BlizzCon is officially back, and Blizzard Entertainment has clearly used its three-year absence to prepare one of the most ambitious editions of the event in recent memory. The 2026 opening ceremony delivered major updates across virtually every pillar of the company’s catalogue, mixing long-awaited sequels, unexpected revivals, new expansions and major changes to existing games. Diablo, Warcraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm and StarCraft all received significant announcements, giving Blizzard fans plenty to look forward to over the next several years.

Among the biggest surprises was the confirmation of Diablo 5, currently targeting a spring 2029 release and bringing the original Lord of Terror back into the spotlight. Diablo 4 is far from being abandoned, however, with Blizzard preparing another major season, a new platform release and the return of a popular class from Diablo 2. The franchise is also expanding beyond gaming, as Blizzard and Netflix are developing a new animated Diablo series. Warcraft received an equally impressive amount of attention, including the reveal of World of Warcraft Forever, Blizzard's official take on the long-requested "Classic Plus" concept, alongside the first teaser for World of Warcraft: The Last Titan.

Blizzard also delivered several unexpected announcements. Warcraft 3: Reforged received Forsaken Kingdom, its first new campaign in more than two decades, while Heroes of the Storm is welcoming Xal'atath as a new playable hero. Overwatch is preparing for another major season featuring the vampiric hero Doctrine, the new Grímsvötn map and returning Dokiwatch cosmetics. Roadhog and Sombra are also being heavily reworked, with Sombra making the particularly significant move from the damage role to support. Hearthstone, meanwhile, will continue expanding its universe through Reign of the Black Empire before introducing the Monk as an entirely new class in 2027.

Perhaps the most unexpected reveal concerned StarCraft. After years of uncertainty surrounding the future of the franchise, Blizzard confirmed that StarCraft will return as an open-world shooter planned for 2030, representing a dramatic departure from the real-time strategy formula that made the series famous. Combined with new BlizzCon-exclusive cosmetic rewards across several Blizzard games and additional updates still being detailed throughout the event, BlizzCon 2026 has become a major statement about the future of Blizzard Entertainment and its most iconic franchises.

Games and announcements

Diablo 5

Blizzard officially announced Diablo 5, with the return of Diablo himself and a planned release window of spring 2029.

 

Diablo Animated Series

Blizzard and Netflix announced a new animated series set within the Diablo universe.

World of Warcraft Forever

Blizzard revealed World of Warcraft Forever, a new interpretation of the classic World of Warcraft experience designed around community, exploration and the original spirit of Azeroth.

World of Warcraft: The Last Titan

Blizzard presented the first teaser for The Last Titan, the third and final chapter of the Worldsoul Saga.

World of Warcraft: Midnight - Eclipse

The next major update for World of Warcraft: Midnight, titled Eclipse, was also showcased during BlizzCon.

Warcraft 3: Reforged - Forsaken Kingdom

Warcraft 3 received Forsaken Kingdom, its first entirely new campaign in 23 years.

StarCraft

StarCraft is officially returning as an open-world shooter, currently planned for release in 2030.

Overwatch - Doctrine

Doctrine, a new vampire-inspired hero connected to Talon, was revealed for Overwatch.

Hearthstone: Reign of the Black Empire

The next Hearthstone expansion will place a stronger emphasis on narrative and storytelling.

Hearthstone - Monk Class

A completely new Monk class is scheduled to join Hearthstone in 2027.

Heroes of the Storm - Xal'atath

Heroes of the Storm is receiving new content with the arrival of Xal'atath, the Harbinger of the Void from World of Warcraft.