Diablo 4’s Leaked New Class May Not Be Exactly What it Says on the Box

If recent leaks are to be believed, the Paladin may finally be coming to Diablo 4. Originally introduced in Diablo 2 and later reimagined as the Crusader, the Paladin archetype is not only iconic to the series but also one of the classes fans have wanted to see the most in Diablo 4. Now, it seems that wish may finally be coming true.

However, there is a possibility that this potential new class might not be what players expect. Though the leaked file called “2.5.Xpaladin.67961” is what started these Diablo 4 class rumors, the final version – assuming it exists – may take the form of any number of holy warriors in Sanctuary’s history. From Paladins and Crusaders to Templars and Knights Penitent, there are many different heavenly soldiers a Diablo 4 class could be.

The Many Flavors of Diablo Paladins

diablo 4 paladin speculation crusader templar knight penitent

All the Paladin-esque knights of Sanctuary share many things in common: they are all heavily armored followers of the Order of Zakarum or its offshoots who wield holy magic. That said, many of Diablo‘s classic Paladin archetypes have subtle differences between them.

The Classic Paladin – The Extinct Diablo Holy Warrior

The first group of holy knights to be introduced to Sanctuary, both in lore and as a playable class, were the Paladins. Several orders existed, such as the Protectors of the Word, the Hand of Zakarum, and the Knights of Westmarch, but most were corrupted, defunct, or destroyed by the time of Diablo 3, meaning proper Paladins are practically extinct.

For instance, the ghost of former Knight of Westmarch Carthas – the canonical name of the Diablo 2 Paladin character – appeared in Diablo 4 as an optional quest boss in Hawezar. The hero died while containing the corruption of Mephisto within the body of Sankekur, his former host, and is laid to rest by the Wanderer. Taking up the mantle of the OG Paladins would be meaningful and nostalgic, albeit difficult to explain without some new lore.

The Zakaruum Crusader – A Recurring Diablo Class

Crusaders were not only the spiritual successors to the Paladin gameplay, but also within the lore as well. Secretly created by the cleric Akkhan in response to the corruption of the Paladin orders, the Crusaders originated as a purifying answer to their predecessors. Over the years, they devoted themselves to the purgation of Mephisto’s taint both in and out of the Zakarum church (a task that is far from finished, even in Diablo 4).

There are tons of Crusaders in Diablo 4 and Vessel of Hatred. The Wanderer helps pass on the mantle of Johanna, the canonical female Crusader from Diablo 3, during a Diablo 4 Hawezar side quest and encounters many of them in Nahantu as well. Being able to play one of these knights as they seek to recover from Mephisto’s influence would make perfect sense with the lore as it stands.

The Templar Order – A Diablo 3 Follower-Only Option

The Templars are perhaps the most enigmatic on this list. Created in a similar fashion to the Crusaders, these knights only appear in Diablo 3, with Kormac, one of the three available followers, being the primary example. Unfortunately, the Templars come into conflict with the remnants of the Knights of Westmarch, Malthael, and eventually, the Nephalem; by the end of Diablo 3, the Templar Order is all but destroyed. Even so, Kormac seemed intent on finding his brethren, so it is possible that the Templars could somehow survive to see the Age of Hatred and become playable in Diablo 4.

Knights Penitent – Defectors from Diablo 4 Antagonists

Diablo‘s Knights Penitent are the ones Diablo 4 players would be most familiar with, as they make up one of the major factions, and later enemies, in the game. Seemingly formed by Inarius after Diablo 3, the order militant of the Cathedral of Light are dogmatic and brutal soldiers who serve Prava.

The Wanderer ends Diablo 4 on the Knights Penitent’s bad side. Of course, that dangling plot thread may be addressed in Diablo 4’s next expansion, meaning a playable defector from the Knights Penitent would make perfect sense for the DLC. There are many pathways Diablo 4 could take with a playable Paladin, and only time will tell which one, if any, it will take.