Diablo 4: What to Expect in Season 10 and Beyond

September 2025 is shaping up to be a packed month for ARPG fans. Following the success of Path of Exile 2’s third season, attention is shifting toward Blizzard’s Diablo 4 as players prepare for the highly anticipated Season 10, titled Chaos Infernal. Blizzard is reportedly making significant changes to the franchise, and while these may not all be reflected immediately in Season 10, hints suggest that a major expansion could be announced very soon.

In this article, we’ll explore what players can expect from the upcoming season, the latest insights from the Public Test Realm (PTR), and the evolving meta for Diablo IV Gold.

Season 10: Chaos Infernal – A Bold New Direction

Blizzard has positioned Season 10 as one of the most ambitious to date. At the center of the season is a new equipment system, the Chaos Armor, which offers an unprecedented level of customization for endgame players. Unlike conventional equipment, Chaos Armor allows players to equip items in alternative slots. While there are some limitations, the system opens up a wealth of possibilities and introduces new synergies that could potentially “break” traditional builds.

Alongside the new gear system, Season 10 introduces Chaos Rifts, a unique endgame activity. These rifts appear randomly during Infernal Waves or Nightmare Dungeons, offering players access to arena-like challenges where waves of enemies test skill, strategy, and teamwork. These additions aim to keep veteran players engaged while providing fresh opportunities for experimentation with builds and equipment.

Additionally, Blizzard is rebranding its traditional developer streams (previously known as “campfires”) to offer more direct insights into upcoming mechanics. As of September 16, players will get a first look at the finalized Season 10 features and the official launch date of September 23.

Insights from the PTR: The Meta is Shaping Up

The PTR provides an early glimpse into the class performance and emerging trends for the next season. While nerfs and balance changes may occur before launch, these early results often predict the meta. Here’s what the data suggests:

Sorceress: The Hydre build remains a fan favorite, having dominated in Season 9. Many players appreciated the Hydre build by Mikuna, which became one of the most popular guides on Diablo 4 community sites. For Season 10, a new build—Lightning Orb with Pit 118+ and the “Crackling Energy” trait—is gaining traction. Notably, unique items have been reassigned in the Chaos Armor system, allowing for new combinations. For instance, the Crown of Luion, traditionally a headpiece, can now be equipped on boots, introducing new multiplicative effects that enhance build potential.

Sacred (Paladin-like) Builds: The primary build from Season 9—particularly the Feathered Wing version—remains strong, validating Pit 120+. Players can expect continued reliability from these builds while exploring the tweaks introduced in the Chaos Armor system.

Barbarian: The Powerful Throw build remains effective at Pit 120+, though Blizzard is likely aware of the community’s desire for more variety. For two seasons, this build has dominated endgame trends, limiting the diversity of playstyles despite its consistent performance.

Druid: The Pulverize build continues to shine, demonstrating exceptional power levels similar to its performance in Season 9. This consistency ensures that Druids remain competitive in the evolving meta.

Necromancer: The Shadow Blight version is proving strong, with Pit 121, a Splinter at 118, and waves performing at 117. This balance suggests that the four primary classes are relatively well-aligned in power, though originality in builds could still improve.

Rogue: Currently, the Rogue suffers from bugs on the PTR, with the Twisting Blade build reaching Pit 108—below the top-tier performance of other classes. Previous nerfs, such as the adjustment to Death Trap in Season 9, have left the class underpowered. A modest buff for Twisting Blade could restore its competitiveness in leveling and endgame activities.

Overall, the PTR results show a healthy balance between classes, though Blizzard may need to address both bugs and build variety to maintain long-term engagement.

Chaos Armor and Its Implications

The Chaos Armor system is a standout feature of Season 10. By allowing unique items to be equipped in unconventional slots, Blizzard is encouraging players to rethink their approach to gear optimization. For example, placing a headpiece on boots introduces new multipliers and opens up possibilities for hybrid builds that were previously impossible.

This system may redefine the meta entirely, as players experiment with combinations that maximize both damage output and utility. Additionally, the integration of Chaos Rifts as an endgame activity will likely favor players who can adapt to these new mechanics, rewarding experimentation and creativity.

The Anticipation of a New Expansion

While Season 10 introduces bold mechanics, rumors suggest that Blizzard’s most significant changes are still on the horizon. Fans speculate about a new expansion, potentially including a new class. The leading candidate, according to community consensus, is the Paladin—a classic addition expected to bring renewed excitement to Diablo 4.

Many players are enthusiastic about the return of the Paladin, which promises a mix of defensive and offensive abilities, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. Some, however, prefer entirely new classes rather than returning favorites. Regardless, the addition of a Paladin—or any new class—would likely rejuvenate the player base and set the stage for future content.

Predicted Trends and Community Reactions

As always, the Diablo 4 community is vocal about meta trends. Season 10 appears to be continuing patterns from prior seasons, with certain builds dominating while others lag behind. The PTR suggests that, although the meta is predictable, subtle shifts could make a significant difference in gameplay strategy.

For example, the Whirlwind Barbarian build has recently validated Pit 110, potentially reintroducing it as a speed-farming option. Such changes provide hope for players seeking alternatives to the top-tier builds that have dominated previous seasons. Meanwhile, the Chaos Armor system may inspire entirely new builds across all classes, fostering diversity in endgame strategies.

Community anticipation is high, particularly for the developer streams scheduled on September 16. These streams are expected to provide concrete details about Chaos Armor, Chaos Rifts, and the official launch of Season 10. They may also reveal hints about the next expansion and the potential addition of new classes.

Endgame and Long-Term Implications

Season 10’s innovations are not just about novelty—they are part of Blizzard’s broader strategy to maintain Diablo 4’s longevity. By introducing Chaos Armor and Chaos Rifts, Blizzard is encouraging players to engage with endgame content in new ways. These systems reward experimentation, strategic planning, and mastery of class mechanics.

Furthermore, the upcoming expansion—likely featuring the Paladin—signals a commitment to refreshing the game’s content and re-engaging lapsed players. These developments suggest that Diablo 4 is not only focused on maintaining its current player base but also on attracting new players eager to experience cutting-edge ARPG gameplay.

Conclusion

September 2025 marks an exciting period for Diablo 4 players. With the launch of Season 10: Chaos Infernal, Blizzard is introducing bold new systems such as Chaos Armor and Chaos Rifts, promising to reshape the endgame meta and provide fresh challenges for veteran players. PTR insights suggest a relatively balanced meta across most classes, buy Diablo IV Gold, though the Rogue currently lags behind in performance.

Looking ahead, the community eagerly anticipates Blizzard’s next steps, particularly a rumored expansion featuring a new class, potentially the Paladin. Whether these changes will redefine the ARPG landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Diablo 4 is evolving, and the upcoming season promises both innovation and excitement.

Players are encouraged to explore the PTR findings, experiment with new builds, and prepare for the launch on September 23, 2025. With Chaos Armor and new endgame activities, the opportunities for creative play have never been greater. Diablo 4’s next chapter is poised to deliver a compelling mix of challenge, strategy, and innovation—ensuring that the franchise remains a dominant force in the ARPG genre for years to come.