Blizzard Entertainment has revealed that Diablo 5 will give players a deeper look into how the titular demon Diablo conquered the world of Sanctuary, even though the game begins after this event has already occurred. Senior game director Joe Shely confirmed that the story will not skip over Diablo's victory entirely. Instead, players will learn more about how these events unfolded through the game's narrative. "You're going to get to learn more in the game about how these events took place," Shely said. Narrative director Jennifer Hepler added that the relationship between the player and Diablo will be a key part of the story. She hinted that the player's bond with the demon—and how it influenced Diablo's ability to achieve his victory—will be revealed gradually as the story progresses. The game's description states that players will begin their journey after Diablo has already conquered Sanctuary, which serves as a stepping stone for his plan to invade the Heavens. From his throne in Westmarch, Diablo uses the souls and people of Sanctuary as weapons in an ongoing cosmic conflict. In Diablo 5, players will take on the role of the Heir of Westmarch, a fugitive with an unknown connection to Diablo. The player will build a caravan of allies and travel across the scorched wastelands of Sanctuary. One of the game's central mysteries involves the player's ability to enter Diablo's terrifying realm and return alive—a feat no one else can achieve. Discovering the truth behind this ability and how Diablo gained his power will be major components of the story. Diablo 5 is currently in development and is expected to release in Spring 2029. The game continues the long-running Diablo series, which has been known for its dark fantasy setting, challenging gameplay, and deep storytelling. With this new entry, players can expect an even more intricate narrative that explores the origins and consequences of Diablo's conquest.