Following a rough launch and inconsistent seasons, Diablo 4 is riding a wave of hype with Season 9, which could be the last big surge of interest for some time.
The player surge wasn’t caused just by gameplay tweaks or balancing. It was driven by a combination of accessibility, timing, and curiosity, especially with Season 9 releasing alongside PlayStation Plus.
This level of attention brought in a new wave of players and gave longtime fans a reason to come together. Now that Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus are done, there’s little left to unlock in terms of huge new audiences.
What Does Season 9 Actually Offer?
Season 9 is called Sins of the Horadrim and adds Horadric Spells and escalated Nightmare Dungeons.
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+ 4Although these additions add value, they don’t transform the game the way a full expansion can. There won’t be a Diablo 4 expansion released in 2025. The upcoming major DLC is set for 2026. With such a long gap between major releases, Blizzard’s seasonal content ends up doing most of the work.
This puts the onus on players to stay around for steady updates rather than drastic shifts. It’s holding up for now, especially as the community’s interest has picked up again, but that excitement might fade without a bigger plan ahead.
Is Spiritborn Too Good to Be Knocked Off the Throne?
Right now, the Spiritborn class from the Vessel of Hatred expansion is one of the main reasons Diablo 4 is still thriving.
click to enlarge+ 4It’s been the top contender in many seasonal metas since its arrival. No matter if you prefer Quill Volley builds, Poison Thorns, or the newer Rake and Thrash variants, Spiritborn remains dominant due to its well-crafted skills and potent uniques like Rod of Kepeleke and Balazan’s Maxtlatl.
Blizzard clearly designed this class to feel rewarding and powerful, making it tempting enough for players to pick up the DLC. The approach worked.
If history repeats itself, Spiritborn’s reign might end once the next class drops in the upcoming expansion, probably built around the same “new and powerful” idea to shake up the meta again.
Is Diablo 4 Finally Fixing the Little Things Players Asked For?
Meanwhile, quality-of-life updates keep arriving slowly, and while some seem minor, they mean a lot to longtime fans.
click to enlarge+ 4The wardrobe system has been improved so players can now equip full outfits with just one click, avoiding confusion over armor names and mismatched pieces.
This slight change goes a long way for players who are as into transmogs and cosmetics as they are into their endgame gear.
It’s not the centerpiece of the season, but it proves Blizzard is actively responding to community input and working on more than just balance fixes and new dungeons.
Will Diablo 4 Ever See Another Surge Like This Again?
After all this, the feeling lingers that Diablo 4’s last major wave of players is happening now, with most growth drivers like Game Pass, PS Plus, and crossovers already tapped and only the Nintendo Switch 2 left as a potential boost.
click to enlarge+ 4Diablo 3 had success on the original Switch, so it’s natural to wonder whether Diablo 4 could do the same on its successor. Still, Blizzard questions that outcome due to technical barriers and logistical complications.
If a Switch 2 release doesn’t happen, Diablo 4 might not get another massive influx of players until the next expansion—at best, that’s a full year away. Season 9 is currently at its peak—thanks to good timing, wise choices, and a little luck.
But maintaining that momentum without an expansion, new platform, or headline-grabbing crossover is going to be hard. Diablo 4 isn’t on the decline, but it could hit a lull where the community becomes more close-knit and growth tapers off.
The game isn’t done yet, but whether it picks up speed or slows down depends on how Blizzard maintains interest without big shocks.
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