The Year of the Raptor has arrived in Hearthstone, ushering in a new expansion cycle, a refreshed Core Set, and the return of esports. The first expansion, Into the Emerald Dream, is set to launch soon, preceded by a special event. Players can also enjoy a new Year of the Raptor board featuring updated visuals and audio.

Hearthstone's Core Set this year brings back beloved cards, introduces balance changes, and adds new cards to the mix. To enhance gameplay, cards known for burst damage and other frustrating mechanics have been removed. More specifics about the Core Set update will be revealed as its release approaches.

On the competitive front, Hearthstone Esports is back with two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship in 2025. In collaboration with Netease Thunderfire, the program will offer over $600,000 in prizes, aiming to expand the competitive community. Further details on the tournament format and rules will be shared soon.

A significant Arena update is on the horizon with Patch 32.2, set to launch post-Into the Emerald Dream. This update promises to refine the drafting process and bring a fresh perspective to the mode. Patch 32.2 will also include a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the Into the Emerald Dream Mini-Set, which will be released one patch earlier than usual.

This adjustment to the patch schedule is designed to better synchronize development and content cycles. The overall Into the Emerald Dream expansion will maintain its traditional structure, including all anticipated updates and events. After Patch 32.4, the schedule will revert to its regular format starting with Patch 33.0.

Dive into the excitement of the Year of the Raptor by downloading Hearthstone for free today. For more details, visit the official Hearthstone website.