The first expansion for Blizzard’s Diablo III is now officially scheduled for release on March 25, 2014. On its own, the expansion will run $39.99, but there will be two special editions as well: the Digital Deluxe Edition for $59.99, and the retail-exclusive Collector’s Edition, according to Blizzard.
The expansion introduces a new Act V that puts players up against Malthael, the former Archangel of Wisdom who accepted a new job as the Angel of Death. Malthael is a go-getter in his new career, and he obtains a magical artifact containing the essence of the Prime Evil.
The expansion also introduces a new character class known as The Crusader, that is reminiscent of a tank class with a handful of support options. Reaper of Souls also introduces new item-crafting abilities, a new artisan known as the Mystic, a new level cap of 70, and more.
The standard expansion will run $40, while the next step up, the Digital Deluxe Edition, will run you $60. For the extra money, you’ll receive exclusive helms and weapon transmogrification recipes, a spectral hound, three additional character slots, an in-game Treasure Goblin companion pet for World of Warcraft, and a slew of decals and Battle.net portraits.
For $80, you can pick up the retail-only Collector’s Edition that offers everything the Digital Deluxe Edition offers, as well as a Malthael mouse pad, a hardback Collector’s Edition art book, and a behind-the-scenes Blu-Ray/DVD. If you want to buy the standard expansion and then upgrade to the Deluxe version you can do that at any time for $20, but if you want the Collector’s Edition, there are a limited number hitting retailers.
Reaper of Souls is currently in closed beta.