Blizzard has officially unveiled Hearthstone’s latest expansion, The Great Dark Beyond, bringing exciting new content, including 145 brand-new cards, the Draenei minion type, the Starship keyword, and the return of the Spellburst mechanic.
The expansion is set to launch on November 5, 2024, and there’s plenty more to unpack, so let’s dive into all the exciting details.
Hearthstone The Great Dark Beyond Release Date
The release date for the The Great Dark Beyond is confirmed for November 5, 2024. This expansion will introduce 145 new cards, adding fresh content for players to explore. One of the most significant additions is the introduction of the Draenei minion type, alongside the Starship keyword and the return of Spellburst.
Players who can’t wait for the release can participate in a special pre-release Tavern Brawl, starting from October 29 until November 5, where they’ll have a chance to open card packs and battle with others in this limited-time event.
New Keyword: Starship in Hearthstone
One of the most exciting features of The Great Dark Beyond expansion is the introduction of the Starship keyword. This mechanic adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as minions with the Starship keyword will leave behind their stats and effects upon death, contributing to the construction of a Starship.
Once enough parts have been collected, players can launch the Starship onto the board for a powerful effect.
Launching a Starship requires 5 mana, and players can stack as many pieces as they want before launching it, allowing for a highly customizable strategy. Blizzard has confirmed that six classes will have dedicated cards with the Starship keyword, namely Death Knight, Demon Hunter, Druid, Hunter, Rogue, and Warlock.
Examples of Starship Minions:
- Arkonite Defense Crystal
- Starlight Reactor
- Exarch Othaar
Draenei Minions and the Burning Legion
Draenei are making their debut as a permanent minion type in Hearthstone with The Great Dark Beyond. Existing cards featuring Draenei characters will be updated to reflect this new minion type. Some key Draenei minions include:
- Ingenious Artificer
- Velen, Leader of the Exiled
Additionally, the expansion will feature Burning Legion minions, including notable characters like Archimonde. This allows for the rich lore of the World of Warcraft universe to blend seamlessly into Hearthstone, adding depth to the expansion’s storytelling.
Notable Burning Legion Cards:
- Archimonde
- Foreboding Flame
- Relentless Wrathguard
Return of the Spellburst Mechanic
Fans of Hearthstone will also be pleased to see the return of the Spellburst mechanic in The Great Dark Beyond. Cards with the Spellburst keyword trigger a special effect the first time you play a spell after summoning them.
This ability opens up opportunities for powerful, well-timed combos. One standout example of this mechanic is the Arkwing Pilot, which showcases the synergy that players can achieve with Spellburst cards.
Free Legendary Minion: Nexus-Prince Shaffar
To celebrate the release of The Great Dark Beyond, players who log in ahead of the launch will receive a free legendary minion, the Nexus-Prince Shaffar. This neutral minion can be used by all classes, providing flexibility and power in any deck.
The Great Dark Beyond Pre-release Tavern Brawl
For those eager to experience the new cards early, the pre-release Tavern Brawl will be available from October 29 to November 5. During this event, players can open their card packs from the new expansion in advance and face off against others in the Tavern Brawl.
Everyone will receive one free entry ticket, but after that, additional runs will cost two Tavern Tickets, 300 in-game gold, or 400 Runestones.
In this pre-release Tavern Brawl, players aim to achieve six wins before losing three matches. On top of that, there will be community pack drops where players can earn free packs from The Great Dark Beyond, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the new cards.
Key Details of the Pre-release Tavern Brawl:
- Event Date: October 29 to November 5
- Free Entry Ticket: Available to all players
- Entry Cost: Two Tavern Tickets, 300 in-game gold, or 400 Runestones
- Rewards: Community pack drops and a chance to earn new expansion cards
Final Toughts
With The Great Dark Beyond expansion arriving on November 5, 2024, now is the perfect time to prepare your Hearthstone decks for the exciting new mechanics, including the Starship keyword and the return of Spellburst.
Be sure to log in early to claim your free legendary card, Nexus-Prince Shaffar, and take part in the pre-release Tavern Brawl to get a head start on exploring the new content.
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