Classic format

For the former card set, see Classic (2014-2021).

Classic format (or Classic) was one of the three main game formats in Hearthstone's Play mode. Classic format restricted players to the 240 cards from the original Basic and Classic sets as they appeared on the 1.0.0.5832 patch of June 2014. No card changes, removals, or additions to those sets were in effect (aside from purely cosmetic changes), letting you play the game as it was when Hearthstone first officially launched.^[1]

In Patch 26.6.0.179020, Classic format was replaced with the Twist format, and Classic format was reduced from a standalone mode to a format that can appear in Twist seasons for a limited time.^[2]

Definition[]

Starting from Year of the Gryphon, Classic is used to refer to cards, game modes and adventures which are only available in Classic format. Classic format is the only format whose cards are completely unrelated to other formats in Play mode.

The symbol for Classic format is a swirl symbol formed from laurels.

Availability[]

Cards[]

Classic format cards are mirrored in the Legacy set. Owning a Legacy card also gives you access to the Classic version. The player can get Legacy cards by opening Classic card packs or through crafting.

Design[]

Pre-removal[]

There was no plan to shift time stamp in Classic format from time to time, even if it was not hard to implement. The developers wanted to wait and see how things go in the first weeks or months of Classic format before putting a plan in place.^[3]^[4]

Post-removal[]

Reasons for the removal of Classic format include:

Classic simply isn't popular anymore.^[2]
- "Ultimately, Classic is a static format. No new cards are added to it, the meta doesn't change, and there are no new balance adjustments. Because of the static nature to it, engagement waned over time."
Developers hope there will only be one version of each card across all the formats.^[2]

Classic and Classic-adjacent formats are still on the table for Twist. "We wanted to create opportunities to engage with Classic-era content that’s new, exciting, and has variety over time, and also give Classic a chance to come back into the spotlight at a later date… We actually think we are going to provide a better Classic experience by having players focused on it when it is top of mind as a part of the Twist rotation, rather than continuing to be a standalone mode"^[2]

Hero Powers[]

Because some basic Hero Powers (like Totemic Call) may have been changed after Patch 1.0.0.5834, original versions of these Hero Powers have been created and used only in this format to keep themselves original as they are.