Blizzard Entertainment, the game development studio behind the popular Diablo series, has officially announced the creation of Diablo 5, a new standalone game that will not be an expansion to Diablo 4. This revelation came during BlizzCon 2026, surprising many fans who had expected a third expansion for Diablo 4. Diablo 4, released in 2023, was designed as a "service game," meaning it would be supported with ongoing free content and paid expansions. While updates will continue for Diablo 4, Blizzard has decided to shift its focus to Diablo 5, which is slated for release in the spring of 2029. In an interview with GameSpot on September 15, Blizzard explained that the decision to develop Diablo 5 was driven by the desire to tell a story that could rival or even surpass the narrative of Diablo 4, which focused on the ancient demons Lilith and Mephisto. The developers stated that an expansion would not have been the right format for this new story, which they believe requires a more substantial and self-contained approach. Diablo 5 is set approximately 100 years after the events of Diablo 4, in a world where Sanctuary is now ruled by Diablo, who has achieved victory over the forces of light. This new timeline allows Blizzard to explore how the Lord of Terror rose to power, a story that will be partially covered in the upcoming seasons of Diablo 4 before Diablo 5 launches. The shift in narrative scale gives the developers more creative freedom to delve into the lore and history of the Diablo universe. Executive producer Matt Zitterman noted that the structural changes required for Diablo 5 could not be implemented through a major expansion of Diablo 4. The new game will include updates based on player feedback, such as a revised item management system inspired by Diablo 2. This system will involve equipment that requires specific characteristics to be used, as well as the return of equipment sets to enhance the prestige of loot, a core element of the Diablo experience. These changes aim to refine and modernize the gameplay while preserving the series' signature focus on loot and progression.