The Year of the Raptor has officially begun in Hearthstone, ushering in a new expansion cycle, a refreshed Core Set, and the thrilling return of esports. The first expansion of the year, *Into the Emerald Dream*, is set to launch soon, preceded by an exciting special event. Players can also enjoy a new Year of the Raptor board, complete with updated visual and audio systems to enhance your gaming experience.
This year's Core Set update in Hearthstone features a blend of returning cards, balance adjustments, and exciting new additions. To improve gameplay, certain cards known for their burst damage and other frustrating mechanics have been removed. Stay tuned for more details on the update as its release date approaches.
The competitive scene is back with a vengeance, hosting two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship in 2025. In collaboration with Netease Thunderfire, the Hearthstone Esports program will offer a prize pool of at least $600,000, designed to attract more players to the competitive arena. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements about the format and ruleset.
Looking forward, a significant Arena update is scheduled for Patch 32.2, following the release of *Into the Emerald Dream*. While specifics are still under wraps, this update promises to refine the drafting process and introduce a fresh approach 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 in the patch schedule is part of a larger strategy to better synchronize development and content cycles. The *Into the Emerald Dream* expansion will adhere to the standard structure, encompassing all anticipated updates and events. After Patch 32.4, the schedule will revert to its regular format with Patch 33.0.
Dive into the excitement of the Year of the Raptor by downloading Hearthstone for free today. For more information, be sure to visit the official website.
