Hearthstone
News, coverage and analysis tracking Hearthstone across the outlets.
Latest coverage
New Guild Wars card game “Mistbound” announced
ArenaNet and NC Corporation have announced Mistbound, a new collectible card game set in the Guild Wars universe for mobile and PC. The game features a dynamic 5x3 grid with directional movement for units and commanders, offering deep strategic gameplay inspired by Guild Wars 2's professions. Mistbound will be free-to-play with monetization hooks similar to other live service titles.
The MOP Up: Albion Online teases a new July event
Albion Online is teasing a new event called "Keeper Uprising" for Guild Season 33 starting July 4th, featuring special missions and rewards. This roundup also includes updates from RuneScape, Neverwinter, Entropia Universe, Dungeon Fighter Online, La Tale, Myth of Empires: Throne, Hearthstone, Cave Crave, MapleStory: Idle RPG, Star Trek Online, Mimesis, MechWarrior 5 Mercenaries, MechWarrior Online, Marathon, Persist Online, Planet Crafter, and Teamfight Tactics, covering new content, events, patches, and business changes.
Hearthstone card reveal - Shaman gets a new weapon card that's both versatile and terrifying
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a new Legendary Shaman weapon card, Tiny Pal, for the upcoming Hearthstone expansion, Escape from Violet Hold. This versatile weapon, launching July 7, offers four distinct elemental ammunition effects after each attack, including Freeze, AoE damage, summoning a Taunt minion, or generating a discounted Battlecry minion. The expansion will introduce new keywords like Prepare, Disguise, and Bribe.
Overwatch tries to reduce an anniversary event title grind, Hearthstone unveils its next expansion
Blizzard Entertainment has announced adjustments to the Overwatch 10th anniversary event, reducing the number of challenges required to earn the table flip emote from 48 to 38. Additionally, Hearthstone's next expansion, Escape from Violet Hold, is set to launch on July 7th, introducing new rulebreaker minions, the 'prepare' keyword, and disguised minions.
Hearthstone “Escape From Violet Hold” Card Reveal: Breaking Out Of Zuramat’s Prison
A new Hearthstone card, Zuramat's Prison, has been revealed for the upcoming "Escape From Violet Hold" expansion, set to launch on July 7. This Location card allows players to discard a card to summon a 5/5 minion and eventually frees the powerful 8/8 minion Zuramat the Obliterator. The expansion will also introduce a new "Prepare" keyword and "Rulebreaker" minions, alongside in-game events and updates to the Battlegrounds mode.
Escape from Violet Hold is Hearthstone's second expansion of 2026
Hearthstone's second expansion of 2026 will be titled Escape from Violet Hold, featuring Vanessa VanCleef and her pirate gang. This expansion introduces new content and themes to the popular digital card game.
Hearthstone’s Escape From Violet Hold Arrives July 7
Hearthstone: Escape From Violet Hold is set to launch on July 7. This new content for the digital card game Hearthstone will be available on PC and mobile devices.
Break the Rules in Escape from Violet Hold, Hearthstone’s Next Expansion
Hearthstone's next expansion, Escape from Violet Hold, launches on July 7 and introduces new mechanics that break core game rules, such as running duplicate Legendaries and drawing extra cards. The expansion features a prison break theme with characters like Vanessa VanCleef and Warden Maiev Shadowsong, and introduces new keywords like 'Prepare' and mechanics like 'Disguised' minions and 'Bribe' cards. Players can claim free cards and participate in a pre-release Tavern Brawl starting June 30.
Riftbound set rotation confirmed via Dave Guskin interview with Rich Phu
Riftbound game director Dave Guskin detailed the physical trading card game's set rotation system in an interview with Rich Phu. The first rotation will occur with Set 10 in early 2028, removing Proving Grounds, Origins, and all 2026 sets. Riot Games plans to maintain a separate format for older cards to preserve collector value and player investment.
Heroes of the Storm and Hearthstone tackle balance, Overwatch features evil science in latest lore vid
Blizzard Entertainment has released minor updates for several of its games. Heroes of the Storm received a balance patch for the Haunted Mines map and hero adjustments, while Hearthstone's patch focuses on class set impact, event cards, and Battlegrounds. Overwatch released a new lore video featuring the villainous scientist Moira.
The MOP Up: V Rising mulls over a new patch
Stunlock Studios is gathering player feedback for an upcoming balance and bug-fix patch for V Rising. This roundup also includes news on updates for Villagers and Heroes, The Elder Scrolls Online, MechWarrior Online, and Apex Legends, among others.
The MOP Up: Subnautica 2 just says no to gen AI
Unknown Worlds has confirmed that Subnautica 2 will not use generative AI, with all development being handled by traditional methods. The article also rounds up other recent gaming news, including delays for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, updates for Dungeon Fighter Online and SMITE 2, and new content for Hearthstone and PSO2.
MMO Week in Review: Evercold, Aion 2, and EQ Legends
This week in the MMORPG genre saw the reveal of Final Fantasy XIV's 'Evercold' expansion for January 2027, alongside confirmations for Aion 2's global launch this year. Several other titles like Embers of the Uncrowned, RF Online Next, Palia, EverQuest Legends, and Loftia also had significant updates or beta launches.
Blizzard has canceled yet another Hearthstone mode – this time, it’s Twist
Blizzard Entertainment has announced the removal of the Twist game mode from Hearthstone in an upcoming patch. Game director Tyler Bielman stated that while Twist was intended for creative risks, it did not connect with players as hoped. The studio plans to shift its experimental content to Tavern Brawls instead.
The MOP Up: Trove looks to the stars for its latest contest
This week's MMO roundup includes Trove's "Space Innovation" decoration contest, Marvel Rivals' new season and creative director's vision, and sales milestones for Crimson Desert. Updates and patches were also detailed for The Elder Scrolls Online, Hearthstone, Throne and Liberty, Dark Age of Camelot, Magic Online, MechWarrior Online, and League of Legends.
Vague Patch Notes: No, Epic Games is not the bellwether of the game industry
This article critiques the notion that Epic Games is a bellwether for the game industry, arguing that its success is primarily tied to the battle royale mode of Fortnite, a cash-in on a trend rather than a creative vision. The author contends that Epic's over-reliance on Fortnite and the underperformance of the Epic Games Store, coupled with questionable business strategies, led to recent layoffs, contrasting this with more diversified companies like Blizzard and Square Enix.
Naraka: Bladepoint Unveils Hearthstone Collaboration and New Season 20 Content - GameHaunt
Naraka: Bladepoint is launching a collaboration with Hearthstone during its Season 20 update, introducing Murloc-themed cosmetics and a new campus-themed Battle Pass. Developer 24 Entertainment also announced the return of the Vegetable Fairy event with new weapon skins. This partnership marks Hearthstone's first major crossover into the melee battle royale genre.
Perfect Ten: MMOs and other online projects created by ex-Blizzard devs
This article highlights ten notable projects created by former Blizzard Entertainment developers and leads, focusing on MMORPGs and other online games. It details various ventures, including Jeff Kaplan's 'The Legend of California,' Greg Street's 'Project Ghost,' and Ben Brode's successful 'Marvel Snap.'
Choosing Your Main Digital Card Game for 2026: Hearthstone, Slay the Spire 2, or Balatro?
This article compares Hearthstone, Slay the Spire 2, and Balatro as potential main digital card games to invest time in for 2026. It highlights Hearthstone's longevity and varied modes, Slay the Spire 2's success as a roguelike deckbuilder, and Balatro's accessible yet deep poker-inspired gameplay.
April Fools’ Day pranks and events around the MMORPG and MMO world, 2026 edition
MMORPGs across the industry celebrated April Fools' Day 2026 with a variety of in-game events, pranks, and humorous patch notes. Titles like Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, Star Trek Online, and Final Fantasy XIV participated with unique in-game activities and themed content.