With Belial’s return confirmed for Diablo 4 Season 8, many players are asking the same question: Who is this demon, and why does he matter?
While we have already briefly discussed the topic of Belial coming back next season, today we want to dig a little deeper into the lore side of things. So, if you are new to the series or skipped Diablo 3, here is a quick breakdown of who Belial is and why his return matters in the bigger picture of the Diablo universe.
Who Is Belial, the Lord of Lies?
Belial is one of the Lesser Evils in the Diablo universe and holds the title of Lord of Lies. He is not your typical brute-force demon. Belial is all about manipulation, misdirection, and deceit. His power lies in controlling information, spreading paranoia, and making sure no one knows who to trust. In the Eternal Conflict, the never-ending war between Heaven and Hell, Belial has always been more interested in divide-and-conquer tactics than open combat.
Unlike the Prime Evils such as Diablo and Mephisto, the Lesser Evils (Belial, Azmodan, Andariel, and Duriel) are still extremely powerful. In fact, Belial was once part of a rebellion that banished Diablo and the other Prime Evils from Hell entirely. So do not let the “Lesser” title fool you, because Belial knows how to play the long game.
Belial in Previous Games
In Diablo 3, Belial served as the final boss of Act II. Disguised as Emperor Hakan II in the city of Caldeum, he manipulated the kingdom from within, spreading fear and misinformation. Once revealed, players fought him in a rather dramatic two-phase battle that highlighted his deceitful nature and monstrous true form.
He was defeated, but like many of the Prime Evils, death is rarely the end.
Why Belial’s Return Is a Big Deal for Diablo 4
Belial’s presence in Diablo 4 also suggests a change from open warfare to psychological manipulation and corruption. He is not just another demon to slay, because he brings confusion, twisted alliances, and schemes that usually affect entire regions.
Given the grim tone of Diablo 4 and its focus on slow-burning dread, Belial’s style of evil fits perfectly. We can probably expect lies, betrayals, and quests where things are not what they seem. Perhaps this might even be a hint of what is to come beyond Season 8?
