The ranking system of Hearthstone is being fundamentally changed. We will tell you how ranked matches will proceed in the future.
When the developers of Hearthstone implemented the ladder a few years ago, it quickly received criticism. After players had to grind hard for their ranks over the course of a month, they fell back down significantly at the start of a new month. Those who previously had the rank “Legend” found themselves back at rank 16.
This meant little fun for both sides. The “Legend” had little fun pulling inexperienced newcomers, and the newcomer did not enjoy his crushing defeat.
In March 2018, the ladder system of Hearthstone will finally undergo a more comprehensive revision.
From now on, players will need five stars to advance for each rank in Hearthstone. Previously, depending on the rank, only two, three, or four stars were needed to progress. Therefore, the progress is equal across all ranks, and the promotion experience is more uniform.
Only a 4 rank loss at the monthly reset
Those who are now concerned that they will have to grind even more each month are mistaken. Because a second change should benefit all players: At the end of the season, you will only be demoted by four ranks. For example:
- Players at rank 12 will land at rank 16
- Players at rank 19 will land at rank 23
- Players with the rank “Legend” will land at rank 4
This is intended to ensure that even at the start of a season, the professionals are already positioned high up, and the loss of rank is smaller.
With the change, the requirement to reach at least rank 20 to receive the monthly card back is also eliminated. Instead, you now need to win 5 games in ranked mode per month.
What do you think about the changes to the ranking system of Hearthstone? Has the ladder needed this overhaul for a long time? Or is this a clear case of “too little, too late”?
