Class Design
Ongoing coverage on Class Design.
Latest coverage
Monsters & Memories offers a deep dive on its magical and mystical Wizard class
Upcoming indie MMO Monsters & Memories is highlighting its Wizard class with a new deep dive article. The developers at Niche Worlds Cult have modified the Wizard's core kit, including mana regeneration and introducing an optional 'Incantation' system for combining spells. The studio plans to balance all 18 classes during the beta phase.
One Overpowered WoW Class Just Defied Years Of MMO Design, So Of Course Blizzard Nerfed It
A group of five Guardian Druids in World of Warcraft recently cleared a +20 Mythic dungeon without healers or DPS, challenging traditional MMO design. This accomplishment led Blizzard Entertainment to nerf the Guardian Druid's Thrash ability, which had been overperforming due to recent buffs, impacting the game's balance.
Lord of the Rings Online makes huge changes to the upcoming Angmarim Sorceress PvP class
The Lord of the Rings Online is implementing significant changes to its upcoming Angmarim Sorceress Player versus Player class, which will be exclusive to the PvP zone for players aligned with Sauron. Lead designer Orion detailed adjustments made over the past year, emphasizing the class's role as a flexible support character with four distinct stances. The Angmarim Sorceress is expected to return to the test server soon, and the game's 19th-anniversary festival has been extended.
For Diablo 4's Lord of Hatred DLC, Blizzard designed the new warlock class to feel like it could beat the necromancers and sorceresses in a "fist fight"
Blizzard Entertainment designed the new warlock class for Diablo 4's Lord of Hatred DLC to feel distinct from necromancers and sorceresses, focusing on summoning living demons rather than reanimating the dead. The developers aimed for a class that could stand its ground in a direct confrontation, with skills that involve summoning demons to attack or create defensive barriers.
Monsters & Memories promises to make classes with ‘distinct identity’ that are ‘genuinely fun to play’
Developer Niche Worlds Cult is focusing on creating distinct and fun-to-play classes for their upcoming MMORPG, Monsters & Memories. The studio is reviewing all classes to ensure they have unique identities, align with genre conventions, and offer meaningful progression, with early access scheduled for October.
WoW Factor: The glaring hole in World of Warcraft’s class line-up
This opinion piece argues that World of Warcraft has a glaring omission in its class lineup: the lack of throwing weapon specializations. The author highlights how throwing weapons were iconic in the original RTS games and have been underrepresented in the MMO, proposing several new specialization concepts for existing classes.
First impressions of Diablo IV Lord of Hatred and the Paladin class
This preview of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred focuses on the return of the Paladin class and the expansion's narrative progression. The author found the gameplay smoother and more engaging than the base Diablo IV, with improved itemization and new systems like the horadric cube and warplans. While the Paladin class is a strong addition, the article suggests the game still needs to forge a more distinct identity within the ARPG genre.
Spiritborn Could Be Diablo IV’s Most Fascinating Class Addition Yet
Blizzard Entertainment is introducing the Spiritborn class in the upcoming Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred expansion. This new class draws power from the lore of Nahantu and offers a unique playstyle centered around four animal spirits: Jaguar, Eagle, Gorilla, and Centipede, allowing for deep customization and hybrid builds.
LOTRO Legendarium: One change I’d make for each of LOTRO’s classes
This article discusses potential changes and improvements for each of the 12 classes in The Lord of the Rings Online. The author suggests specific enhancements for classes like Beorning, Brawler, and Warden, focusing on aspects such as visual variety, new specializations, and combat mechanics to enhance gameplay and class fantasy.
Pantheon takes a deep-dive into how combat updates will affect the Warrior specifically
Visionary Realms has released a dev blog detailing how upcoming combat updates will specifically affect the Warrior class in Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen. The changes aim to provide Warriors with a more complete kit from level 1 to 50, featuring more impactful skills, a robust toolkit, and masteries that emphasize either defense or offense. This analysis is the first in a series that will cover other classes like the Dire Lord and Paladin.
Diablo 4's upcoming Warlock class looks like a god mode hack designed to be an "edgelord" that would "win in a bar fight"
The upcoming Warlock class for Diablo 4 is described as an "edgelord" character designed to be overpowered, potentially making the game easier. This contrasts with the expectation of a more straightforward Paladin class.
Diablo 4’s New Warlock Class Lets You Turn the Power of Hell Back on Itself | Hands-On Preview - IGN
The upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion for Diablo 4 will introduce the Warlock class, a new character that utilizes demonic powers against their own kind. Players can expect diverse builds for the Warlock, ranging from aggressive melee combatants to summoner archetypes, offering significant build diversity. The expansion also features a new region, Skovos, an overhauled endgame experience, and improvements to skill trees and loot.
Is this a 2.0 moment for Diablo 4? Unpacking the new warlock class, the skill tree changes, and the new Lord of Hatred expansion
Blizzard Entertainment is preparing to launch the Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred expansion on April 28th, introducing a new region, storyline, and two new classes: the Paladin and Warlock. The expansion also features a significant overhaul of the game's skill trees, aiming to provide greater build variety and depth for all players. New endgame systems like War Plans and the reintroduction of item sets and the Horadric Cube are also detailed, alongside the addition of a fishing mechanic.
Diablo 4 Redefines What It Means To Be A Warlock In The Most Diablo Way Possible
Blizzard Entertainment is introducing the Warlock class to Diablo 4 with the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion. This new class represents the darker side of humanity and is heavily influenced by heavy metal music, offering a unique playstyle focused on controlling and sacrificing demons. The Warlock class will feature four distinct archetypes, each with a unique soul shard and greater demon summon.
After playing a bunch of Midnight, I don't think I miss WoW's combat addons or my old class design at all
The author discusses their experience with World of Warcraft's Midnight, finding that the absence of UI addons and changes to class design have led to a more enjoyable gameplay experience. While acknowledging some limitations and differing opinions within the community, they express satisfaction with the current state of their Outlaw Rogue character and the game's core mechanics.
Complete Guide to Immortal’s 2026 Roadmap, Warlock Class, and Lut Gholein’s Return – Expert Game Reviews
Blizzard Entertainment detailed Diablo Immortal's 2026 roadmap during its 30th Anniversary Spotlight, introducing the Warlock class in June 2026, the return of Lut Gholein, and Andariel as the primary antagonist. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements, a new equalized PvP Battleground event, and narrative content bridging Diablo 2 and Diablo 3. Players can redeem the promo code EASTGATE for anniversary rewards.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom
The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom introduces the versatile Arcanist class, allowing players to master arcane magic, runes, and ancient tomes. This expansion offers a fresh experience with a focus on personalized playstyles and deep lore integration. The game was reviewed on Xbox Series X and is also available on PC and macOS.