Heroes of the Storm: Brawl Mode Returns!
Heroes of the Storm is bringing back the beloved Heroes Brawl game mode, rebranded as "Brawl Mode," introducing a rotating selection of unique map challenges. After a five-year hiatus, dozens of previously unavailable maps are making a comeback, offering fresh gameplay experiences. This exciting update is currently live on the Public Test Realm (PTR) and is expected to launch officially within the next month.
The original Heroes Brawl, initially launched as Arena Mode in 2016, featured weekly rotating challenges with wildly different gameplay mechanics. Inspired by Hearthstone's Tavern Brawls, these challenges included unique map layouts, altered objectives, and unusual rulesets. Examples included all-Nova sniper duels, Arena versions of existing battlefields, and the PvE mission, Escape from Braxis. However, due to the rising popularity of single-lane maps and the maintenance challenges, Heroes Brawl was ultimately replaced by ARAM in 2020.
Now, Brawl Mode is back! This revamped version will rotate bi-weekly, updating on the 1st and 15th of each month. Players can earn a special chest by completing three Brawl matches during its active period. The exact reward structure (single reward per Brawl or multiple rewards per week) is yet to be confirmed. With a vast library of past Brawls, players can anticipate the return of many favorites, and potentially even some brand-new challenges.
The PTR currently features the holiday-themed "Snow Brawl" as the inaugural Brawl Mode experience. Given the three-week duration indicated in the PTR interface, the official launch of Brawl Mode in the live game is likely slated for early February. This coincides perfectly with the upcoming 10-year anniversary of Heroes of the Storm on June 2nd, 2025.
This resurgence of Brawl Mode is a significant win for Heroes of the Storm players, and many are hopeful it might signal a broader revival of the game.
Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes (January 6, 2025)
The latest Heroes of the Storm PTR patch includes several key updates:
General:
- Updated Homescreen and Startup Music.
- NEW: Brawl Mode added! Brawls rotate on the 1st and 15th of each month.
Balance Updates: This section details balance adjustments to several heroes (Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin), including changes to talents and base stats. (Detailed hero balance changes omitted for brevity.)
Bug Fixes: This section outlines numerous bug fixes across various aspects of the game, including general gameplay, experience globes, visual effects, and specific hero issues. (Detailed bug fix list omitted for brevity.)
