Hearthstone's Year of the Raptor is here, bringing a revitalized esports scene, a Core Set overhaul, and a new expansion cycle. The first expansion, Into the Emerald Dream, is launching soon, preceded by a special pre-release event. A redesigned Year of the Raptor game board boasts improved visuals and audio.

The Core Set update blends returning favorites, balance adjustments, and exciting new cards. Several cards known for disruptive burst damage and frustrating gameplay mechanics have been removed to enhance the overall player experience. Further details on the updated Core Set will be revealed shortly before its launch.

Competitive Hearthstone is back! 2025 will see two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship, fueled by a partnership with Netease Thunderfire and a prize pool of at least $600,000. This initiative aims to expand the competitive player base. Specific details regarding the tournament format and rules will be shared soon.

A significant Arena update is slated for Patch 32.2, following the release of Into the Emerald Dream. While specifics remain confidential, this update promises a refined drafting experience and a fresh take on the Arena mode. Patch 32.2 will also include a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the Into the Emerald Dream Mini-Set, arriving a patch earlier than usual.

This altered patch schedule reflects a broader strategy to optimize development and content release cycles. The Into the Emerald Dream expansion will maintain its standard structure, including all planned updates and events. The regular patch schedule will resume with Patch 33.0 after Patch 32.4.

Download Hearthstone today for free and dive into the excitement of the Year of the Raptor! Visit the official website for more details.