The Year of the Raptor has officially begun in Hearthstone, ushering in a new expansion cycle, a refreshed Core Set, and the exciting return of esports. The first expansion of the year, "Into the Emerald Dream," is set to launch soon, preceded by a special event that promises to immerse players in the new content. Additionally, a new Year of the Raptor board will enhance your gaming experience with updated visuals and audio systems.
This year's Core Set update in Hearthstone is designed to enhance gameplay with a blend of returning cards, balance adjustments, and exciting new additions. To improve the overall experience, cards known for burst damage and other frustrating effects have been removed. More comprehensive details about the update will be revealed as we approach its release date.
The competitive scene is back with a bang, featuring two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship in 2025. In collaboration with Netease Thunderfire, Hearthstone Esports will offer a prize pool of at least $600,000, aiming to attract more players to the competitive arena. Stay tuned for more information on the format and ruleset, which will be announced shortly.
Looking forward, a significant Arena update is on the horizon with Patch 32.2, set to launch following the "Into the Emerald Dream" expansion. While specifics remain under wraps, this update is poised to revolutionize the drafting experience and bring a fresh perspective to the mode. Alongside this, Patch 32.2 will introduce a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the "Into the Emerald Dream" Mini-Set, arriving one patch earlier than usual.
This adjustment in the patch schedule is part of a larger strategy to better synchronize development and content cycles. The "Into the Emerald Dream" expansion will adhere to the traditional structure, including all anticipated updates and events. Following Patch 32.4, the schedule will revert to its standard format 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.