Much ofDiablo 4’s storyline is still under wraps as Blizzard has been focusing on the gameplay aspects of its upcoming game. Fans of the franchise have been waiting for a new story to delve into, and fortunately, they’ve got a few details about some returning cast members. One of the key characters in the series, Lilith, makes a comeback as the main antagonist inDiablo 4, but there’s potential for much more. Other familiar demonic characters fromDiablo’s mythology should join Lilith to wreak havoc on Sanctuary.
The eternal battle between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells continues in Sanctuary. The stage that acts as the battleground between angels and demons was originally turned into a bloodbath by none other than Lilith. Now, Lilith and her minions are once again trampling on humans, and the Nephalem need to save Sanctuary from another demon invasion. There-introduction of Lilith inDiablo 4, after not being in a significant role sinceDiablo 2, makes the ground fertile for other interesting demonic comebacks.
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Lesser Evils in Diablo
The Lesser Evils are animportant part ofDiablolore. They conveniently close the gap between the Burning Hells and Sanctuary. As banished demons, they’ve been inhabiting Sanctuary as the Prime Evils were planning their next move on the Eternal Conflict. Some of these demons have become beloved characters, perhaps even surpassing the Prime Evils themselves. While Belial makes a return inDiablo 3as an Act Boss, alongside The Butcher, a couple of Belial’s Lesser Evil brethren have been waiting in the shadows for a while to be reintroduced.
One ofDiablo 2’s most infamous battles is the first Act Boss, Andariel. While the Maiden of Anguish was defeated inDiablo 2, the return of one of the few female demons in the franchise is all but confirmed after an appearance onDiablo 4Rogue trailer. Andariel, the Ruler of Realm of Anguish, is one of themore recognizable characters fromDiablo 2. She’s also the aunt of Lilith, which could provide interesting dynamics to the new storyline. While Andariel is not present personally inDiablo 3, she was sealed inside the Black Soulstone with the other Greater Evils.
Mechanically among the most challengingDiablo 2bosses, Duriel could be another Lesser Evil bought back by Blizzard. The twin of Andariel and Lilith’s uncle, he played a major role inDiablo 2, and would be a great companion to Andariel inDiablo 4. The Lord of Pain was the guard of Tal Rasha’s tomb, in which Tyrael was imprisoned. This prison was established by Baal, who’s likely to appear again. After all, he’s part of nearly allDiabloworks, including beingfeatured onDiablo Immortalas a boss. Like Baal and Andariel, Duriel was sealed in the Black Soulstone, and freed at the end ofDiablo 3: Reaper of Souls.
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New Demons From Diablo Lore
Diablo’s multidimensional loreprovides ample room for Blizzard to bring new characters to the limelight. As Lilith is the main antagonist, it would be fitting that demons closest to her would also be featured. One of them is her brother, Lucion. The demon known as Primus of the Triune has a complex history with Lilith, including being rivals in the Sin War era. This would bring interesting conflict between the demons in a similar vein as the tension between the Lesser Evils and Primes Evils in previous Diablo works.
Another Sin War demon worthy of an introduction intoDiablogame canon is Astrogha. He was Diablo’s representative on Sanctuary during the Sin War, and one of the highest tier Temple of the Triune leaders after the aforementioned Lucion. The connection to Prime Evils with Diablo and to Lilith through Lucion would fit well in the Lilith-centeredDiablo 4storyline. The trio of Lucion, Lilith, and Astrogha have a long and complex history, which could add compelling twists and turns. The appearance of Astrogha is said to be a spider-humanoid hybrid with a bottom half of a spider and the top half of a human. Blizzard might consider itclashing too much withDiablo 2and Baal’s aesthetics, but if implemented well, it could be one of the more terrifying enemies.
Another minor demon that could see the first game appearance is Thonos. The demon that was summoned by Lilith is said to be the size of a dozen men, its skin covered with eyes and hundreds of tentacles. The tentacles would provide a lot of room for intriguing gameplay mechanics, and the massive creature would surely be captivating in cinematic sequences. Itsconnection with Lilith inDiablolorewould make it a perfect fit forDiablo 4. Grimspike would also make an interesting boss, although it isn’t technically a new character in the games. However, not many remember of the spiked lizard-like demon from the firstDiablotitle. Belial’s Lieutenant is a minor boss in the original game and hasn’t appeared inDiablosince. However, in unused voice clips fromDiablo,he’s quoted as having immeasurable strength. While that doesn’t seem to amount to much in the originalDiablo, he could be made a powerful enemy inDiablo 4.
There are many other demons that are just waiting to be unleashed upon the poor inhabitants of Sanctuary. Powerful demons that have no significant ties to Lilith include Kabraxis, the Banisher of Light, mantis-like demon Xazax, and a minion of Baal, or Gulag, who possesses no smarts but all the strength he could ask for. It is evident thatDiablolore has avast pool of amazing NPCs thatDiablo 4could utilize, in addition to core demonic characters, Lilith and the three Prime Evils.
Diablo 4will launch in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
