A card that essentially says “Win the game” would be way too strong in Hearthstone. However, Priests are getting exactly that.
If you ask players in Hearthstone which class is the most annoying, many will exclaim exasperatedly, “Definitely Priest!” Matches against Priests can drag on for up to 30 minutes and are marked by extreme self-healing, the numerous discoveries of cards, and nearly endless spells. Apparently, Blizzard has asked itself, “What’s missing for the Priest?”
The answer seems simple: A quest line that instantly annihilates the enemy hero.
What are quest lines? Quest lines are an extension of the already known quests in Hearthstone. Instead of a large quest with massive rewards at the end, quest lines are divided into several tasks that must be completed sequentially. Along the way, there are smaller advantages and bonuses before a really big reward awaits at the end, which can often decide the game single-handedly.
What kind of quest is it? With the upcoming expansion “United in Stormwind”, Priests will receive the quest “Search for Guidance,” which consists of a total of 3 parts and continues a bit after that. The individual quest steps are as follows:
- Search for Guidance: Play 3 cards that cost (2), (3), and (4) mana each.
Reward: Discover a card from your deck. - Find the Void Shard: Play 2 cards that cost (5) and (6) mana respectively.
Reward: Discover a card from your deck. - Illuminate the Void: Play 2 cards that cost (7) and (8) mana respectively.
Reward: Gain Xyrella the Purified.
Xyrella the Purified is a legendary servant that costs 5 mana and comes with impressive stats of 7/7 and Taunt. Additionally, it shuffles a “Purified Shard” into the deck via Battlecry – and it’s something else.
The “Purified Shard” is a spell that costs a whopping 10 mana and has only one effect: It destroys the enemy hero.
Isn’t that completely overpowered? That remains to be seen. Of course, having a potential “instant kill” is very strong, but first, 3 quests must be completed, a legendary card must be played, and then the spell must be drawn. That’s a lot of time for the opponent to determine the game.
While there will surely be videos in which the Priest plays the Shard on exactly turn 10, that should remain a rarity. Because the Priest would have to play perfectly “on curve”, meaning having the right card for the quest in every turn, which should also be a good answer to the opponent’s minions.
What do you think of this instant kill method of the Priest? A fun card and very interesting? Or totally overpowered and toxic for the game?
