(I've upsized all card backs from 150px to 200px. it looks a lot better to me, allowing viewers to appreciate the art more. if you disagree, post a message on the talk page so we can discuss and consider)
| Available to active members of TeSPA (The eSports Association) Local Chapters with at least 25 members. Full conditions [http://tespa.org/blog/2014/09/23/tespacardback/ here].
| Available to active members of TeSPA (The eSports Association) Local Chapters with at least 25 members. Full conditions [http://tespa.org/blog/2014/09/23/tespacardback/ here].
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Also granted to all attendees of Heroes of the Dorm finals on April 26, 2015.<ref>http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/18779575/hearthstone-at-heroes-of-the-dorm-4-17-2015</ref>
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Also granted to all attendees of Heroes of the Dorm finals on April 26, 2015<ref>http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/18779575/hearthstone-at-heroes-of-the-dorm-4-17-2015</ref> and on April 9-10, 2016<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaKKv5ywVVQ</ref>.
''Mascot of Dalaran University. Rarely seen, because no one ever shows up to football games there.''
''Mascot of Dalaran University. Rarely seen, because no one ever shows up to football games there.''
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 reaching Rank 20 in that season, awarded at the end of the season (for more information, see here).
Card backs are purely decorative and do not affect gameplay in any way.[1]
Different methods of acquisition have varying timings. The Legend card back, and card backs unlocked through quests, are available immediately once the requirement has been met. Card backs unlocked through attaining Rank 20 in Ranked play are granted upon the conclusion of the season. Once Rank 20 is achieved it is not possible to drop below that rank in that season, therefore the card back unlock is guaranteed even if all subsequent games are lost.
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]
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.
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.
Click on any design to view a larger image.
Obtainable
These card backs are currently obtainable by players.
"The Power Core card back will be available to players who participate in or attend select Hearthstone eSports tournaments around the world."[10] It was also awarded to all attendees of BlizzCon 2015.[11]
We can feel the energy in the air. And it's coming from... YOU!
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!
No longer available 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...
No longer available 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).
Achieving Rank 20 in RankedSeason 23 (February 2016)
Unofficial slogan: "Great warriors come from happy Tauren tribes. Happy Tauren come from Thunder Bluff!"
Trivia
As can be seen in the video "A Closer look at Hearthstone card backs" (shown below), 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.
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 1.0.0.4944 (Open beta, 2014-03-11): The card back system is added.
Patch 2.7.0.9166 (2015-06-15):
