow Lord of Hatred's conclusion. Lore analysts suggest Baal represents a more likely candidate for future expansion content than Diablo, given the current narrative vacuum. Players should monitor official Blizzard communications for hints about the direction of Season 7 and beyond as the team works to establish new threats in Sanctuary.