Character classes in an action RPG can shape everything from how players approach combat to which abilities they prioritize when building a character. In a franchise like Diablo, fighting demons is central to the experience, and each class in the upcoming release of Diablo 5 needs to offer a distinct playstyle while fitting into the game’s larger progression systems. Returning classes in Diablo 5 also give developers a chance to revisit familiar abilities and combat mechanics, although there’s the question of whether or not classes are just being “recycled.”
Diablo 5’s classes are poised to build on the franchise’s class roster while also revisiting established classes. Blizzard Entertainment has confirmed that the upcoming action RPG will launch with more classes than any previous Diablo game, suggesting a broader selection of combat styles for players to explore. One returning class is the Monk, with Blizzard explaining how it plans to update the familiar Diablo 3 class for the upcoming installment.
Blizzard Wants to Give Fans the Best Version of the Monk in Diablo 5
Blizzard art director John Mueller recently discussed how Diablo 5 is approaching the Monk in a statement to Esquire. In short, returning classes like the Monk have been described as Batman, with Mueller saying, “If you’re playing as Batman, it might be a new Batman suit, but it’s still Batman.” Fans should expect the Monk to be a Monk in a new suit, in other words, but that comes with the added benefit of Diablo 5‘s release date being 2029. As Mueller explained,
“The last time players saw these was Diablo 3. In 2012, technology was different. We have advanced through Diablo 4, so we want to give people the best versions of [the Monk and Demon Hunter classes] in 2029.”
Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.
The Monk’s class identity centers on close-range combat, using powerful strikes to pulverize demons rather than relying on conventional weapons. Game director Shely emphasized the appeal of that straightforward fighting style, asking, “Who doesn’t like pulverizing demons with their fist?” The class’s return allows Blizzard to preserve that hands-on approach while updating how it looks and feels in combat. Although the studio has not yet explained the Monk’s complete moveset or detailed how its abilities will change from the Diablo 3 class, Mueller’s comments establish a clear direction: the goal is to deliver an improved version of a familiar class.
The Monk is not the only returning class receiving renewed attention, as Diablo 5‘s Demon Hunter will also return with its agile fighting style and signature twin crossbows. Shely described the character as a lightly armored fighter capable of moving quickly and pinning demons against walls. Blizzard has also introduced the Plague Knight for Diablo 5, a new, heavily armored class designed around battlefield control.
For now, the Monk’s return offers the clearest example of how Blizzard intends to approach familiar classes in Diablo 5. Mueller’s comments suggest that the Monk’s established identity will remain central to its design as Blizzard takes advantage of more modern technology. With Diablo 5 releasing in 2029, players will have to wait for a closer look at how the returning martial artist ultimately takes shape.
