Hearthstone has kicked off the Year of the Raptor with a myriad of new content

The Year of the Raptor has soared into Hearthstone, bringing with it a revitalized expansion cycle, a Core Set update, and the exciting return of esports. The year kicks off with the soon-to-be-released Into the Emerald Dream expansion, preceded by a special pre-launch event. Get ready for a visually and aurally refreshed Year of the Raptor game board!

This year's Core Set update blends returning favorites with impactful balance changes and exciting new additions. To enhance gameplay, some cards featuring burst damage and other frustrating mechanics have been removed. More details on these adjustments will be revealed soon.

Competitive Hearthstone is back and bigger than ever! 2025 will see two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship, forming the cornerstone of Hearthstone Esports. In partnership with Netease Thunderfire, this program boasts a minimum prize pool of $600,000, aiming to expand the competitive scene and attract new players. Further details on the format and rules will be shared shortly.

Following Into the Emerald Dream, Patch 32.2 will introduce a major Arena update. While specifics remain under wraps, this update promises to refine the drafting experience and offer 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 altered patch schedule reflects a broader adjustment to streamline development and content release cycles. The overall 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, following Patch 32.4.

Ready to dive into the excitement? Download Hearthstone for free today! 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!