The latest patch for Heroes of the Storm is live. Alexei Stukov enters the Nexus to try everything for the Zerg (and healing).
Since last night (07/11/2017), patch 26.3 for Heroes of the Storm is online. The most important feature is the implementation of the infected Terran Alexei Stukov. After being infected by the Zerg swarm, he now serves the Queen of Blades. In the Nexus, he is a supporter who brings not only healing but also plenty of restrictions for enemies.
We take another look at his abilities:
- Healing Pathogen is cast on an ally and provides healing over time. Healing Pathogen bounces to nearby allies every second who are not yet affected.
- Viral Cyst is the counterpart. Stukov fires a projectile that pierces enemies and infects them with a virus. The virus deals damage over time and slows opponents with increasing effect.
- The trait Immune Reaction can be activated at will and causes all active viruses and pathogens to explode, immediately ending their effect. Exploded healing heals a large amount, exploded viruses deal damage and massively slow the victims.
- With Deep Arm, Stukov plunges his hand into the ground, which reappears elsewhere and creates an area effect. Enemies in the area effect take damage over time and are silenced. The spell can be channeled indefinitely.
- The first heroic ability of Stukov is Massive Blow. Upon activation, Stukov gains a large amount of armor and thrusts his arm in the targeted direction. The first enemy hero hit is pushed back in a straight line until they hit a wall or other impassable terrain, taking damage.
- Arm Sweep is the second heroic ability. Stukov strikes three times, with each attack’s cone growing larger. Hit enemies are knocked back and take minor damage.
Stukov can now be purchased in the shop for real money or gold. Additionally, he is now also available in loot boxes.
Balance Changes for Tyrande and Xul
There are also some changes to the balance of the heroes. The necromancer Xul is getting new quest talents and will generally be slightly strengthened. Especially players focusing on his skeletons will benefit, as they can be further enhanced.
For Tyrande, the healing of some talents is reduced, while her usefulness is increased. She can now reveal enemies for a longer time and give allies a greater speed boost.
Some map changes are coming to Hanamura. The hit points of both citadels have been increased from 7 to 8, making matches last slightly longer. The payloads that need to be escorted also now spawn later, allowing more time for skirmishing on the map.
The complete patch notes can be found as usual in our sources.
