Big changes for Hearthstone this spring

Hearthstone players should prepare for some major changes coming this spring, with Blizzard aiming to put accessibility at the forefront of the experience in an effort to keep the game fresh and exciting for years to come.

“Exciting changes are coming to the Tavern! We’re proud to announce that we’re introducing game formats to Hearthstone!” reads the Blizzard blog. “Whether you’re just getting into Hearthstone or you’re a seasoned veteran, the new Standard format will help keep Hearthstone fresh, exciting, and accessible for years to come, while the Wild format will preserve everything you already know and love about Hearthstone!”

Standard

Standard is a new format in Play mode that allows players to go head-to-head using only the most recently released Hearthstone cards. You’ll play Standard using a deck built solely from a pool of cards that were released in the current and previous calendar year, along with a core foundation of the Basic and Classic card sets (which will always be valid for Standard). You’ll be matched against other players who are also using Standard decks.

• Standard will help make for a more dynamic and balanced metagame.
• A select set of cards makes each new card have more impact!
• The developers will have more freedom to design exciting new cards.
• It lets newer players jump in faster without having to collect as many cards.

Standard is available in Friendly Challenges, Ranked, and Casual play, so it won’t affect Arena, Solo play, or Adventures. This inaugural Standard year will be known as the Year of the Kraken.

Standard Decks

• Basic
• Classic
• Blackrock Mountain
• The Grand Tournament
• The League of Explorers
• The Spring 2016 Expansion
• Curse of Naxxramas and Goblins vs Gnomes will not be part of Standard. When we release the first new Expansion each year, every set that wasn’t released in the same year or the year prior will cycle out and no longer be part of the Standard format.

Wild

Wild is the new name for the Hearthstone you already know, because it’ll be the format where anything can happen. While Standard puts a bright spotlight on recently released cards and brings a more balanced experience, when you queue up for Wild, you’ll be cozying up with the crazy fun of Hearthstone you’re already familiar with. Of course, as more and more cards are added over time, the wilder and more unpredictable Wild will be!

In terms of gameplay, nothing is changing for Wild: you’ll be able to finish quests, earn gold, rank up on the ladder, get card backs, earn Legend rank, and use all the cards you’ve already collected to build a Wild deck, just like you always have. When you queue up for Ranked or Casual play with a Wild deck, you’ll always be matched with other players who are also using Wild decks.

Seperate Ranked play will be available for each format, making it possible to hit Legend in both Wild and Standard.

Adventures and Expansions

Adventures and Expansions that are not part of the Standard format will no longer be available for purchase from the Shop – this year, that includes Naxxramas and Goblins vs Gnomes. If you want any cards you missed out on for Wild play or just to fill out your collection, you’ll be able to craft them using Arcane Dust – even cards from Adventures that were previously un-craftable. Speaking of Adventures, if you’ve purchased at least the first wing of an Adventure before it cycled out, you’ll still be able to finish acquiring and playing the remaining wings.

In conclusion Blizzard wrote: “We’ve worked hard to pave the way for Standard, and we’re really excited about all the great things this new format will bring to Hearthstone: fresher gameplay, more impactful expansions, and – since Standard will become the official format of the Hearthstone Championship Tour – an even more exciting competitive scene. All in all, we believe that Standard will end up being the most fun way to enjoy Hearthstone.

“We hope you’re excited too, and we can’t wait to hear what you think.”

Source: Battle.net