Card backs are a feature which allows players to replace the standard design on the reverse of their cards with alternate designs.
Players can select which card back to display through the Card Backs pane of the Collection, with the selected design displayed in-game, visible to both the player and their opponent. Numerous different card backs are available to collect, with each offering a distinct animated design.
Players can assign a specific card back to each custom deck, as well as choosing a "favorite" card back to be used by default for any deck for which a specific card back has not been chosen, as well as in all non-match appearances, such as when opening card packs and receiving leveling rewards.
Players can earn alternate card backs through fulfilling various criteria, such as participating in a season of Ranked play, or completing certain quests. Ranked participation card backs are rewarded for winning 5 games in that season, awarded at the end of the season (for more information, see here).
Prior to 2020, almost all card backs from Ranked rewards could not be obtained again once they were rewarded to players. However, starting in 2020, otherwise unobtainable card backs started to be re-released in the Shop for everyone to purchase for 500 gold each. The first card back to be re-released was the "Naxxramas" card back, being shown for sale in the Shop in July 2020.
Card backs are purely decorative and do not affect gameplay in any way.[1]
Most card backs feature consistent designs. Most are symmetrical (or partially symmetrical) across the diagonal halves of the card - or in an alternative term, are mirrored across the middle. The top-right and bottom-left corners have a thicker border than the rest of the card, usually as part of a swooping design. Less common but still repeating is four or eight spikes pointing outward from the Hearthstone logo in the card's center, and on eight-spike designs, the cardinal spikes are more prominent. Finally, every card back features a variant of the Hearthstone logo (excluding the "Random" card back, which has a question mark instead).
The sole exception is the 30 Years of Blizzard card back, which has a totally unique design and does not feature the Hearthstone symbol anywhere.
Currently, there is no way to acquire limited-availability card backs, such as Ranked Play season card backs, once the qualifying period has passed. However, Ben Brode has stated that it is "likely there will be some way to obtain them in the future."[2]
To date, there have been three limited-availability special event card backs that have been made available again: the "Winter Veil Wreath", "Winter Veil Treat", and "Ragnaros" card backs, which were part of special rewards for Tavern Brawls.
Starting in 2020, some Ranked Play card backs in the past became available again in the shop for purchase for 500 gold each, starting with the "Naxxramas" card back in July 2020, which was offered during the Scholomance Academy pre-order period. For a list of all card backs being made available again in the shop, see #Purchasable.
Starting in 2021, most card backs that are more than a year old can be purchased for gold, either 500 or 600 depending on their rarity.
Card backs are 'deactivated' while the card is in the deck, with their full colours and animations only appearing when they enter the player's hand.[3] Limited versions of the designs' animations are shown outside of combat for some designs.
While appearing flat, card backs are in fact fully 3D assets. However, they are almost entirely flattened, with only slight rises for the border and details. This can be seen briefly when first inspecting a card back in the collection manager, making the card back swivel for a moment. The form of each card back can be seen more fully in the video "A Closer look at Hearthstone card backs".
The Random card back can be used in regular play, but is only seen when randomly selected.
Designs[]
In order to be used, card backs must first be acquired. Some card backs are available for players to acquire on an ongoing basis, while others are only available for a limited period. Once acquired, all card backs can be used regardless of current availability.
Each card back has its own flavor text when viewed in the Collection; this is stated below the card back's requirements.
Images sourced from Outof.cards here. Click on any design to view a larger image.
Basic[]
Classic
Available to all players
The only card back you’ll ever need.
Random
Selecting this will give a random card back every game. Available to all players.
The Innkeeper offers to shuffle your cardbacks randomly for you.
Vol'jin's tribe, the Darkspear trolls, no longer practices cannibalism. Officially.
Tournament Grounds
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 17 (August 2015)
All over The Grand Tournament's grounds, you can find knights at jousting practice. Poor target dummies. So much senseless hay shed on the path to glory...
Exodar
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 18 (September 2015)
The capital city of the draenei is actually a dimensional ship that crash landed on Azeroth after traveling through the Twisting Nether. Despite its wonders and Velen's best efforts, its tourism industry is sluggish due to its remote location (and possibly also the man-eating mutant plants).
Highmaul
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 19 (October 2015)
5 out of 10 ogres agree: this card back is SMASHING!
Explorer's Map
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 20 (November 2015)
A League of Explorers treasure map! Or the Cartographer's grocery list? Let's find out!
Thrall
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 21 (December 2015)
The World Shaman is probably THE best known celebrity in Azeroth. It's a mystery that his signature necklace never caught on as a fashion trend.
Love Is in the Air
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 22 (January 2016)
Many believe goblins made up this holiday to sell candy. It's not true! They also sell flowers and perfume!
Thunder Bluff
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 23 (February 2016)
Unofficial slogan: "Great warriors come from happy Tauren tribes. Happy Tauren come from Thunder Bluff!"
Be sure to pack your picnic basket, towel, and Anti-Murloc Spray.
Medivh's Invitation
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 29 (August 2016).
You're Invited! Please leave your giant bear with the valet.
Legion
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 30 (September 2016).
The Burning Legion attempted to invade Azeroth three times in the last 10,000 years. Fourth time's the charm?
Pie
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 31 (October 2016)
Pilgrim's Bounty feasters await the arrival of delicious cherry pie. The bakers have only one request: Please eat a piece before the FOOD FIGHT begins!
Halfhill
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 32 (November 2016)
Surrounded by fertile farmland that grows delectable giant produce, Halfhill is the culinary heart of Pandaria. "Come to Halfhill! Double your weight!"
Jade Lotus
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 33 (December 2016)
The Jade Lotus is the newest of the three groups vying for Gadgetzan. They're hip with today's criminal youth.
Grimy Goons
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 34 (January 2017)
The Grimy Goons once kicked a guy out for tucking a Ragnaros up his sleeve.
Kabal
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 35 (February 2017)
The Kabal are notorious for potions, treachery, and accidentally blowing themselves up with 10-mana spells.
Deep within the Halls of the Guardian, the most powerful mages of Azeroth forged a magical card back and uttered this arcane incantation: "Pick a card, any card..."
After the fall of the Lich King, it was suggested that we celebrate then go home. Those of us who stayed decided to continue the Tournament with a new mission: FUN!
In Stranglethorn did Rastakahn A stately card back, gold, decree: Where trolls and sacred loa ran In pits so loud and choked with fans who cheered them on with glee.
There once was a League of Explorers Who championed history and order. Without any delay, They could save every day And vanquish all greedy loot hoarders.
Pull up a chair by the fireside at BlizzCon's Hearthstone Tavern, then play a few hands with this year's convention-innspired card back.
Blizzard Events 2018
Acquired by participating in Blizzard events during 2018.
The stars have aligned into a monumental year for Hearthstone!
Blizzard Events 2019
Acquired by participating in Blizzard events during 2019.
Listen to the noise coming from that party! Wait, no… that's a battleground!
Year of the Dragon
Logging in during the 6th anniversary event.
The good were never better, the bad were never worse, the dragon was awoken, and then that was reversed!
30 Years of Blizzard
Visiting the shop during the 30th anniversary of Blizzard.
Turns out things can stay frosty for a seriously long time.
Moonlight Might
Acquired from OneStore pre-registration.
The night elves were early proponents of wellness.
E-Sports[]
Dalaran Flame
Available to active members of TeSPA. Full conditions here. Also granted to attendees of some Heroes of the Dorm finals.[9][10]
Mascot of Dalaran University. Rarely seen, because no one ever shows up to football games there.
Power Core
Participating in or attending select eSports events.[11] Also awarded to all attendees of BlizzCon 2015.[12]
We can feel the energy in the air. And it's coming from... YOU!
Thrill of Victory
Attending approved eSports events.
Celebrate the intensity of competition with this, the Hearthstone equivalent of a gigantic foam finger.
Golden Celebration
Having a high level finish in approved eSports events.
Solid gold, baby.
Good Cheer
Acquired from the Twitch HGG cheer program.
We get by with a little help from our friends. In chat. By posting funny emotes.
Call of the Light
Cheering for team Light in Oktoberbrawl 2017.
A card back called forth from the realm of undying light. Gives hope to all mankind (except your opponent.)
Call of the Void
Cheering for team Void in Oktoberbrawl 2017.
A card back unleashed from the realm of infinite darkness. Looks wicked rad under a blacklight.
Golden Skies
Competing in Masters Tour.
In light of a glorious victory, the rainy days are far away.
Trivia[]
The Faerie Tail card back was created over three livestreams throughout May of 2020.
The Mysteries of the Phoenix card back was one of four winners in a card back competition hosted by PlayHearthstone of China. It was designed by liguang.[13]
Patch changes[]
Patch 17.6.0.53261 (2020-07-14): When random card back is selected, you will now see a randomized card back every time you open a pack and every time you open the Crafting menu.
Patch 13.4.0.29349 (2019-03-14): Random card back option added. Select the "Random" card back for a deck, and a random card back from your Collection will be chosen each time you play.
Patch 5.0.0.12574 (2016-04-24): The "Galaxy Gifts" card back has been renamed "Samsung Galaxy".
Patch 4.2.0.12051 (2016-03-14): Card backs now swivel when inspected in the collection manager, highlighting their three-dimensional design.
Card backs are now selected through the Collection instead of the Options menu. Card backs therefore cannot be changed without entering the Collection, meaning they cannot be changed mid-match or while in any other screen.
A specific card back can now be assigned to each custom deck.
Flavor text has been added for each card back, viewable in the Collection.
Unknown patch: (Prior to October 2014) The 'Default' card back is now named 'Classic'.
Patch 17.6.0.53261 (2020-07-14): When random card back is selected, you will now see a randomized card back every time you open a pack and every time you open the Crafting menu.
