If you’re a Hearthstone fan, you probably already know that an update is dropping later this week. Among many changes arriving with the update will affect Duels. Besides, once the update arrives, it’s going to reset the ratings for Casual and Heroic.
Additionally, the pool of eligible cards that players can use to build their 15-card starter deck has been updated as follows:
- Forged in the Barrens
- Core
- The Darkmoon Races Mini-Set
- Madness at the Darkmoon Faire
- Scholomance Academy
- Journey to Un’Goro
- One Night in Kharazan
- Whispers of the Old Gods
- Curse of Naxxramas
- Legacy (Basic/Classic)
Before we go to the other changes, those new to the game are probably wondering what Duels are all about. This is actually a game mode where you fight against others and must get 12 wins before suffering three losses. However, you don’t draft a deck and are offered a choice between four of the game’s 10 classes. Next, you choose one of three of that class's Hero Powers. Then, select one of six of that class's Signature Treasures. Once all that’s done, you need to come up with a 16-card deck using 15 cards from your collection along with the treasure you selected.
As part of Patch 20.0, some balancing changes are coming to Duels, which include:
- Frost Shards
- Old: [Costs 2] Deal 1 damage. Add a 1/1 Ice Shard that Freezes to your hand.
- New: [Costs 1] Deal 1 damage. Add a 2/1 Ice Shard that Freezes to your hand.
- Ice Shard
- Old: [Costs 1] Attack 1, Health 1.
- New: [Costs 2] Attack 2, Health 1.
- Dark Arts
- Old: Look at up to 4 cards in your hand and discard 1. Then, draw 1 card.
- New: Look at up to 3 cards in your hand and discard 1. Then, draw 1 card.
- Favored Racer
- Old: Battlecry: Cast 1 random blessing on this minion. (Improves during run)
- New: Rush. Battlecry: Cast 1 random blessing on this minion. (Improves during run)
- Tempest’s Fury
- Old: Attack 2, Durability 2.
- New: Attack 2, Durability 3.
- Connections
- Old: At the start of your turn, add a 1/1 Informant to your hand.
- New: At the start of your turn, add a random 1-Cost minion to your hand.
- Deathstrider
- Now has the Beast tag.
Aside from these changes, the update will revamp the general game flow of Duels. This is to give Passive/Active Treasures, adjust Health values, and offer card buckets.
You can learn more about the changes to Duels here. Those interested can also read the other changes arriving with Patch 20.0 here.
