Diablo 5 will cast players as the "Heir to Westmarch," a new protagonist fleeing the remains of a kingdom conquered by the series' titular Prime Evil. The newly revealed setup gives Diablo himself a direct role in the player character's journey, with Blizzard confirming that the two share a mysterious connection.
Diablo 5 was officially announced on September 12 during BlizzCon 2026, with Blizzard confirming that its story takes place roughly 100 years after the previous mainline entry in the ARPG franchise. That sizable jump puts the sequel well beyond the events of Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred, opening on a Sanctuary where Diablo has already won and transformed Westmarch into a full-fledged outpost of Hell.
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Blizzard has yet to explain what the title "Heir to Westmarch" actually means, though it obviously implies the protagonist having some kind of claim to the fallen kingdom. What the developer has confirmed is that the Heir possesses an unexplained connection to Diablo, making them both a threat to him and especially vulnerable to his influence. Narrative director Jennifer Hepler said the campaign will eventually reveal how that bond came to...
