Blizzard has launched a new Hearthstone expansion, The Great Dark Beyond, bringing 145 fresh cards, new mechanics, and unique lore-inspired themes.
The expansion, released on November 5, 2024, is themed around space exploration, incorporating an innovative Starship keyword and adding Draenei as a minion type, enhancing Hearthstone’s cosmic storytelling.
Exploring the Starship Keyword
In The Great Dark Beyond, players can explore the Starship keyword, a novel addition that functions similarly to minions but with unique effects. For instance, cards like The Gravitational Displacer, Guiding Figure, and Arkonite Defense Crystal come with the Starship Piece keyword.
When these Starship minions die, their stats and abilities are added to your larger Starship construction, creating a powerful, customizable feature.
Six Hearthstone classes—Death Knight, Demon Hunter, Druid, Hunter, Rogue, and Warlock—receive their own Starship visuals and names. Blizzard also confirmed that all classes can interact with The Exile’s Hope, Hearthstone’s flagship vessel for this expansion, fostering a unique, class-inclusive Starship experience.
Draenei Minion Type Joins the Game
This expansion also introduces Draenei as a new, permanent minion type in Hearthstone. Although known from World of Warcraft lore, this is the first time Draenei have joined Hearthstone with their own classification.
Notable Draenei cards include Unyielding Vindicator, Askara, and Velen, Leader of the Exiled. These Draenei minions add both power and versatility, with designs that reflect the wisdom and resilience of the Draenei race.
Spellburst Keyword Returns
The popular Spellburst keyword makes its comeback in The Great Dark Beyond. This returning mechanic triggers a card’s effect after casting a spell, adding more layers of strategy. Cards featuring Spellburst include Star Grazer, Interstellar Researcher, and K’ara, the Dark Star. This reintroduction gives players familiar gameplay mechanics with fresh card interactions in the new expansion.
New Cards Featuring Burning Legion References
Lore fans will find additional references to the Burning Legion throughout this expansion, with legendary figures like Kil’jaeden and Archimonde making their Hearthstone debut. Kil’jaeden is introduced as a neutral card, playable by any class, while Archimonde and Foreboding Flame provide Warlock players with powerful, themed cards.
Final Thoughts
With The Great Dark Beyond, Hearthstone broadens its horizons—literally and figuratively. By blending lore-driven characters, new mechanics, and a cosmic setting, Blizzard has crafted a unique experience for fans of space and fantasy.
Whether you’re assembling Starships, exploring the power of the Draenei, or diving into Spellburst combos, this expansion is packed with strategic depth and exciting lore.
Hearthstone Announces The Great Dark Beyond Expansion: Release Date, New Features, and More