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.

Battlegrounds is a game mode where eight players face off in 1v1 rounds, with the goal to be the last player standing. Each round consists of two phases. The Recruit Phase lets players purchase and sell minions, upgrade the tavern, use their hero power, and rearrange their minions' attack order. Combat Phase has minions automatically attacking the opponents' until one player (or both) has no minions remaining, at which point the victor attacks the loser.

ENTER THE DARK BEYOND! 

Prepare to blast off when The Great Dark Beyond, Hearthstone’s newest expansion, launches on November 5! 

When the demonic Burning Legion invaded their planet, the Draenei fled to the stars. Now, these “Exiled Ones” are being chased across the cosmos while they search for a new home. Build your own Starship, command the new Draenei minion type, and battle a demonic threat as you explore The Great Dark Beyond!

Pre-purchase is now live for The Great Dark Beyond ($49.99), the third expansion in the Year of the Pegasus, with 145 brand new cards, including the Nexus-Prince Shaffar legendary card, a new Minion type: Draenei, a new Keyword: Starship, plus the return of the popular Keyword: Spellburst!

EXPLORE THE COSMOS

• New Minion Type: Draenei. When their world was threatened by the Burning Legion, the Draenei escaped to the stars. Led by Prophet Velen, Draenei appear throughout The Great Dark Beyond as they search for their new home. as Hearthstone’s newest permanent minion type. The Draenei are a forward-looking people filled with hope, so many of them have effects that affect the next Draenei you play.
• New Keyword: Starship. Fly around The Great Dark Beyond in a shiny new Starship! Throughout The Great Dark Beyond, you’ll find Starship Piece minions. When they die, their stats and effects get added to your in-progress Starship construction. When you’re ready, press the button and Launch your Starship directly onto the board—the sky’s the limit! 
• Returning Keyword: Spellburst. Cosmic forces are bursting with energy in The Great Dark Beyond! Cards with the returning Spellburst keyword get an effect the first time you play a spell. Play your cards right for a well-timed surge in power! 

Prepare for the Pre-Release Tavern Brawl!

We’re exploring new frontiers in The Great Dark Beyond with a new Pre-Release Tavern Brawl! For one week, from October 29 to the launch of The Great Dark Beyond on November 5, you can open your Great Dark Beyond Packs, build decks, and play with the new cards in a mini-competition until you hit 6 wins or 3 losses and win prizes based on how well you do—including more The Great Dark Beyond cards and packs!

One entry will be free for all players. After that, entries will cost 2 Tavern Tickets, 300 Gold, or 400 Runestones. During this period, there will also be free The Great Dark Beyond community pack drops so that everyone will be able to play with the new cards! Look out for more details on the format, exact prizing, and design insights closer to when the Tavern Brawl goes live.

Note: Standard Packs will not contain cards from The Great Dark Beyond until the expansion officially launches on November 5.

THE GREAT DARK BEYOND BUNDLE OPTIONS 

The Great Dark Beyond Mega Bundle ($79.99 USD) includes 80 Great Dark Beyond card packs, 10 Golden Great Dark Beyond card packs, 1 random Signature Great Dark Beyond Legendary card, 1 random Golden Great Dark Beyond Legendary card, 6 Tavern Tickets, and the Prophet Velen Card Back and Priest Hero Skin. The Great Dark Beyond Bundle ($49.99 USD) includes 60 Great Dark Beyond card packs, 2 random Great Dark Beyond Legendary cards, and the Prophet Velen Card Back! 

Hearthstone is available for Android, iOS and PC.