Heroes Returns: Popular Game Mode Revives

Heroes of the Storm Revives Brawl Mode: A Celebration of Classic Maps and Challenges

Heroes of the Storm is bringing back its popular Heroes Brawl mode, rebranded as Brawl Mode, offering a fresh take on chaotic gameplay. This exciting update, currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), introduces a rotating selection of discontinued maps and unique challenges, marking the first time these maps have been playable in nearly five years. The official launch is expected within a month.

The original Heroes Brawl, initially launched as Arena Mode in 2016, provided weekly rotating game modes with unpredictable twists. Inspired by Hearthstone's Tavern Brawls, it featured custom map layouts, altered objectives, and unusual rulesets, ranging from all-Nova sniper battles to action-packed arena versions of existing battlefields. However, due to the increasing popularity of single-lane maps and the difficulty of maintaining the mode, it was ultimately replaced by ARAM in 2020.

Brawl Mode's return marks a significant moment for Heroes of the Storm. The bi-weekly rotation (1st and 15th of each month) offers a more manageable schedule compared to the original weekly rotation. Players earn a special chest after completing three Brawl matches during its active period. The exact reward structure (single reward per Brawl or multiple rewards per week) remains to be seen. With over two dozen past Brawls, players can anticipate the return of many favorites and potentially new additions.

The current PTR features Snow Brawl, a holiday-themed mode. The three-week PTR test suggests a February launch for Brawl Mode, coinciding with the game's 10th anniversary on June 2nd, 2025. This revival is a major win for fans, and many hope it signals a broader resurgence for the game.

Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes (January 6, 2025)

This PTR update includes:

• General: Updated home screen and startup music; introduction of Brawl Mode with bi-monthly rotations.
• Balance Updates: Significant adjustments to hero talents and base stats for Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin. Detailed changes are listed below.
• Bug Fixes: Numerous bug fixes addressing issues with experience globes, root visual effects, slows, and various hero-specific problems (see detailed list below).

Balance Update Details (Abbreviated):

• Auriel: Searing Light damage restricted to enemy heroes; Energized Cord range increased; Reservoir of Hope quest bonus reduced; Wrath of Heaven armor reduction and spell power increased.
• Chromie: Timewalker's Pursuit spell power increased; Mobius Loop slow reduced; Unravelling no longer consumes energy and increases cast range.
• Johanna: Shield Glare mana cost increased; Divine Fortress health bonus increased; Zealous Glare damage bonus reduced; Steed Charge duration increased; Blessed Hammer damage reduced; Holy Renewal cooldown reduction reduced; Shrinking Vacuum damage reduction, duration, and slow increased.
• Tracer: Is That a Health Pack?! healing increased; Pulse Generator healing reduced; Jumper cooldown refresh and shield reduced.
• Zul'jin: You Want Axe? base attack damage increased, quest bonus reduced; Recklessness basic attack damage bonus reduced; Guillotine cooldown and mana cost reduced; Taz'dingo! cooldown and mana cost increased; Let the Killing Begin and Buzzsaw kill windows reduced.

Bug Fix Details (Abbreviated):

General fixes for experience globes, root effects, and slows, along with numerous hero-specific bug fixes for Alexstrasza, Azmodan, Brightwing, Chen, Cho'Gall, Dehaka, E.T.C., Falstad, Fenix, Johanna, Kharazim, Lúcio, Lunara, Maiev, Mei, Muradin, Probius, Rehgar, Samuro, Sgt. Hammer, Stukov, Sylvanas, The Butcher, The Lost Vikings, and Zagara. (Specific details on each fix are omitted for brevity).