Diablo 4 promises to be an incredible game with several different character classes to play, but one class that many players are clamoring to see is a shield-based class. While the Warrior in Diablo 1, the Paladin in Diablo 2, and the Crusader in Diablo 3 all used shield skills, there hasn’t been a dedicated shield-based class.
A shield-based class in Diablo 4 would be a welcome addition to the game and add a new dimension to combat. This class could specialize in defense and have abilities that allow it to block attacks and absorb damage. Additionally, this class could be a support option for groups of players, protecting their teammates and allowing them to focus on dealing damage.
A DLC dedicated to this class would be a welcome addition to the game and allow players to experience the new class immediately after the game’s release. Additionally, a DLC could add new areas, enemies, and unique equipment for the shield-based class, making it even more attractive to players.
However, it’s important to note that the implementation of a new shield-based class should not be done at the expense of the other existing classes. Diablo 4 will already have several playable classes, each with its own unique gameplay style and abilities. The addition of a new class should be carefully balanced to ensure that it doesn’t disrupt the existing game balance.
In conclusion, a shield-based class in Diablo 4 would be a great addition to the game and offer a new perspective on combat. A DLC for the class would also be a welcome addition, but it should be carefully balanced to ensure it doesn’t affect the existing game balance.
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You can almost guarantee that Paladin will be the first DLC class introduced with a Shield and Auras. Smart money says it is already designed and pulled intentionally from launch to rake in money as DLC content.
Lost Ark NA release proved that players always surged when “new” classes were introduced. Korea had all classes, so it wasn’t like those classes did not exist. It was a conscientious decision to release as updates at set intervals.
I think it is safe to assume Monks and Witch Doctors would likely be the next DLC classes followed potentially by Demon Hunters as a Ranged exclusive class.
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Yes, Paladin.
I already know someone who really wants a Pally but sadly don’t have one.
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Absolutely, I’d love to see a heavily armored tank, and I’m sure Blizz has plans.
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I’m REALY sad barb can’t wear a shield 
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Yes to shield class, no to paladin.
Lore wise paladin were corrupt and are disbanded by this point. The crusader’s actually hunted them down to cleanse the corruption.
Crusaders are Zealots and have never fallen to the corruption.
Templar were started as a holy order, but then basically became like the spartans in halo. abducted at a young age, brainwashed, and told to fight for the light.
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Paladin > Crusader & Templer & their grandmas.
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To make the shield-based class even more interesting, it could have a skill system that allows it to quickly switch between a defensive and offensive style. For example, it could have a shield ability that makes it nearly invulnerable to attacks while active, but it can only attack with the shield. Alternatively, it may have an ability that allows it to attack with the shield while maintaining defense.
You basically described the Soldier and Oathbreaker classes in Grim Dawn. There are a lot of attacks that are reactive and allow you to not only use your Shield as a verifiable weapon, but opens up Counter-Attack abilities and abilities triggered based on blocking. There are plenty of Active Defensive Skills and with the Soldier Tree specifically, you can do a lot of Direct Offensive Damage. Considering how Thorns is already developed in Diablo 4, this would be very easy to implement. (In Grim Dawn Thorns was called Retribution and you could even convert damage types from or to Physical, Fire, Acid, Vitality etc.)
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Possible next class?
Some leaked? art at 0:30 that shows possible next class conceptart, they have shield and spear. Many are thinking Valkrie or Holy type class. Armor looks like Valk to me.
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In D2 Amazons, Barbarians, Paladins and even Sorceress used shields to good effect. The shield is such an integral part of medieval warfare and combat that it seems unbelievable that shields would not be universally available and usable for the classes.
At the very least, I am hopeful that there will be a sword and board class and a shield and spear( or lance) class. Call them whatever you like.
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Bro, if you dont think they have said “OK so paladin for release in a few seasons” you are high.
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Give me holy shield warrior. I wish I had it right from the start for partying with friends
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It’s obvious there will be new classes at some point. When? Who knows and how many who knows either. It’s too early to tell.
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KNIGHT would be a possibility here.
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As soon as sales start to slide and server populations start to decline you’ll see DLC Paladin and storyline get announced. The marketing cycle will take about 60-90 days before going live to allow for pre-order sales to be milked which will give you some loot (be it skins, titles, emotes etc.) If I had to guess, the preplanned DLC announcement is set for about 120 days post-launch which is right around you will start seeing mass-exodus of players due mostly to burn-out and lack of progression for the top 25%.
That is just a logical guess but would be par for the course.
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I feel like Paladin is definitely not on the table lore wise. Whatever holy class we get with the first DLC is either going to be Crusader, Templar, or Knight Penitent. Leaning toward the latter based on the quests we had in beta.
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I am too busy clicking to skip dialog any chance I can get to care about lore in Diablo. Call it whatever you want, it is basically a Paladin. Okay Templar with Plate Armor, Shields, and Auras. Same thing, different name.
We’ll definitely get a shield/aura based class like Crusader/Paladin.
Likely another dex/agile based class as well like Amazon/Assassin.
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I would imagine this archetype/class to be slated for an expansion release, like the Crusader in D3.
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