Speculations On The Next Class For Diablo III

With Blizzard’s announcement of Monk as the fourth class featured in Diablo III, much speculation has broken out among the fans as to what the fifth will be? The two most popular ideas seem to be torn between a ranged class or the Paladin. Given what we’ve seen of the game so far, however… well, I’d place my bets on the former.

There are a few reasons I say this, but since this is all speculation and dart throwing at targets pinned to a cork board, let me be the first to say that the following couple of paragraphs do not reflect any statements made by Blizzard—official, unofficial, and masterfully crafted vague hints alike.

That said, let’s start with why paladin is an unlikely choice.

First off: class definition. Traditionally, a Paladin and a Monk are different classes. However, story backgrounds follow similar trains of thought—that is, a character to fulfill the role of Holy Warrior. While the Monk believes in hundreds of gods, the Paladin believes in the One. The number of worshiped deities has little effect on the driving force behind a Holy Warrior. He/she will still fight in the name of the Light, or for what is right, a convenient place-holder for the generic insert-zealous-religion-here.

Because Diablo is about character customization and variation within a limited set of classes, it makes little sense to waste resources on developing two characters who can, essentially, fill the same role, story wise. The only argument to this is that the religions are vastly different. Unfortunately, that doesn’t quite fly. Faith is what drives the Holy Warrior. Whoever (or whatever) happens to receive the prayers doesn’t matter, as long as the power of Faith is the driving force behind said class’ actions.

Yes, I know, there are those of you who could care as much for story as hearing about poor, starving children in third world countries, but bear with me.

So. Let’s talk about skills for a moment here. Monks are combat specialists. Of the skills that we’ve seen so far on the website, they all seem to be uniquely Monk-like. However, Impenetrable Defense stuck out, for me. It suggests… well. The skill’s name seems to say it all, doesn’t it? The monk seems to have a rock solid defense, deflecting harmful blows like one might assume a shield could do.

A vague association? Maybe. After all, it’s all conjecture. However, as I recall, Paladin’s were great survivors in Diablo II, with helpful buffs and auras to supplement however a player decided to build their character. Monks look to be just as promising, with their holy spells just as viable as their combat effectiveness.

Now the argument for a predominantly ranged class: a balanced class setup. And spells, magical attacks, don’t count. So far, we have two melee—Monk and Barbarian—and two casters—Witch Doctor and Wizard. To neatly round out the classes available for those who aren’t partial to either melee or casters need a versatile, long distanced, bow shooting specialist.

And, honestly, Blizzard doesn’t need another melee class. Even a jack of all trades—a ranged character capable of melee when necessary—would be preferable to yet another copy&paste class from a previous game. Diablo is not what I’d refer to as traditional, and Diablo III seems to be adhering nicely to that expectations. With the onset of new classes with brand new names, aside from the much loved Barbarian, Diablo III seems to be following a new, interesting direction. Witch Doctor? Monk? I’m seeing some newer influences outside of the cookie cutter, are you?

My vote’s on a ranged class. If you don’t agree, try to be civil when you plan to inform me on just how wrong I happen to be.

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