Warlocks have taken the throne as Diablo 2's best class 26 years later, and Blizzard seems to be OK with letting them have their fun for now
PC Gamer
by Tyler Colp February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Diablo 2: Resurrected has seen a major shakeup in its meta with the introduction of a new class after 26 years— the Warlock. This surprise expansion has thrust the demon-summoning class into the spotlight, making it the most powerful build in the game. The Echoing Strike warlock, in particular, stands out as an extremely effective and fun-to-play build that relies on raw physical damage, bypassing elemental immunity issues common in other skills. While its high gear requirement means players won’t jump straight into it at level 1, Warlocks also offer some of the fastest leveling builds, making them a strong contender for new players.
The Echoing Strike build combines devastating damage with creative demon-summoning mechanics, such as using pet demons for buffs while focusing on flinging ghostly weapons. This approach has made it a fan favorite among YouTubers and streamers like Macrobioboi, who praise its simplicity and power. Despite being a late addition to the game, Blizzard hasn’t rushed to implement balance changes, as the Warlock’s dominance doesn’t seem overly broken or unfair compared to other classes.
While Warlocks are currently leading the meta, older classes like Sorceresses and Paladins remain competitive, offering their own unique strengths. Sorceresses, for instance, bring powerful elemental damage that can adapt to various challenges, making them a solid choice for players who prefer tried-and-true builds. Similarly, Paladins excel in tanky, crowd-control-heavy gameplay, which is still viable in the new meta.
Blizzard’s decision to let Warlocks shine without immediate balance changes reflects their confidence in the class design and the game’s legacy. The developers likely want players to enjoy the new content without rushing to patch it, as Diablo 2 was never meant to operate like a live-service game with constant updates. However, future expansions could hint at more dynamic balancing and even new classes or features.
For gamers, this marks an exciting time in Diablo 2: Resurrected’s lifespan. The introduction of the Warlock adds fresh excitement to a classic game, offering both veteran players and newcomers a reason to dive back into its dark fantasy world. While the meta may evolve with future updates, the current dominance of War
Verticals
gamingpc
Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/20/2026