Diablo 5 will add a fresh combat style to Blizzard’s dark action-RPG series when it launches in spring 2029. Revealed during BlizzCon 2026, the Plague Knight is a heavily armoured warrior who spreads disease across the battlefield and then exploits those effects to become stronger.
Plague Knight confirmed as a new Diablo 5 class
Game director Joe Shely described the Plague Knight as “walking death”. The class combines the durability expected from a knight with disease-based abilities that affect enemies over an area. Those infections are not merely for damage: the Plague Knight can consume the diseases it creates to gain powerful buffs.
Blizzard has not shown playable footage of the class yet, so the exact abilities and build options remain unknown. Its focus on spreading and consuming disease nevertheless gives it a distinct identity within the Diablo series.
Monk and Demon Hunter will also return
The Plague Knight will not be the only class available at launch. Blizzard confirmed that the Monk and Demon Hunter will be playable on day one, while also stating that Diablo 5 will launch with more classes than previous entries in the franchise.
As in earlier games, each class is expected to support numerous character builds that players can develop over time. Shely also teased multiple additional classes, making the Plague Knight the first announced addition rather than the full extent of the launch roster.
A caravan replaces the traditional town hub
Diablo 5 is also being designed around a different world structure. The reveal showed a Sanctuary devastated by Diablo, who will appear as a fully developed character. Instead of repeatedly returning to a conventional town filled with quest givers, players will travel with a caravan and expand it during the adventure.
The caravan’s characters will have meaningful roles. Only one blacksmith will be available, for example, but that character will provide several side quests and receive more depth than a typical service NPC. A Treasure Goblin will eventually join the travelling group, raising the unusual prospect of seeing one of the series’ most recognisable enemies become part of the player’s community.
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Procedurally generated dungeons are planned
Areas beyond the caravan and their dungeons will use procedural generation, according to the panel. Blizzard has not yet explained how that system will shape exploration, quests or replayability, and further details are expected closer to release.
With Diablo 5 not due until spring 2029, there is still considerable time for the class roster, caravan system and generated world to take shape. Players interested in building a dedicated gaming setup can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide or view its range of arcade machines.
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