Will the Witch Doctor Make a Return in Diablo 4?
The short answer, at least for now, is no, the Witch Doctor is not currently a playable class in Diablo 4. While the game launched with five distinct classes—Barbarian, Sorceress, Rogue, Necromancer, and Druid—the iconic Witch Doctor from Diablo 3 remains absent. This absence has left many longtime fans of the franchise, who cherished the Witch Doctor’s unique playstyle and thematic flair, feeling a profound sense of disappointment. The Witch Doctor’s voodoo-inspired abilities, combined with their potent summoning and debuff capabilities, made them a fan favorite, and their absence is definitely felt in Diablo 4.
A Missed Opportunity?
The lack of a Witch Doctor in the initial lineup is noteworthy, particularly given the variety of classes included. The Witch Doctor brought something truly unique to the Diablo universe. Their ability to wield fetishes, summon hordes of zombie dogs and gargantuans, and unleash curses and plagues on enemies made them an incredibly versatile class capable of both high damage and excellent crowd control. Many players enjoyed the strategic depth that the Witch Doctor’s toolkit provided, requiring a different approach than the more straightforward damage dealing of other classes. The passion that fans have for the Witch Doctor is evident, as highlighted by players using Diablo 4’s character customization to try and recreate their beloved class in the new game, which shows a real desire for their return.
Potential Future Inclusion
Despite their absence at launch, there is hope for the Witch Doctor’s potential return in the future through expansions or DLC. Blizzard has confirmed that they plan to release paid expansions for Diablo 4 on an annual basis, and these expansions could very well introduce new classes. Given the fan outcry and the clear gap the Witch Doctor’s unique mechanics would fill, it’s within the realm of possibility that they could make their comeback. Moreover, Blizzard could explore classes based on factions met within the game, such as Templar, Scoundrel, or Enchantress, as potential new additions. Although there are no plans to add Blood Knights, another class from Diablo Immortal, to Diablo 4, this doesn’t definitively rule out the return of the Witch Doctor.
Understanding the Class Selection
The current five classes in Diablo 4, while diverse, don’t quite capture the essence of all the fan-favorite classes of previous installments. Classes such as the Assassin, Amazon, Wizard, Monk, Demon Hunter, and Crusader/Paladin are also absent, showing that Blizzard made some strategic choices in who to bring into the core game. The current classes of Barbarian, Sorceress, Rogue, Necromancer, and Druid are all strong in their own rights and have many viable builds. The Rogue is currently considered the top tier class, and while the Sorcerer and Necromancer are also very strong, the Druid is actually one of the most powerful endgame classes, after initially appearing to be underpowered during the beta release.
A Call for the Witch Doctor
The community, however, is still quite vocal about the desire for more class options, specifically the Witch Doctor. The character’s unique themes, mechanics, and playstyle offer something that none of the current classes quite manage to replicate. The Witch Doctor’s ability to control hordes of minions and afflict enemies with debilitating curses sets them apart, creating a truly immersive and compelling experience. With future expansions on the horizon, many are hoping Blizzard will listen to the community and seriously consider bringing back this beloved class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What classes are currently available in Diablo 4?
The five playable classes available at Diablo 4’s launch are the Barbarian, Sorceress, Rogue, Necromancer, and Druid.
2. Why is the Witch Doctor not in Diablo 4?
Blizzard opted for a different class selection for the initial release of Diablo 4. The Witch Doctor, while popular, did not make the cut for the initial roster of playable classes.
3. Is there a possibility that the Witch Doctor will be added in the future?
Yes, there is a possibility. Blizzard has stated that they plan to release paid expansions for Diablo 4 annually, which may include new classes like the Witch Doctor.
4. What other classes are missing from previous Diablo games?
Many fan-favorite classes are currently absent from Diablo 4 including the Assassin, Amazon, Wizard, Monk, Demon Hunter, and Crusader/Paladin.
5. What is the strongest class in Diablo 4 currently?
Currently, the Rogue is considered one of the strongest classes, especially with a Twisting Blades build. While the Sorcerer and Necromancer are also very powerful, the Druid has turned into one of the best end-game classes.
6. What is the easiest class to play for beginners?
The Necromancer and Barbarian are generally considered the easiest classes for beginners in Diablo 4 due to their relatively simple mechanics and high survivability.
7. Is the Druid class good in Diablo 4?
While the Druid appeared underpowered during the beta, they are now considered one of the most powerful Endgame classes in Diablo 4.
8. Will there be any free content updates for Diablo 4?
Blizzard has confirmed that there will be paid expansions released annually for Diablo 4, however, there may be some free content patches.
9. How long does it take to reach level 100 in Diablo 4?
According to Blizzard, it takes the average player around 150 hours to reach level 100 in Diablo 4.
10. Should I skip the campaign in Diablo 4?
If your primary goal is leveling up quickly and reaching the endgame, then you are advised to skip the campaign.
11. What is the best build for the Druid class?
A popular build for Druids involves Storm Strike, Cyclone Armor, Blood Howl, Poison Creeper, and Wolves combined with a core skill like Landslide, Tornado or Pulverize.
12. Which class is best for solo play in Diablo 4?
The Necromancer is considered by many as the best class for solo play, due to the ability to summon an army of minions that can fight by your side.
13. What is the most fun beginner class to play?
Both the Barbarian and Necromancer are generally considered to be the most fun for beginners due to their straightforward playstyles.
14. What is the most played and least played class?
Class popularity appears to vary between player platforms. On some polls, Druid and Barbarian are the least played, but other polls suggest that Druid and Barbarian are popular picks.
15. What are some strong PvE classes in Diablo 4?
The Rogue, Druid, and Necromancer are all considered to be top picks for PvE due to their fast leveling capabilities and ability to deal high damage without receiving too much in return.