The Year of the Raptor has arrived in Hearthstone, bringing with it a revitalized competitive scene and exciting new content. This year kicks off with the Into the Emerald Dream expansion, launching soon and preceded by a special pre-release event. A refreshed game board, boasting updated visuals and audio, will also greet players.
A significant Core Set update is a key component of the Year of the Raptor. This update blends returning fan-favorite cards with crucial balance adjustments and exciting new additions. To improve gameplay, several cards known for their disruptive burst damage and frustrating effects have been removed. More specific details on these changes will be revealed closer to the update's release.
Hearthstone Esports is back and bigger than ever in 2025! Two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship will determine the ultimate champion, with a prize pool of at least $600,000 thanks to our partnership with Netease Thunderfire. This expanded program aims to foster greater participation in the competitive Hearthstone community. Further details regarding the tournament format and rules will be shared shortly.
Following the launch of Into the Emerald Dream, Patch 32.2 will introduce a major Arena update. While specifics are still under wraps, this update promises a refined drafting experience and a fresh perspective on the Arena mode. This patch will also include a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the Into the Emerald Dream Mini-Set, arriving a patch earlier than usual. This shift in the patch schedule is a strategic adjustment to better synchronize development and content delivery. The overall Into the Emerald Dream expansion will maintain its standard structure, with all planned updates and events proceeding as scheduled. The regular patch schedule will resume with Patch 33.0 after Patch 32.4.
Dive into the excitement of the Year of the Raptor! Download Hearthstone for free today and visit the official website for more information. And don't forget to check out our list of the top turn-based games to play on mobile!
