In a year where action RPGs are really capturing the spotlight in the gaming world, Diablo 4 has been surprisingly low-key, especially for a franchise that’s usually at the forefront of the genre. With big updates rolling out for games like Path of Exile 2 and Last Epoch, Diablo 4’s schedule for 2025 seems sparse by comparison. Yet, despite this lackluster forecast, there’s a glimmer of hope for fans hoping to keep their Diablo 4 experience exciting until the next big expansion hits the shelves.
Ever since its major expansion, Vessel of Hatred, Diablo 4 has been navigating rough waters. The release met with mixed reviews, as many players felt it didn’t pack enough content to warrant the cost, and the new storyline left much to be desired. Although there was a promise of annual expansions, it appears that Diablo 4 won’t see a significant update in 2025, with the next expansion set for 2026. This means players will have to wait a bit longer for fresh, substantial content.
The upcoming seasons in Diablo 4 do promise some unique elements, like the introduction of Boss Powers, but there’s not much to get overly excited about for the year ahead. While minor quality-of-life tweaks are always nice, they aren’t game-changers that will lure players back, especially not when competitors are pulling out all the stops with new classes and content.
Out of everything on the schedule, the potential IP collaborations teased for the Belial’s Return and Infernal Chaos seasons seem to be the most promising. Diablo 4 isn’t new to crossovers, having previously integrated World of Warcraft-themed skins. However, there are endless exciting possibilities for future collaborations that could really elevate player interest.
While details remain scarce, several IPs could offer thrilling content for Diablo 4. Overwatch 2 stands out as a prime candidate, having worked with Diablo 4 before on themed skins like Lilith Moira and Inarius Pharah. Considering Overwatch 2 has seen its share of Diablo-themed content, seeing the reverse—Overwatch-inspired skins in Diablo 4—would be refreshing. Characters like Reinhardt, Reaper, and Mercy could easily be reimagined for Diablo 4’s world, but with two collaborations planned, there’s potential for more than just Overwatch crossovers.
Another exciting prospect could involve Doom: The Dark Ages, given Microsoft’s acquisition of both Blizzard and Bethesda, the creators of Doom. Given that Doom is infamous for its demon-slaying action, it’s a natural fit for a Diablo 4 crossover. With the release timing of Doom: The Dark Ages aligning with Diablo 4’s planned collaborations, players might even see a timely Doomslayer crossover.
While adding skins based on other popular IPs is great, these partnerships need to dive deeper than superficial changes to truly captivate players during this lull between major expansions. Introducing limited-time quests or new game modes inspired by the likes of Overwatch or Doom within Diablo 4 could not only ensure players return but also make these collaborations unmissable. Taking cues from games like Fortnite, which skillfully blend IPs into their gameplay, could elevate Diablo 4’s 2025 offerings, smoothing over an otherwise underwhelming roadmap with some truly inspired collaborations.
