The Year of the Raptor has dawned upon Hearthstone, heralding a new expansion cycle, a refreshed Core Set, and the resurgence of esports. The first expansion of the year, "Into the Emerald Dream," is poised for an imminent launch, preceded by an exciting special event. Players will also enjoy a new Year of the Raptor board, enhanced with updated visuals and audio systems.
This year's Core Set update in Hearthstone brings a blend of familiar cards, balance adjustments, and exciting new entries. To enhance gameplay, cards known for burst damage and other frustrating mechanics have been removed. More information on the update will be forthcoming as we approach its release date.
Hearthstone's competitive scene is set to flourish with two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship slated for 2025. In collaboration with Netease Thunderfire, the esports program promises a prize pool of at least $600,000, designed to attract more players to the competitive arena. Stay tuned for further announcements on the event format and rules.
Looking forward, a significant update to the Arena mode is scheduled for Patch 32.2, following the release of "Into the Emerald Dream." While specifics remain undisclosed, this update aims to refine the drafting process and introduce a new dynamic to the mode. Patch 32.2 will also feature a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the "Into the Emerald Dream" Mini-Set, arriving earlier than usual.
This adjustment in the patch schedule is part of a larger strategy to synchronize development and content cycles more effectively. The "Into the Emerald Dream" expansion will adhere to the traditional structure, with all anticipated updates and events. Post-Patch 32.4, the schedule will revert to its standard format with Patch 33.0.
Embrace the excitement of this new year by downloading Hearthstone for free. For more details, visit the official website.
