Hearthstone’s latest patch, 30.2.2, brings significant balance changes to the game, including key nerfs to Tidepool Pupil and Doomkin, along with various other card adjustments. These updates are part of Blizzard’s ongoing efforts to maintain a healthy and competitive environment.
Hearthstone Patch 30.2.2: Key Nerfs to Tidepool Pupil and Doomkin
On August 29, Hearthstone launched patch 30.2.2, introducing crucial nerfs aimed at rebalancing the Standard format. The changes specifically target Tidepool Pupil and Doomkin, two cards that have been contributing to “unhealthy play patterns,” according to Blizzard.
- Tidepool Pupil: Originally a [1 Mana] 2/1 card, it has now been adjusted to [2 Mana] 2/2. This change aims to reduce the frequency of card copies and mitigate the overwhelming advantage it provided in matches.
- Doomkin: This card has seen its cost increased from [6 Mana] 3/4 to [7 Mana] 4/5, addressing the frustrations it caused among players and signaling the end of its dominant presence in the game.
Wild Format Nerfs: Wildpaw Gnoll, Secret Passage, and Sorcerer’s Apprentice
The Wild format also sees adjustments in patch 30.2.2, focusing on nerfing cards that have been overperforming and creating imbalances.
- Wildpaw Gnoll: The mana cost has been increased from [5 Mana] to [6 Mana], reducing its early-game impact.
- Secret Passage: This card now costs [2 Mana], up from [1 Mana], to limit its power in certain strategies.
- Sorcerer’s Apprentice: Blizzard has reverted its mana cost to [2 Mana], but with the crucial caveat that it no longer reduces spell costs below 1. This change is intended to curb the excessive spell spam enabled by the card.
Buffed Cards in Hearthstone Patch 30.2.2
In addition to nerfs, several cards have been buffed in patch 30.2.2 to enhance their viability in both Standard and Wild formats. Some notable buffs include:
- Treasure Hunter Eudora: Mana cost reduced from [6 Mana] to [5 Mana].
- Maestra, Mask Merchant: Mana cost reduced from [6 Mana] to [5 Mana].
- Metal Detector: The card’s stats have been improved from 2/2 to 3/2.
- Furious Fowls: Summoned Birds now have increased stats from 3/2 to 3/3.
These buffs, alongside others in the patch, are designed to promote diversity in deck building and reinvigorate underused cards.
Hearthstone Battlegrounds Patch 30.2.2: Updates and Adjustments
Blizzard has also rolled out updates for the Hearthstone Battlegrounds game mode in patch 30.2.2. These changes include adjustments to Guff Runetotem’s Natural Balance passive, tweaks to Trinkets, and updates to the minion pool and armor settings.
These modifications are aimed at refining the Battlegrounds experience and ensuring balanced gameplay across all heroes.
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