Overload



Overload is an ability which reduces the amount of mana available the next turn by the stated amount, indicated in the user interface by padlock icons.

Cards with this ability are limited to the shaman class.

Strategy
Overload allows shamans to deal very effective burst damage, and to summon some powerful minions in the early game. Overload adds an additional strategic element to the game, with the shaman gaining tempo and presence in the current round in exchange for restricted activity in the next.

Used unwisely, Overload can leave the shaman starved of mana the next turn, causing them to lose pace and potentially drop behind in the game. Be wary of using Overload in early rounds to summon powerful minions which can be easily removed by the opponent next turn, since the additional Overload cost can cause the shaman to pay twice over. Used wisely, Overload can allow the shaman to respond to demanding situations with surprising momentum.

An additional strategic element is added through certain Overload-related cards. Cards like Lava Shock and Eternal Sentinel remove all Overload for the current and coming turn, allowing the shaman to free up mana and drastically reduce the overall cost of their Overload cards, especially if played after incurring a large amount of Overload. Other cards such as Tunnel Trogg and Unbound Elemental offer a simpler synergy, with triggered effects activating in response to Overload. Overload decks combine cards such as these with a large amount of Overload cards, using cards like Lava Shock to reduce their cost, while using the Overload-triggered cards for additional threats.

Fixed bugs

 * For a few weeks during Patch 4.0.0.10833 (LoE patch), playing a minion or spell with Overload caused you to become Overloaded the moment the card was paid for. For example, if Counterspell countered your Lightning Bolt, you were still Overloaded (normally Counterspell triggers before Overload, preventing the effect entirely).

Trivia

 * During the game's alpha, Overload was known as "Recall". The name was changed in an unknown alpha patch prior to May 2013, but the keyword in the game's strings was not changed until Patch 4.0.0.10833. The change is not known to have otherwise altered any card text or the mechanics involved, but may have reflected a different concept behind the ability.

Patch changes

 * Keyword name changed from "Recall" to "Overload".