It may seem a bit early to choose favorite cards for a game that officially launches tomorrow, but since most could already test in the Arena last time, I’ve put together a little list here.
Of course, this is mainly my first impression of these cards, and the upcoming weeks will show more extensively how well they actually fit into various decks – but the combinations already look incredibly good to me! Without further “blah-blah”, let’s get right to my ten favorites from the Hearthstone expansion “Goblins vs Gnomes”!
1. Steamwheedle Sniper
Even though this card only provides a temporary bonus, I still think it is very strong.
The ability to specifically target minions makes it very difficult to get the little sniper off the board – as many of the possible candidates can then be eliminated by the hunter. I like to compare the card to the Shadowform from the Priest – only the hunter variant has no downside.
2. Call Pet + Gahz’rilla
I know, I know. You have to be really lucky to draw exactly Ghaz’rilla from the deck with “Call Pet”. But it is possible!
And if it happens, the opponent is faced with a monster in turn three that is hard to overcome.
Just imagine, in turn 4 you also call a “Faceless Manipulator” with the coin – I can hardly imagine a better turn!
3. Lightbomb
Almost every deck will have to fear this card, because just the possibility that the opposing priest could play this card will force many players to completely redesign their decks.
Minions with more health than attack will be played much more frequently and players will be very cautious about how much they buff them – the stronger they are, the easier it is for the priest to clear the board completely. It’s great that priests usually use minions that can take a lot more than they deal.
4. Mistress of Pain + Demon Heart
I love succubi, and I especially love this card! Combining both gives you an almost unstoppable healing whip who deals a lot of damage while refreshing the warlock’s health. I can instantly think of countless new deck ideas that I want to build around these two cards.
One thing is definitely certain: the warlock can now build a strong demon deck and is no longer limited to “Zoo” and “Handlock”. By the way, I love succubi. Did I mention that already?
5. Iron Juggernaut
I know I will both love and hate it at the same time. Nothing is worse than the certainty that somewhere in the depths of your deck lurks a card that will ruin your day.
But aside from the spontaneous 10 damage points, it has another effect, where the affected player will not draw a “useful” card from their deck! This is hard to plan, but especially in very long matches, the mine will surely decide many a victory. I also imagine it being especially funny when the opponent has no cards left in their deck…
6. Hobgoblin
Even though this rather unattractive behemoth does not look particularly good at first glance, it opens up so many great possibilities! All the unused minions for 1-2 mana become real threats when combined with the Hobgoblin. Even the Imp (for 0 mana!) turns into a 3/3 minion with it.
On the other hand, my new love, the succubus mentioned above, would also benefit greatly from it… hmm… my deck idea is slowly taking shape!
7. Sneed’s Old Shredder
A card with a huge element of luck, but that’s what makes many new introductions from “Goblins vs Gnomes” exciting. The shredder itself is not outstanding with its stats, but depending on who crawls out of it afterward, it can be game-changing.
Moreover, I find the idea immensely funny that Deathwing could crawl out of such a shredder… or even the shredder itself again! Because it could appear if it gets destroyed. In any case, the outcome will be hilarious.
8. Feign Death + Explosive Sheep
A very special combo that will provide the hunter with another very interesting option to unleash strong area damage besides his “Explosive Trap”. By “Feign Death,” the sheep explodes first for 2 damage, then dies from this damage and explodes a second time. This is basically the hunter’s variant of “Hellfire,” if you will.
9. Mal’Ganis
I’m struggling to express my excitement for this card in words. Sure, its stats are a bit disappointing, but the card text more than compensates for that. Not only does it improve all other demons by +2/+2 (yes, I’m looking at you, my little succubus!), but the hero also becomes simply immune. This means that if I manage to somehow bring Mal’Ganis into stealth, I’ll be pretty much invincible for a turn… and the little spare parts make that possible!
10. For Reaper 4000
My last favorite is this souped-up harvest golem that will win many victories single-handedly. It shows no mercy against “Taunt” or “Stealth” and neatly chops everything and everybody to bits if it can just attack the target next door. If you give it Windfury, it can easily clear the whole board on its own – I am incredibly excited about the combinations that can be made with this card! I especially imagine the hunter’s “Feign” here… whether the good golem can injure itself when attacking its own neighbor?
What combinations are swirling in your mind? Which card are you waiting for and what are you already collecting Arcane Dust for?
