Cortyn is really blown away by the new “Battlegrounds” mode in Hearthstone . It’s actually a lot more fun than it first seemed.
I actually thought I was done with Hearthstone for a while. I only really enjoy the big solo adventures now, because the “real game” just doesn’t interest me anymore. Especially since they coldly patched my succubus out of the game, I’ve held a certain grudge against Hearthstone. Apart from a few rounds against friends with fun decks, I currently have no interest in the card game.
But then came Battlegrounds and completely captured me.
I was pleasantly surprised: when the developers presented the “Battlegrounds” mode at BlizzCon, I was extremely skeptical. Not just skeptical, actually directly dismissive. In previews, the mode looked super boring and seemed to me like an extremely watered-down and more boring version of DOTA Underlords – just without the cool synergies and effects that such auto-chess games bring.
With the corresponding expectations, I approached the mode with the motto: “At least play one round to convince myself that it’s trash.”
And now I sit here, nearly 2 days later, having spent about 5 or 6 hours in this mode.
More strategy than it seems at first glance
Although the basic setting is based on Hearthstone, I was quite surprised by how smoothly the matches with 8 players run. There are a variety of combinations, and unlike DOTA Underlords, it is not only important what you play, but also the order in which you do it.
It often happens that you play a minion with a buffing Battlecry and use it on another minion, only to sell it right after and summon a third minion that creates a better synergy.
This ensures that over several rounds, quite absurd numbers develop. I’ve seen minions with over 150 health and had to grin – because for the players, their strategy clearly paid off. At least until they ran into my poison Murloc, who didn’t care about health points.
RNG? Of course, or it wouldn’t be Hearthstone
To address the topic directly: of course, Battlegrounds also has a considerable amount of RNG, or random mechanics. My minions attack in a fixed order from left to right, but their targets are chosen at random. Also, the minions offered in the shop each round depend on chance. Those who are unlucky may not find the necessary minions even after several rounds and have to abandon their strategy and attempt to create something else out of necessity.
But you know what? It’s the same with the other auto-chess games. Maybe the level of RNG in Hearthstone is slightly higher, but I didn’t find it annoying. As so often, the art is to master the RNG to achieve victory.
The “random attacking” aspect disappears as soon as a minion has Taunt – it then always becomes the first target.
In addition, there are hero abilities with which you can counter some random mechanics or add new ones. Some heroes can buff their minions each round, while others can simply eliminate opponent minions before the match.
Conclusion – Better than expected. Much better.
To sum it up quickly: Hearthstone Battlegrounds is fun. And actually a lot more fun than I initially thought. The short rounds of 10-20 minutes make the mode an interesting alternative to the other auto-chess games, where matches can often last up to an hour.
There’s just one thing I’m still missing, and that’s the ability to sign up with friends together. If that wish is also fulfilled, then Battlegrounds will ensure that I start Hearthstone much more often again… even though I didn’t actually want to anymore.
Have you tried the Battlegrounds mode yet? Or are you still missing beta access?
