The Year of the Raptor has swept into Hearthstone, ushering in a vibrant new expansion cycle, an updated Core Set, and the return of high-stakes esports. The first expansion of the year, "Into the Emerald Dream," is set to launch soon, preceded by an exciting special event. Players can also anticipate a new Year of the Raptor board, complete with revamped visuals and audio to enhance their gaming experience.
This year’s Core Set update in Hearthstone introduces a compelling mix of returning cards, balance tweaks, and a selection of brand-new additions. In an effort to refine gameplay, cards that previously enabled burst damage and other frustrating effects have been removed. More in-depth details on the update will be released as the launch approaches.
The competitive scene is set to reignite with two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship scheduled for 2025. In collaboration with Netease Thunderfire, the Hearthstone Esports program will boast a prize pool of at least $600,000, aimed at drawing more players into the competitive fold. Further information regarding the event format and rules will be shared soon.
On the horizon, a significant Arena update is slated for Patch 32.2, arriving post the "Into the Emerald Dream" launch. While specifics remain undisclosed, this update promises to refine the drafting process and introduce a fresh perspective to the mode. Patch 32.2 will also include a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the "Into the Emerald Dream" Mini-Set, which will be released one patch earlier than traditional schedules.
This adjustment to the patch schedule is designed to better synchronize development and content cycles. Despite these changes, the "Into the Emerald Dream" expansion will adhere to its standard structure, delivering all anticipated updates and events. Following Patch 32.4, the release schedule will revert to its normal pattern with Patch 33.0.
Dive into the excitement of the Year of the Raptor by downloading Hearthstone for free today. For more information, be sure to visit the official website.