It's been almost a year since Blizzard Entertainment announced Diablo 4, the latest title in their long-running action-RPG series. Although there's no release date on the horizon, we have learned a little about the new title. Diablo 4 will stick to the classic Diablo formula, sending players on a hacking, slashing, and looting adventure across the face of Sanctuary.
While not much has been revealed about the story of Diablo 4 so far, it will involve Lilith. The daughter of Mephisto, Lilith is an unusual demon who opposes the Great Conflict. She'll almost certainly be appearing as a boss, along with plenty of other demons, undead, and monsters. The Diablo lore has plenty of bosses to pick from, but there are some forgotten villains who deserve to make a comeback.
Blood Raven
As the first real story boss in Diablo 2, Blood Raven isn't much of a challenge to overcome. She doesn't hit hard and isn't particularly tough, but her mobility and summoned Hungry Dead can be difficult to deal with. As she runs around, staying out of melee range, she uses her bow to deliver long-range flaming attacks.
But it's not Blood Raven's fight that makes her a worthy addition for Diablo 4, it's her backstory. Before her undeath, Blood Raven was known as Moreina, AKA the Rogue, one of the heroes of the original Diablo. It was the lingering results of her final confrontation with Diablo himself that eventually drove her to madness. Between the events of Diablo 1 and 2, she turned on the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye, and naming herself the Blood Raven, she eventually swore her service to Andariel.
Andariel
Andariel, also known as the Maiden of Anguish, is one of Diablo's four Lesser Evils. Don't be fooled by that title though, as she is still one of the seven most powerful demon lords in Hell. She controls the Realm of Anguish, and has a fractious relationship with Diablo himself. Though technically inferior to him, the denizens of Hell aren't known for their loyalty. The pair have been both allies and enemies in their long history.
At the end of Diablo 2's first act, Andariel defends Diablo from the pursuing heroes. What follows is one of the best boss fights in Diablo 2. Andariel's iconic Poison Spray attack and dramatic death are both great moments, but it's her entrance that really makes an impression. In a far contrast to Diablo 4's telegraphed boss fights, Andariel almost comes out of nowhere, charging at the player with little warning.
The Defiler
The Defiler is the final boss of the Festering Nest dungeon in the Hellfire expansion for the original Diablo. A powerful and ancient bug-like creature, The Defiler is progenitor of most of the monstrosities in the Festering Nest. She makes her home at the heart of the Nest, where she has slept for centuries. The players must slay her to acquire the Cathedral Map, a job which isn't particularly difficult given her low HP.
Despite this lackluster fight, The Defiler is a very unique boss from a lore perspective. Unlike the majority of Diablo bosses, particularly in the early titles, The Defiler has no connection to the Great Conflict. This step away from the war of Angels and Demons adds an interesting mystery to the character. In addition, as Hellfire was not developed by Blizzard Entertainment, The Defiler is technically non-canon.
Ghom
The first boss of Diablo 3's third act, Ghom is a powerful demon in the service of Azmodan. Ghom is also known as the Lord of Gluttony or The Ravening Beast, and is renowned for once devouring six angels in a single swallow. Ghom's mere presence is enough to destroy the food stocks of Bastion's Keep, even though the player character defeats him.
Despite his bulk, Ghom moves surprisingly quickly in his boss fight. He uses four attacks, mostly themed around his putrid nature. When players are in close he'll bite at them, or spray them with a Bile Spew that even Diablo 1's Rogue would have a hard time dodging. At longer range he'll use a Slime attack that both deals damage and spawns Slimes, as well as summoning constant Gas Clouds that can deal major damage.
While a few of Diablo 4's bosses have already been confirmed, including Ashava the Pestilent and the Tomb Lord, we don't know just how many there'll be. However, given the sheer quantity of bosses in Diablo 3, it's fair to assume that players will be hacking and slashing their way through a good number of them. With Blizzcon 2021 on the horizon, fans can expect to receive fresh information soon.
Diablo 4 is in development.