When an upcoming game like Diablo 4 goes without filling in significant details like class slots, it becomes fertile soil for player speculation. Blizzard's next Diablo entry is no different. With two starting classes yet to be revealed, fans are left wondering if Blizzard will bring back more familiar classes as it has done or if it will invent some totally new playstyles for Diablo 4.
The Druid, Sorceress, and Barbarian give some shape to what roles do and don't need to be filled. While that gives players more clarity on where to speculate, it also means that unfortunately certain players will probably not be reunited with their favorite class on release. Certain classes like the Wizard may find suitable substitutes, like the Sorceress, but not every class has the luxury of overlap or sufficient uniqueness. Here are a few of Diablo's past classes that look like they'll have to wait for DLC to enter the next game, if they ever do at all.
Necromancer
The Necromancer made its first appearance as a class in Diablo 2, bestowing the player with a range of malevolent magic to wreak havoc on their demonic foes. As the name implies, the class was noteworthy for letting players command death, raising undead minions to do battle for them. In addition, the Necromancer was skilled in using poison and bones to sicken and skewer enemies, as well as bestowing curses to put the enemy at a disadvantage. The class returned in Diablo 3 through an expansion with an increased focus on blood and bone over poison.
The issue with the Necromancer's chances in Diablo 4 become clear when one considers the fact that the game already seems to have two Intelligence-based spellcasters. Additionally, even though the Druid is not as dedicated a summoner as the Necromancer, it still covers some of that territory, meaning Blizzard may be disinclined to start the game with another summoning class. Luckily for hopeful commanders of the undead, if Blizzard has chosen to add the Necromancer through DLC before, it may decide the class is worth adding again.
Witch Doctor
One of Diablo 3's starting classes was another Intelligence based spellcaster known as the Witch Doctor. The class took much inspiration from the original Necromancer, able to summon a notable retinue of minions, including the undead. However, they could also wield dark forces of nature, commanding bats, spiders, toads, and locusts in battle. The Witch Doctor also inherited the Necromancer's knack for poisoning enemies.
Just like the Necromancer, there really isn't room for a Witch Doctor in Diablo 4 at launch simply because there would be too many Intelligence based classes. The class might have a chance at reappearing through DLC, since their poison skills and insect summoning talents would let the Witch Doctor stand out even next to the Druid, but for the time being, fans of the Witch Doctor will probably have to wait.
Monk
Unique in its design, Diablo 3's Monk was a melee focused Dexterity class that specialized in pummeling demons with their fists. The Monk's martial arts skills charged up Spirit until they spent it to unleash bursts of divine power. The Monk also offered players a means of playing a support role through Mantras, a short list of auras designed to heal and bolster the Monk and their nearby allies. In spite of the Monk's flexibility, they may not be a top choice for Diablo 4.
The problem with the Monk is the current roster's lack of range. The Druid, with his wealth of shapeshifting abilites, is strongly optimized for melee combat, meaning the Sorceress is the only reliably ranged class at the moment. Diablo 3 had two Dexterity classes at launch, while Diablo 2 had two Strength classes. If Blizzard lets the pendulum swing back to Strength's advantage, the sole Dexterity class will be ranged out of necessity, making the Amazon or Demon Hunter more likely to return. Perhaps Blizzard will prioritize the Monk for DLC to put more Dexterity into the game.
Diablo 4 is in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.