Diablo IV Expands With Prequel Novel ‘The Lost Horadrim,’ Arriving Next Spring
Blizzard Entertainment continues to deepen the world of Diablo IV beyond the game’s core experience. Fans of the acclaimed action RPG will soon be able to explore Sanctuary like never before with the arrival of “The Lost Horadrim,” an officially licensed prequel novel that expands on the lore leading into the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion. The book is set to hit shelves in spring 2026, offering players fresh insights into the fractured Horadric order.
A New Chapter for Diablo IV Fans
Blizzard has partnered with Random House Worlds to bring “Diablo IV: The Lost Horadrim” to life, written by award-winning author Matthew J. Kirby. This prequel novel is described as an official narrative companion to Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, the next major expansion for the game, slated for release on April 28, 2026.
According to an article from Gaming Trend, “The Lost Horadrim” will “chronicle the Horadrim’s journey to the Skovos Isles to seek justice and discover the fate of a long-lost expedition,” promising a deep dive into one of the most storied orders in the Diablo mythos.
Exploring Lore: What “The Lost Horadrim” Covers
Set against the backdrop of Diablo IV’s rich and dark fantasy world, the novel takes place amid the aftermath of Malthael’s catastrophic Reaping—a devastating era that left Sanctuary scarred and its defenders stretched thin. “In a world culled by Malthael’s Reaping, the Horadric order—humanity’s only hope—struggles to gain a foothold,” reads the official synopsis for the book.
The story follows Tyrael alongside Horadric sages Lorath and Donan as they sail to the mysterious Skovos Isles in search of a contingent of Horadrim who vanished while forging diplomatic ties with the Askari. The mission represents a dangerous gamble: reclaim lost kin and unlock ancient secrets where all is far from what it seems.
Readers will also encounter Adreona, a skeptical Askari captain whose alliance with the Horadrim could tip the balance in their perilous quest. As tensions rise and truths are revealed, “The Lost Horadrim” looks to tie key narrative threads to the broader Diablo IV storyline.
Bridging Game and Story
“The Lost Horadrim” arrives at a pivotal moment in the Diablo IV universe. While the game itself continues to evolve with seasonal content and major updates, the forthcoming Lord of Hatred expansion promises some of the biggest shifts yet to hit Diablo IV since launch.
According to Gematsu, that expansion, launching in April 2026, will conclude the Age of Hatred saga with a dramatic battle against Mephisto, introduce two powerful new classes—including the long-awaited Paladin—and open up the ancient and storied region of Skovos for players to explore.
By positioning “The Lost Horadrim” as a prequel novel to this content, Blizzard and Random House Worlds are giving fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves more fully in the lore before the next chapter of the game unfolds. The book’s release on April 21, 2026—just one week before Lord of Hatred—makes it a perfect narrative primer for players eager to deepen their understanding of Horadric history and the tensions shaping Sanctuary’s future.
Looking Ahead
“The Lost Horadrim” is now available for pre-order at booksellers worldwide and is poised to become essential reading for Diablo IV enthusiasts who want to connect the dots between in-game events and the broader mythology of Sanctuary. Whether you’re a lore buff or simply curious about the Horadrim’s storied past, this prequel novel is shaping up to be a compelling addition to the franchise’s expanding universe. Keep an eye out for more announcements as the novel’s release nears and as Diablo IV’s next expansion draws closer.
