The Year of the Raptor has officially begun in Hearthstone, heralding a new expansion cycle, an updated Core Set, and the exciting return of esports. The first expansion, *Into the Emerald Dream*, is set to launch soon, preceded by a special event that promises to engage players leading up to its release. Additionally, players can enjoy a refreshed Year of the Raptor board, complete with new visuals and audio enhancements, setting the stage for a year filled with adventure and competition.
This year's Core Set update in Hearthstone introduces a compelling mix of returning cards, balance changes, and exciting new additions. To enhance gameplay, cards known for their burst damage and other frustrating effects have been removed. More comprehensive details on the update will be revealed as the release date approaches, ensuring players are well-prepared for the changes.
Competitive play is back with a vengeance, featuring two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship that will define Hearthstone Esports in 2025. In collaboration with Netease Thunderfire, the esports program will offer a prize pool of at least $600,000, designed to attract and engage a wider audience of competitive players. The format and ruleset for these events will be disclosed soon, adding to the anticipation.
Looking ahead, a significant Arena update is slated for Patch 32.2, following the release of *Into the Emerald Dream*. While specifics are still under wraps, this update is poised to revolutionize the drafting experience and introduce a fresh approach to the mode. Patch 32.2 will also include a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the *Into the Emerald Dream Mini-Set*, which will be released earlier than usual, aligning with a broader adjustment to the development and content cycles. The full *Into the Emerald Dream* expansion will follow the traditional structure, encompassing all anticipated updates and events. Following Patch 32.4, the schedule will revert to its standard format in Patch 33.0.
Embrace the excitement of this thrilling new year by downloading Hearthstone for free and diving into the action. For more details, visit the official Hearthstone website.
