Hearthstone is gearing up for an exciting Year of the Raptor in 2025, promising a year filled with surprises, fresh gameplay, and innovative features. Fans can look forward to the customary trio of expansions, Mini-Sets, and Battlegrounds seasons that are slated to launch soon. The Heroes of StarCraft Mini-Set, which received a fantastic reception, has clearly boosted Blizzard's enthusiasm to keep the momentum going throughout the year. They've even unveiled a roadmap that offers a glimpse into what's coming up in the game.
What Does the Year of the Raptor Bring to Hearthstone?
One of the most anticipated updates is the revamp of the Arena mode. In development since last year, this refresh aims to attract a new generation of players while retaining the charm that has been part of Hearthstone since its inception.
Cosmetics are also set to receive an upgrade. Players can expect new Mythic skins, Signature cards, and the introduction of Pets. These adorable additions will be part of a novel system for acquiring cosmetics, though Blizzard has yet to reveal all the details.
The Year of the Raptor officially begins with the launch of the first expansion of the year, "Into the Emerald Dream." Card reveals are scheduled to start next week, and in-game celebrations are already underway. By completing the Event Track, players can earn rewards such as The Great Dark Beyond Epic cards, packs from the new expansion, and a special Raptor Herald card.
What Else Is Coming?
Alongside the expansion, a new evolving game board themed around the Year of the Raptor will be introduced. This board will remain a constant throughout the year, with visual and audio updates accompanying each new expansion.
The Core Set is also in for a refresh. Some classic cards are making a return, albeit with modifications, and new cards are being added to the mix. With so many exciting developments on the horizon, now might be the perfect time to dive back into Hearthstone. If you haven't already, you can download it from the Google Play Store.
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