The Year of the Raptor has officially kicked off in Hearthstone, ushering in a new expansion cycle, an updated Core Set, and the return of competitive esports. The first expansion, "Into the Emerald Dream," is on the horizon, with a special event leading up to its release. Players can also enjoy a new Year of the Raptor board, complete with updated visuals and audio systems to enhance the gaming experience.
This year's Core Set update in Hearthstone is a significant refresh, featuring the return of beloved cards alongside balance changes and exciting new additions. To improve gameplay, cards that previously caused burst damage or frustrating effects have been removed. More information about this update will be released soon, so stay tuned.
The esports scene is making a grand comeback with two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship scheduled for 2025. In partnership with Netease Thunderfire, Hearthstone Esports will offer a prize pool of at least $600,000, encouraging more players to dive into the competitive arena. Further details on the format and rules will be shared in the coming weeks.
Looking forward, a major update for the Arena mode is slated for Patch 32.2, which will be released following the launch of "Into the Emerald Dream." While specifics remain undisclosed, this update aims to enhance the drafting experience and introduce a fresh twist to the mode. Additionally, Patch 32.2 will include a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the "Into the Emerald Dream" Mini-Set, arriving slightly earlier than usual.
This adjustment to the patch schedule is part of a broader strategy to synchronize development and content cycles more effectively. Despite these changes, the "Into the Emerald Dream" expansion will maintain its traditional structure, including all anticipated updates and events. Following Patch 32.4, the schedule will revert to its standard format starting with Patch 33.0.
Embrace the excitement of the Year of the Raptor by downloading Hearthstone for free today. For more details, be sure to visit the official website.
