Hearthstone Launches Year of Raptor with New Content

The Year of the Raptor has kicked off in Hearthstone, ushering in an exciting expansion cycle, a refreshed Core Set, and the revival of esports. The first expansion of the year, "Into the Emerald Dream," is on the horizon, accompanied by a special event leading up to its launch. Players can also look forward to a new Year of the Raptor board, featuring updated visuals and audio for an enhanced gaming experience.

This year’s Core Set update in Hearthstone brings back fan-favorite cards, introduces balance changes, and adds new cards to the mix. To improve gameplay, cards known for their burst damage and other frustrating mechanics have been removed. More details on this update will be revealed as we approach its release date.

The competitive scene is set to heat up with two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship scheduled for 2025. In partnership with Netease Thunderfire, the Hearthstone Esports program will offer at least $600,000 in prize money, aiming to draw more players into the competitive fold. Stay tuned for more information on the event formats and rules.

Looking ahead, a significant Arena update is slated for Patch 32.2, which will follow the release of Into the Emerald Dream. While specifics remain under wraps, this update promises to enhance the drafting process and revitalize the mode. Alongside this, Patch 32.2 will introduce a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the Into the Emerald Dream Mini-Set, which will be released one patch earlier than usual.

This adjustment in the patch schedule is part of a larger effort to streamline development and content cycles. The Into the Emerald Dream expansion will adhere to its traditional structure, with all anticipated updates and events. After 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, visit the official website.