Deceptively simple in design but epically engaging, Hearthstone will be instantly accessible to players regardless of their familiarity with Warcraft or collectible card games. Whether players prefer to wield magic or arms in battle, strike from the shadows or head on—or have never given any of that much thought—they’ll be able to jump right in, create a deck, and get in on the card-slinging action.

In addition to honing their skills in practice matches against the computer and taking on their buddies via their Battle.net friends list, players can challenge each other in two competitive game modes. “Play Mode” features traditional head-to-head battles, with players facing off for a chance to increase their medal ranking and earn card packs along the way. And for a different type of challenge, players can enter “The Forge,” where they start each match by building a deck from a new set of cards, and then use that deck to duel other Forge participants. Aside from winning new cards, players will be able to round out their collections by purchasing new card packs or disenchanting some of their existing cards to craft the ones they’re missing.

With hundreds of cards to choose from, featuring a wide range of colorful Warcraft spells, weapons, and characters, players will have limitless possibilities for developing and fine-tuning their deck-building strategies.

For those in the service of the Lich King, death is only the beginning. . . .

Blizzard Entertainment announced Knights of the Frozen Throne, the new expansion coming this August to Hearthstone.

Adventurers will soon travel to Northrend, where they'll confront the Lich King and be raised as Death Knights, wielding otherworldly powers and stealing life from their opponents, and ultimately ascending Icecrown Citadel to claim the Frozen Throne—and 135 frosty new cards—for themselves.

In Knights of the Frozen Throne, players storm Icecrown Citadel, the Lich King's frozen fortress, in pursuit of the forbidden might of runic magic. Rumor has it the Lich King seeks champions to imbue with the icy essence of undeath: players will soon receive his favor in the form of nine new legendary Hero Cards that, when played, transform Hearthstone's heroes into fearsome Death Knights, granting frost-rimed armor and modified powers. The Lich King has also decided to bestow players with a new power from beyond the grave: "Lifesteal," a chilling new keyword, heals players for damage dealt.

Those not content with merely serving at the Lich King's behest can challenge him directly in a series of free missions that Knights of the Frozen Throne will offer to all players. Step into Icecrown Citadel in the prologue mission, then venture through the citadel's two wings as you fight iconic bosses like Professor Putricide and Sindragosa on your way to a final epic showdown against The Lich King himself. After completing the prologue mission, players will receive a random legendary Death Knight Hero Card.

Coming to Windows® and Mac® PCs; Windows, iOS, and Android™ tablets; and mobile phones, Knights of the Frozen Throne card packs will be winnable in Hearthstone's Arena mode and purchasable with in-game gold or real money at the same prices as Hearthstone's other card packs. Starting today and up until the expansion is released, players eager for an audience with the Lich King can pre-purchase Knights of the Frozen Throne card packs in a special 50-pack bundle, on any platform, for a one-time price of $49.99 (one purchase per account). Those who do so will be granted a unique themed card back from the Lord of the Scourge himself.