The Whispering of the Old Gods weakens some classic cards from Hearthstone . Blizzard has now revealed the details.
The adjustments for the “Standard” format of Hearthstone
With the upcoming expansion “The Whispering of the Old Gods”, Blizzard is introducing a new format in Hearthstone. In the “Standard” game mode, only a limited number of expansions will be available for players to construct their decks. Since the cards from the “classic” game are meant to be permanently available, there are now some nerfs – too strong cards belong to the past. We will go through the weakenings in detail.
Druid – the end of “Ramp Druids”?
Especially the Druid is in trouble, as it loses some of its strongest effects. The Urtum der Lehren will have its ability to draw cards reduced. If you choose the corresponding option, you will only draw one instead of two cards into your hand.
Naturgewalt has been fundamentally revised. The mana cost of the card has been reduced to 5. The Druid now summons, similar to before, 3 Treants with 2/2, but they no longer have Rush and do not die at the end of the turn. This stifles one of the devastating combos in the bud.
The Caretaker of the Grove will also be weakened. While it retains its effects and mana cost, its health points will be reduced from 4 to 2. The developers hope that it will no longer be a “must-have”.
Silence and Control
Furthermore, minions with powerful silence and control effects will be weakened or made more expensive to make them a conscious decision. One of these cards is the Ironbeak Owl, which was a cost-effective option for silence. Its mana cost will be raised from 2 to 3.
The long-requested nerf of the Great Wild Hunter now takes place. The effect and values remain the same, but the mana cost increases from 3 to 5, which is intended to reduce its impact on gameplay.
The Hunter’s Mark will become more expensive. Instead of being free (0 mana), the cost will be increased to 1 mana.
Blade Flurry for Rogues has also proven to be too powerful. Therefore, the mana cost is doubled. Instead of 2 mana, the rogue must now spend 4.
A true constant was also the Knife Juggler, which was simply too strong for 2 mana. Therefore, it is now being nerfed, its attack power decreases from 3 to 2.
A similar fate awaits the Leper Gnome, which was a true “no-brainer” in most rush decks. To make other minions for 1 mana more interesting, its attack power is reduced from 2 to 1.
The Archangel Golem receives both a buff and a nerf. While the negative effect of giving the opponent a mana crystal remains, the rush ability is lost. In return, the values of the golem increase from 4/2 to 4/4.
The Molten Giant is meant to become even riskier. In order to really sink deep to play it “for free”, its mana cost is raised from 20 to 25. Only at 5 remaining health points of the hero is it therefore free.
Finally, the Master of Stealth is affected. She no longer grants a minion infinite stealth, but only until the start of the next turn. This is likely done in wise foresight that with “The Whispering of the Old Gods” otherwise some effects would be far too powerful.
Mein-MMO says: The changes seem to be generally positive, and especially the changes to “Silence” are well received to prevent powerful cards from becoming completely useless. The Great Wild Hunter has lost very little of its power and will probably still be a staple in many decks – the effect is still powerful. However, the impact of the changes will likely only be assessed once all cards from “The Whispering of the Old Gods” have been released.
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