Hearthstone's Year of the Raptor is here, bringing a revitalized esports scene, a Core Set overhaul, and a new expansion cycle. Let's dive into what awaits players in 2025.
Core Set Update: The Core Set receives a significant update featuring returning favorites, balance adjustments, and exciting new cards. Several cards with disruptive effects, such as high burst damage, have been removed to enhance gameplay. Further details will be revealed soon.
Esports Returns: Competitive Hearthstone is back! The 2025 season boasts two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship, powered by a partnership with Netease Thunderfire. A prize pool of at least $600,000 is up for grabs, aiming to expand participation in the competitive scene. Specific format and rules will be announced shortly.
Major Arena Update (Patch 32.2): Following the launch of Into the Emerald Dream, Patch 32.2 will introduce a major Arena update. Expect improvements to the drafting experience and a fresh take on the Arena mode. This patch also includes a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the Into the Emerald Dream Mini-Set, arriving a patch earlier than usual. This adjusted schedule aims to better synchronize development and content releases. The standard schedule will resume with Patch 33.0 after Patch 32.4.
Into the Emerald Dream: The first expansion of the year, Into the Emerald Dream, is launching soon, preceded by a special pre-release event. A new Year of the Raptor game board with updated visuals and sound effects will also be introduced. The expansion will follow the usual release structure with all planned updates and events.
Ready to jump into the action? Download Hearthstone for free today and visit the official website for more details. Don't forget to check out our list of top mobile turn-based games!