Hearthstone brings a new Classic mode and lets you play the game as it was in 2014. Yes, no Demon Hunters.
For the year 2021, Hearthstone has big plans. Just a few weeks ago, the mini-expansion “The Darkmoon Race” was released, and now before BlizzConline, the next big thing has already been revealed. Hearthstone is getting a Classic game mode and is reverting all nerfs and adjustments that have taken place since June 2014.
What kind of game mode is this? The Classic game mode brings Hearthstone back to the state of 2014, shortly after the first balance changes. You have the 240 cards available that existed back then. All expansions that were introduced afterward are not available there. This also means that many game mechanics are unavailable.
Quests, dual-class cards, hero cards, and the Demon Hunter are then not available.
However: A few things do not change. Cards that are too revealing, like the Succubus will not be restored, and it remains a Demon Hunter.
Do you then have the cards doubled? Yes and no. If you own a Classic card that has different stats or text in the Classic mode than in Wild and Standard format, it counts as a single card in your collection. However, it exists in different versions depending on the game mode. If you disenchant the card, you lose access to it in both game modes. At the same time, you get the corresponding card for both modes if you craft or draw it from a pack.
When is the game mode available? With the next major patch, which will also bring the latest expansion. This Classic mode should already be available before the new expansion is unlocked. We will probably receive an exact date at BlizzConline on February 19 and 20.
Is the mode playable in ranked? Yes. Anyone who wants to can play the Classic format in “Ranked Play” in the future and earn seasonal rewards, complete quests, and collect achievements. The Classic mode stands equal alongside the other two modes, “Wild” and “Standard”.
Hype in the Community
The community is excited and looking forward to it: In the Hearthstone subreddit, the announcement has triggered a lot of nostalgia. Many players reminisce about card combos that were considered overpowered back then because you could have a 4/5 minion in the first turn. Such and other possibilities pale in comparison to what is possible today in Hearthstone. The overall “power level” of the cards has significantly increased, leading to devastating combos early on.
A few quotes from the community about the plans:
- “Yeti in turn 1 will feel just as good as it did 7 years ago.”
- “Oh man, I just realized that this means we’re getting our Wild Growth for 2 mana back and also our ‘+2 mana’ Innervate.”
- “Holy shit, the Classic mode looks insane. Warchief gives charge again. HYPE!”
Are you excited about a Hearthstone “Classic” with the old cards from 2014? Or do you think such a mode can’t be fun in the long term?
There’s more about Hearthstone at the BlizzConline next week.
