- Battlecry
Does something when you play it from your hand.
Battlecry is an ability where a particular effect activates when the card with the Battlecry is played directly from the hand. Although mostly limited to minions, some weapons also have Battlecries.
Activation of Battlecries are indicated by a flash of light from beneath the minion or weapon.
Battlecries are and long have been the most common type of ability in Hearthstone, representing the simplest way for a minion to bring an additional effect into play, and featuring a large variety of different effects.
Notes[]
- Battlecries do not activate if the card is brought into play by another card. For example,
Alarm-o-Bot,
Faceless Manipulator and
Mirror Entity all place minions onto the board, but any Battlecries will not be activated.
- Battlecries generally occur once, when the card is brought into play. Unlike some other buffs, these effects do not therefore rely on the casting minion staying alive, and cannot be removed by destroying it. For example, destroying
Stormwind Champion will remove its bonus effect from any affected minions, whereas
Shattered Sun Cleric's Battlecry, once granted, will not be removed by killing the Cleric. This means Battlecry minions are generally some of the less valuable minions once they have been played, since much of their point value lies in their Battlecry.
- Order of play can be important. For example, if no other Murlocs are in play, playing
Coldlight Seer, followed by
Bluegill Warrior, will waste the Seer's Battlecry; while playing the Warrior first will allow it to benefit from the Seer's Battlecry.
- Battlecries take place each time the minion is played by the player. Cards such as
Ancient Brewmaster, which return a minion to your hand, can be used to benefit from a minion's Battlecry effect more than once.
- Choose One and Combo effects on minions are not considered Battlecries. In particular, they have no interaction with
Brann Bronzebeard,
Shudderwock, or
Corrupt the Waters.
Targeting[]
- If a Battlecry requires a specific target, that target must be selected immediately after playing the minion. Many Battlecries require a specific type of target, such as a friendly minion or Beast, and cannot be targeted at other targets.
- If a suitable target exists, the player must manually select it, even if there is no alternative target.
- If no suitable target is available, the Battlecry simply will not occur.
- While many Battlecries affect the Battlecry minion itself, targeted Battlecries cannot choose to target the possessing minion.
- An appropriate target must be selected, if possible. In some cases, this means granting an advantageous buff to an enemy minion, or inconveniencing a friendly minion. This can be circumvented by careful assessment and control of the minions on the board, but is otherwise unavoidable. If no valid target exists, the Battlecry will not take effect, although any visual-audio effects will still be triggered.
- While choosing a target, the player can choose to cancel the Battlecry. Doing so will actually reverse the summoning of the minion (which process has not actually occurred at that point, despite the display), something which is not normally possible. Note that if the Battlecry is unable to find a suitable target it will not activate, meaning the player will not get the chance to reverse the summoning.
Order of play[]
- Battlecries occur after the minion enters play, and after 'whenever you play' triggered effects such as those of
Illidan Stormrage and
Hobgoblin. Battlecries occur before Secrets such as
Mirror Entity, as well as
Knife Juggler's 'after you summon' effect. In the past, Battlecries took place before certain 'whenever you summon' effects, such as
Ship's Cannon and
Sword of Justice, however these cards have since been changed to say 'after you summon' to keep the wording consistent with the order.
- For references and a comprehensive description of the summoning process, see that section of the Advanced rulebook.
Strategy[]
- It is a common strategy for players to use return effects (effects that return a minion to its owner's hand) on their own Battlecry minions in order to benefit from the effect again. Minions such as
Ancient Brewmaster,
Youthful Brewmaster and
Kidnapper, as well as spells such as
Shadowstep and
Dream, and hostile actions such as
Sap, can all be used for this purpose. This type of play is most effective when combined with minions with powerful Battlecries.
Brann Bronzebeard is the strongest Battlecry-specific synergy in the game, with the ability to activate any Battlecry twice. Note that in some cases this produces no significant extra effect, while in others the result can be quite undesirable.
- Battlecry minions are often good targets for cost-related transform effects like
Evolve and
Recombobulator. This is because a positive Battlecry accounts for some of the minion's value, meaning that once the Battlecry has been activated, the remaining minion is often below par for its cost (although this is often untrue for minions with self-buffing Battlecries). Because of this transforming a Battlecry minion has a good chance of producing a stronger or more valuable minion.
Cards with Battlecry[]
- For Wild format listings, see Battlecry/Wild format
The list of cards with Battlecry is quite extensive, and so is not listed visually, but can be explored through the table below. Click "Expand" to see the table. The table will only list the first 100 cards. To see more, click "Customize this list" and change the amount of cards presented.
Collectible[]
Name | Class | Type | Rarity | Cost | Atk | HP/Dur. | Armor | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Priestess Valishj | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
0 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Refresh an empty Mana Crystal for each spell you've cast this turn.@ (@) | |
Abusive Sergeant | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Give a minion +2 Attack this turn. | |
Babbling Book | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Add a random Mage spell to your hand. | |
Beaming Sidekick | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 2 | Battlecry: Give a friendly minion +2 Health. | |
Bloodsail Deckhand | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 2 | 1 | Battlecry: The next weapon you play costs (1) less. | |
Cleric of An'she | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 2 | Battlecry: If you've restored Health this turn, Discover a spell from your deck. | |
Click-Clocker | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Divine Shield. Battlecry: Give a random Mech in your hand +1/+1. | |
Elven Archer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Deal 1 damage. | |
Filletfighter | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 3 | 1 | Battlecry: Deal 1 damage. | |
Flame Imp | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Deal 3 damage to your hero. | |
Ivus, the Forest Lord | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Spend the rest of your Mana and gain +2/+2, Rush, Divine Shield, or Taunt at random for each. | |
Kindling Elemental | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 2 | Battlecry: The next Elemental you play costs (1) less. | |
Knight of Anointment | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Draw a Holy spell. | |
Metamorfin | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 2 | Taunt Battlecry: If you've cast a Fel spell this turn, gain +2/+2. | |
Psychic Conjurer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Copy a card in your opponent’s deck and add it to your hand. | |
Shadowblade Slinger | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 2 | 1 | Battlecry: If you've taken damage this turn, deal that much to an enemy minion. | |
Shattershambler | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 3 | Battlecry: Your next Deathrattle minion costs (1) less, but immediately dies when played. | |
Shivering Sorceress | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: Reduce the Cost of the highest Cost spell in your hand by (1). | |
Sir Finley Mrrgglton | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 3 | Battlecry: Discover a new basic Hero Power. | |
Sir Finley, Sea Guide | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 3 | Battlecry: Swap your hand with the bottom of your deck. | |
Springpaw | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Rush Battlecry: Add a 1/1 Lynx with Rush to your hand. | |
Stockades Guard | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 3 | Battlecry: Give a friendly minion Taunt. | |
Swashburglar | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Add a random card from another class to your hand. | |
Voodoo Doctor | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
1 | 2 | 1 | Battlecry: Restore 2 Health. | |
Acidic Swamp Ooze | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Destroy your opponent's weapon. | |
Amalgam of the Deep | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Choose a friendly minion. Discover a minion of the same minion type. | |
Amplified Snowflurry | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Your next Hero Power costs (0) and Freezes the target. | |
Arcanologist | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Draw a Secret. | |
Argent Protector | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Give a friendly minion Divine Shield. | |
Azsharan Scavenger | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Put a 'Sunken Scavenger' on the bottom of your deck. | |
Battle Vicar | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 3 | Battlecry: Discover a Holy spell. | |
Bloodsail Raider | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Gain Attack equal to the Attack of your weapon. | |
Clawfury Adept | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Give all other friendly characters +1 Attack this turn. | |
Crazed Alchemist | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: Swap the Attack and Health of a minion. | |
Cruel Taskmaster | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: Deal 1 damage to a minion and give it +2 Attack. | |
Darkshire Librarian | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Discard a random card. Deathrattle: Draw a card. | |
Deeprun Engineer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 2 | Battlecry: Discover a Mech. It costs (1) less. | |
Defias Leper | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: If you're holding a Shadow spell, deal 2 damage. | |
Fogsail Freebooter | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: If you have a weapon equipped, deal 2 damage. | |
Harbor Scamp | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: Draw a Pirate. | |
Hecklefang Hyena | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 4 | Battlecry: Deal 3 damage to your hero. | |
Injured Tol'vir | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 6 | Taunt Battlecry: Deal 3 damage to this minion. | |
Jerry Rig Carpenter | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 1 | Battlecry: Draw a Choose One spell and split it. | |
K9-0tron | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Dredge. If it's a 1-Cost minion, summon it. | |
Kul Tiran Chaplain | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Give a friendly minion +2 Health. | |
Lushwater Murcenary | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: If you control a Murloc, gain +1/+1. | |
Mad Bomber | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Deal 3 damage randomly split between all other characters. | |
Mailbox Dancer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Add a Coin to your hand. Deathrattle: Give your opponent one. | |
Man-at-Arms | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: If you have a weapon equipped, gain +1/+1. | |
Menacing Nimbus | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: Add a random Elemental to your hand. | |
Murkwater Scribe | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: The next spell you play costs (1) less. | |
Murloc Tidehunter | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 1 | Battlecry: Summon a 1/1 Murloc Scout. | |
Obsidiansmith | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Dredge. If it's a minion or a weapon, give it +1/+1. | |
Prestor's Pyromancer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Your next Fire spell has Spell Damage +2. | |
Queensguard | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Gain +1/+1 for each spell you've cast this turn. | |
Ram Commander | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: Add two 1/1 Rams with Rush to your hand. | |
Seafloor Savior | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: Dredge. If it's a minion, give it this minion's Attack and Health. | |
Selective Breeder | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 3 | Battlecry: Discover a copy of a Beast in your deck. | |
Serena Bloodfeather | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | Battlecry: Choose an enemy minion. Steal Attack and Health from it until this has more. | |
SI:7 Skulker | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Stealth Battlecry: The next card you draw costs (1) less. | |
Sightless Watcher | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Look at 3 cards in your deck. Choose one to put on top. | |
Sleetbreaker | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Add a Windchill to your hand. | |
South Coast Chieftain | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: If you control another Murloc, deal 2 damage. | |
Spellcoiler | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: If you've cast a spell while holding this, Discover a spell. | |
Sunreaver Spy | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: If you control a Secret, gain +1/+1. | |
Talented Arcanist | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 3 | Battlecry: Your next spell this turn has Spell Damage +2. | |
Toad of the Wilds | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 2 | Taunt Battlecry: If you're holding a Nature spell, gain +2 Health. | |
Trench Surveyor | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Dredge. If it's a Mech, draw it. | |
Tuskarrrr Trawler | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Dredge. | |
Twilight Deceptor | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: If any hero took damage this turn, draw a Shadow spell. | |
Youthful Brewmaster | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Return a friendly minion from the battlefield to your hand. | |
Aldor Peacekeeper | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 3 | Battlecry: Change an enemy minion's Attack to 1. | |
Alliance Bannerman | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 2 | 1 | Battlecry: Draw a minion. Give minions in your hand +1/+1. | |
Ancient Krakenbane | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 3 | Battlecry: If you've cast three spells while holding this, deal 5 damage.@ ({0} left!)@ (Ready!) | |
Arid Stormer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 2 | 5 | Battlecry: If you played an Elemental last turn, gain Rush and Windfury. | |
Azsharan Mooncatcher | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 4 | 2 | Divine Shield. Battlecry: Put a 'Sunken Mooncatcher' on the bottom of your deck. | |
Azsharan Sweeper | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Battlecry: Put a 'Sunken Sweeper' on the bottom of your deck. | |
Blood Shard Bristleback | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 3 | Lifesteal. Battlecry: If your deck contains 10 or fewer cards, deal 6 damage to a minion. | |
Bloodscent Vilefin | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Battlecry: Dredge. If it's a Murloc, change its Cost to Health instead of Mana. | |
Bronze Explorer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 3 | Lifesteal Battlecry: Discover a Dragon. | |
Catacomb Guard | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 1 | 4 | Lifesteal Battlecry: Deal damage equal to this minion's Attack to an enemy minion. | |
Clownfish | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Your next two Murlocs cost (2) less. | |
Coldlight Seer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Give your other Murlocs +2 Health. | |
Copycat | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Battlecry: Add a copy of the next card your opponent plays to your hand. | |
Crow's Nest Lookout | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 2 | 2 | Battlecry: Deal 2 damage to the left and right-most enemy minions. | |
Crushclaw Enforcer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Battlecry: If you've cast a spell while holding this, draw a Naga. | |
Devout Dungeoneer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Draw a spell. If it's a Holy spell, reduce its Cost by (2). | |
Entrapped Sorceress | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Battlecry: If you control a Quest, Discover a spell. | |
Flightmaster Dungar | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 3 | Battlecry: Choose a flightpath and go Dormant. Awaken with a bonus when you complete it! | |
Frostweave Dungeoneer | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Draw a spell. If it's a Frost spell, summon two 1/1 Elementals that Freeze. | |
Golakka Glutton | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 2 | 3 | Battlecry: Destroy a Beast and gain +1/+1. | |
Gorillabot A-3 | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Battlecry: If you control another Mech, Discover a Mech. | |
Grimtotem Bounty Hunter | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 4 | 2 | Battlecry: Destroy an enemy Legendary minion. | |
Handmaiden | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: If you've cast three spells while holding this, draw 3 cards.@ ({0} left!)@ (Ready!) | |
Herald of Chaos | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Lifesteal Battlecry: If you've cast a Fel spell while holding this, gain Rush. | |
Herald of Light | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Battlecry: If you've cast a Holy spell while holding this, restore 6 Health to all friendly characters. | |
Herald of Nature | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 3 | Battlecry: If you've cast a Nature spell while holding this, give your other minions +1/+2. | |
Herald of Shadows | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 4 | 2 | Battlecry: If you've cast a Shadow spell while holding this, steal 2 Health from a minion. | |
Hog Rancher | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 2 | Battlecry: Summon a 2/1 Hog with Rush. | |
Horde Operative | ![]() |
Minion | ![]() |
3 | 3 | 4 | Battlecry: Copy your opponent's Secrets and put them into play. |
Uncollectible[]
Sources of Battlecry[]
- For Wild format listings, see Battlecry/Wild format
These cards have effects that generate Battlecry cards.
Related cards[]
- For Wild format listings, see Battlecry/Wild format
Achievements[]
Name | Requirements | Rewards |
---|---|---|
FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT!!! (1/5) | Play 150 cards with Battlecry. | 10 ![]() |
FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT!!! (2/5) | Play 500 cards with Battlecry. | 10 ![]() |
FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT!!! (3/5) | Play 1500 cards with Battlecry. | 10 ![]() |
FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT!!! (4/5) | Play 5000 cards with Battlecry. | 10 ![]() |
FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT!!! (5/5) | Play 15000 cards with Battlecry. | 20 ![]() |