Diablo III is developed as the definitive action role-playing game, and a true continuation of the Diablo series. Players will create a hero from one of five distinct classes, such as barbarian or witch doctor, each equipped with an array of spells and abilities. As these heroes adventure through rich and varied settings, unraveling an epic storyline and engaging in combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, they’ll grow in experience and ability and acquire items of incredible power.

The game takes place on Sanctuary, a world of dark fantasy. Unbeknownst to most of its inhabitants, Sanctuary was saved some twenty years ago from the demonic forces of the underworld by a few brave and powerful heroes. Most of those warriors who directly faced Hell’s armies -- and were fortunate enough to survive -- went mad from their experiences. And most of the others have buried their haunted memories and pushed the horrors from their thoughts. In Diablo III, players will return to Sanctuary to confront evil in its many forms once again.

Diablo III will pick up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen.

As the Burning Hells invade Sanctuary and all hope seems lost, an unlikely hero rises to restore balance to the world, calling forth an army of the dead and cleansing the land of evil.

From the crypts deep beneath Blizzard Entertainment came a dark invocation proclaiming that the Rise of the Necromancer packwill be unleashed June 27—available to those in the living realm digitally in-game on PC or through the online Blizzard Shop, PlayStation Store, and Xbox One Store.

Necromancers, as the mysterious Priests of Rathma are commonly known, made their series debut in the critically acclaimed Diablo II, where millions of players experienced the thrill of controlling unstoppable armies of undead minions. In Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, these talented men and women draw upon the power of blood and bone to protect humanity, transforming the lifeless carcasses of their slain enemies into undying servants—or just blowing them up, because that's fun, too.

Like entrails from a freshly deceased corpse, the Rise of the Necromancer pack is stuffed with surprises that all aspiring practitioners of the dark arts will enjoy:

• The twisted and misshapen Half-formed Golem in-game pet
• Cosmetic Wings of the Crypt Guardian
• Two additional character slots
• Two stash tabs (PC only)
• Necromancer portrait, banner, sigil, and accent, and Blood Master pennant

"While players often ask us to bring back their favorite characters from our classic games, few classes have been requested as often, or as passionately, as the necromancer," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "Reimagining the necromancer was a labor of love—we worked hard to capture the essence of what made the class so iconic, while taking advantage of everything Diablo III has to offer."

Console gamers who have yet to experience Diablo III will be able to pick up the digital-only Eternal Collection, which includes the Rise of the Necromancer pack, Diablo III, and the Reaper of Souls expansion for PS4 or Xbox One. This expansive all-in-one collection is a perfect jumping-in point for anyone who may have missed out on what many consider to be the definitive couch co-op gaming experience.

The Rise of the Necromancer pack will be available for Windows and Mac PCs, as well as for PS4 and Xbox One, on June 27 for $14.99 USD. The epic Diablo III: Eternal Collection bundle will be available to PlayStation Plus members on PS4 and Xbox Live Gold members on Xbox One for a limited time at a special introductory price of $39.99 (reg. $59.99 SRP).