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In early 2017, the [[Team 5|developers]] announced their plans to release three expansions each year, with each expansion featuring around 130 new cards, abandoning their previous annual release cycle of expansion-[[adventure]]-expansion.<ref name=yotmb/> Starting with ''[[Knights of the Frozen Throne]]'' in August 2017, expansions also featured optional [[Solo Adventures|solo-player content]] in the form of [[Mission]]s, effectively integrating an adventure into each expansion.<ref name=yotmb>{{cw|http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/20475356|2016-02-16|A Year of Mammoth Proportions!}}</ref> |
In early 2017, the [[Team 5|developers]] announced their plans to release three expansions each year, with each expansion featuring around 130 new cards, abandoning their previous annual release cycle of expansion-[[adventure]]-expansion.<ref name=yotmb/> Starting with ''[[Knights of the Frozen Throne]]'' in August 2017, expansions also featured optional [[Solo Adventures|solo-player content]] in the form of [[Mission]]s, effectively integrating an adventure into each expansion.<ref name=yotmb>{{cw|http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/20475356|2016-02-16|A Year of Mammoth Proportions!}}</ref> |
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− | ''Hearthstone'''s first expansion was ''[[ |
+ | ''Hearthstone'''s first expansion was ''[[Goblins vs Gnomes]]'', released in December 2014. |
==List== |
==List== |
||
− | The following is a table of all |
+ | The following is a table of all expansions, counting all collectible cards and [[Mini-set]] cards. |
+ | {{Card set statistics|format=Standard, Wild|type=Expansion}} |
||
− | For the full table with legend and notes, see: [[Card set#List|Card set table]]. |
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− | {{:Card set}} |
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+ | ===Release calendar=== |
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+ | <!-- |
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+ | |||
+ | To edit this, go to page: Template:Card set release calendar |
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+ | |||
+ | -->The following is the [[card set]] release calendar for all expansions and adventures. The highlighted sets are in [[Standard format]]. |
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+ | |||
+ | {{Card set release calendar}} |
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+ | |||
+ | ==Standard format expansions== |
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+ | |||
+ | ===Ashes of Outland=== |
||
+ | [[File:Ashes of Outland banner.jpg|thumb|right|400px|link=Ashes of Outland]] |
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+ | {{Main|Ashes of Outland}} |
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+ | ''Ashes of Outland'' is Hearthstone's fourteenth expansion, featuring 135 new [[collectible]] [[card]]s and the [[alternate hero|alternate]] [[shaman]] [[hero]] [[Lady Vashj (hero)|Lady Vashj]]. The expansion was released on April 7, 2020. Like the previous expansions, this one also includes [[Trial by Felfire]], a free single-player content, where [[Aranna Starseeker]] must stop the Rusted Legion. |
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+ | |||
+ | Ashes of Outland also featured ''Hearthstone''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s first new class, the [[Demon Hunter]]. The expansion did not introduce any new keywords directly. However, the Demon Hunter class uses its own special keyword; [[Outcast]], which has an effect if the card is played from the left or right-most spot in the hand. Meanwhile, one of the old abilities, [[Dormant]], was keyworded. |
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+ | {{Clr}} |
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+ | |||
+ | ===Scholomance Academy=== |
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+ | [[File:Scholomance Academy banner.jpg|thumb|right|400px|link=Scholomance Academy]] |
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+ | {{main|Scholomance Academy}} |
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+ | ''Scholomance Academy'' is Hearthstone's fifteenth expansion, featuring 135 new [[collectible]] [[card]]s. The expansion was released August 6, 2020. |
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+ | |||
+ | Set in the magical school of {{wow|Scholomance}}, run by headmaster Kel'Thuzad at a time before he became an evil lich, the expansion sees aspiring young champions of every class studying in this prestigious academy. However, beneath the halls of Scholomance lies a secret, evil cult. Scholomance Academy introduced the new [[Spellburst]] keyword, an effect that triggers the first time you cast a spell with the minion on board. It also added dual-class cards, double majors that can be used by either class and combine themes and mechanics from each other. |
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+ | {{clr}} |
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+ | |||
+ | ===Madness at the Darkmoon Faire=== |
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+ | [[File:Madness at the Darkmoon Faire banner.jpg|thumb|right|400px|link=Madness at the Darkmoon Faire]] |
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+ | {{main|Madness at the Darkmoon Faire}} |
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+ | '''''Madness at the Darkmoon Faire''''' is ''[[Hearthstone]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sixteenth [[expansion]], featuring 135 new [[collectible]] [[card]]s. The expansion was released on November 17th, 2020. |
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+ | |||
+ | This expansion takes place on the mysterious {{wow|Darkmoon Island}}, on the fairgrounds run by [[Silas Darkmoon]] and his carnies... with four sinister guests from the depths of the Void. This expansion adds the new [[Corrupt]] keyword, which powers up corruptible cards in your hand by playing a card that's more expensive than it. It also features the return of the Old Gods [[Yogg-Saron, Master of Fate|Yogg-Saron]], [[C'Thun, the Shattered|C'Thun]], [[Y'Shaarj, the Defiler|Y'Shaarj]] and [[N'Zoth, God of the Deep|N'Zoth]] (the latter of which is also now a [[N'Zoth (hero)|new Hero]]). This expansion is set to be the first in ''Hearthstone'' to follow a "mini-expansion" format, adding 35 additional cards to the set halfway through the expansion's life cycle with the [[Darkmoon Races]]. |
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+ | |||
+ | ===Forged in the Barrens=== |
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+ | [[File:Forged in the Barrens banner.jpg|thumb|right|400px|link=Forged in the Barrens]] |
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+ | {{main|Forged in the Barrens}} |
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+ | '''''Forged in the Barrens''''' is ''[[Hearthstone]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s seventeenth [[expansion]], featuring 135 new [[collectible]] [[card]]s. The expansion was released on March 30th, 2021. |
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+ | |||
+ | Set in the dusty savannah territory of the {{wow|Barrens}}, a literal crossroads where tauren, troll, and orc adventurers gather to prove their worth. Mercenaries of old and newcomers alike train for an upcoming conflict with the Alliance. This set introduced the new keyword, [[Frenzy]], which causes a minion to do something the first time it takes damage as long as it survived the attack. Additionally, it added seven [[Spell school]]s to the game; [[Arcane]], [[Fel]], [[Fire]], [[Frost]], [[Holy]], [[Nature]], and [[Shadow]]. This applies to new spells but also old ones, opening up many new synergies. It also added Ranked Spells that become more powerful as you gain mana, and Mercenaries that will have their stories told throughout the year. |
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+ | |||
+ | ==Wild format expansions== |
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===Goblins vs Gnomes=== |
===Goblins vs Gnomes=== |
||
[[File:Goblins_vs_Gnomes_banner.jpg|thumb|right|400px|link=Goblins vs Gnomes]] |
[[File:Goblins_vs_Gnomes_banner.jpg|thumb|right|400px|link=Goblins vs Gnomes]] |
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{{main|The Grand Tournament}} |
{{main|The Grand Tournament}} |
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− | ''[[The Grand Tournament]]'' is ''[[Hearthstone]]'''s second expansion, launched August 24th, 2015. With more than 130 new cards, the expansion features a strong theme of [[Hero Power]]-related effects, as well as seeing the introduction of the first full new keyword since the game's release - [[Inspire]] - allowing minions to grant special effects each time the player uses their Hero Power. |
+ | ''[[The Grand Tournament]]'' is ''[[Hearthstone]]'''s second expansion, launched August 24th, 2015. With more than 130 new cards, the expansion features a strong theme of [[Hero Power]]-related effects, as well as seeing the introduction of the first full new keyword since the game's release - [[Inspire]] - allowing minions to grant special effects each time the player uses their Hero Power. It also introduced a new non-keyword mechanic, [[Joust]]. |
− | It also introduced a new non-keyword mechanic, [[Joust]]. |
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{{clr}} |
{{clr}} |
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[[File:Journey to Un'Goro banner2.png|thumb|right|400px|link=Journey to Un'Goro]] |
[[File:Journey to Un'Goro banner2.png|thumb|right|400px|link=Journey to Un'Goro]] |
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{{main|Journey to Un'Goro}} |
{{main|Journey to Un'Goro}} |
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− | ''[[Journey to Un'Goro]]'' is the fifth expansion to ''[[Hearthstone]]'', featuring 135 collectible cards. The expansion was released on April 6, 2017 in the Americas region, and April 7, 2017 in the Europe and Asia regions. The expansion features the new Adapt mechanic, the new Quest card type, and adds the new Elemental minion type. Set in the primordial mists of Un'Goro Crater, the expansion sees Elise Starseeker leading an expedition to explore the strange wonders of the region. The denizens of the region include dinosaurs, raging elementals and unusually active plants, many of whom have learned to adapt to the needs of the situation with impressive new powers. |
+ | ''[[Journey to Un'Goro]]'' is the fifth expansion to ''[[Hearthstone]]'', featuring 135 collectible cards. The expansion was released on April 6, 2017 in the Americas region, and April 7, 2017 in the Europe and Asia regions. The expansion features the new [[Adapt]] mechanic, the new [[Quest (ability)|Quest]] card type, and adds the new [[Elemental]] minion type. Set in the primordial mists of Un'Goro Crater, the expansion sees Elise Starseeker leading an expedition to explore the strange wonders of the region. The denizens of the region include dinosaurs, raging elementals and unusually active plants, many of whom have learned to adapt to the needs of the situation with impressive new powers. |
{{clr}} |
{{clr}} |
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===Saviors of Uldum=== |
===Saviors of Uldum=== |
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− | [[File:Saviors of Uldum |
+ | [[File:Saviors of Uldum banner.jpg|thumb|right|400px|link=Saviors of Uldum]] |
{{main|Saviors of Uldum}} |
{{main|Saviors of Uldum}} |
||
''Saviors of Uldum'' is Hearthstone's twelfth expansion, released on August 6, 2019. Featuring 135 new collectible cards, the [[Tombs of Terror]] single-player content, and the new druid alternate hero [[Elise Starseeker (hero)|Elise Starseeker]], expansion introduces the [[Reborn]] keyword. The set also reintroduces [[quest (ability)|quest]] cards again as we know it from ''Journey to Un'Goro''. Following the events of ''Rise of Shadows'', the League of E.V.I.L. successfully steals the city of Dalaran and takes it to {{wow|Uldum}}, but the League of Explorers steps in to foil Rafaam's plan. |
''Saviors of Uldum'' is Hearthstone's twelfth expansion, released on August 6, 2019. Featuring 135 new collectible cards, the [[Tombs of Terror]] single-player content, and the new druid alternate hero [[Elise Starseeker (hero)|Elise Starseeker]], expansion introduces the [[Reborn]] keyword. The set also reintroduces [[quest (ability)|quest]] cards again as we know it from ''Journey to Un'Goro''. Following the events of ''Rise of Shadows'', the League of E.V.I.L. successfully steals the city of Dalaran and takes it to {{wow|Uldum}}, but the League of Explorers steps in to foil Rafaam's plan. |
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{{clr}} |
{{clr}} |
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− | |||
===Descent of Dragons=== |
===Descent of Dragons=== |
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''Descent of Dragons'' is Hearthstone's thirteenth expansion, released on December 10, 2019. Featuring 140 new collectible cards, and the new [[warrior]] alternate hero [[Deathwing (hero)|Deathwing]], expansion introduces the [[Invoke]] keyword and [[Sidequest]] cards. The League of E.V.I.L. travels to {{wow|Dragonblight}} to fulfill their ultimate plan: reawaken {{wow|Galakrond}}, the primeval dragon. The League of Explorers and the League of E.V.I.L. face off once again, with the fate of the world at stake. |
''Descent of Dragons'' is Hearthstone's thirteenth expansion, released on December 10, 2019. Featuring 140 new collectible cards, and the new [[warrior]] alternate hero [[Deathwing (hero)|Deathwing]], expansion introduces the [[Invoke]] keyword and [[Sidequest]] cards. The League of E.V.I.L. travels to {{wow|Dragonblight}} to fulfill their ultimate plan: reawaken {{wow|Galakrond}}, the primeval dragon. The League of Explorers and the League of E.V.I.L. face off once again, with the fate of the world at stake. |
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{{clr}} |
{{clr}} |
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− | |||
− | ==Expansion Release Calendar== |
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− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |
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− | |+ |
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− | ! |
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− | !Jan |
||
− | !Feb |
||
− | !March |
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− | !Apr |
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− | !May |
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− | !June |
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− | !July |
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− | !Aug |
||
− | !Sep |
||
− | !Oct |
||
− | !Nov |
||
− | !Dec |
||
− | |- |
||
− | |2014 |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[Curse of Naxxramas|Naxx]]* |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[Goblins vs Gnomes|GvG]] |
||
− | |- |
||
− | |2015 |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[Blackrock Mountain|BRM]]* |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[The Grand Tournament|TGT]] |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[The League of Explorers|LoE]]* |
||
− | | |
||
− | |- |
||
− | |2016 |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[Whispers of the Old Gods|WOG]] |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[One Night in Karazhan|Kara]]* |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[Mean Streets of Gadgetzan|MSG]] |
||
− | |- |
||
− | |2017 |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[Journey to Un'Goro|Un'Goro]] |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[Knights of the Frozen Throne|KFT]] |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[Kobolds & Catacombs|K&C]] |
||
− | |- |
||
− | |2018 |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | | |
||
− | |[[The Witchwood|TWW]] |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | |[[The Boomsday Project|TBP]] |
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− | | |
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− | | |
||
− | | |
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− | |[[Rastakhan's Rumble|RR]] |
||
− | |- |
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− | |2019 |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | |[[Rise of Shadows|RoS]] |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | |[[Saviors of Uldum|SoU]] |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | |[[Descent of Dragons|DoD]] |
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− | |- |
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− | |2020 |
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− | |[[Galakrond's Awakening|Gala]]* |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | | |
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− | |} |
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− | <nowiki>*</nowiki> Adventure |
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==Expansion cards== |
==Expansion cards== |
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===How to get=== |
===How to get=== |
||
− | All [[Standard format]] expansion cards are obtainable through [[card pack]]s, through [[crafting]], or as [[Arena]] rewards. |
+ | All [[Standard format]] expansion cards are obtainable through [[card pack]]s, through [[crafting]], or as [[Arena]] rewards. Standard expansion cards may also be found in the [[Highest Rank Bonus chest]] at the end of each [[Ranked]] [[season]]. |
− | [[Wild format]] expansion cards |
+ | [[Wild format]] expansion cards are obtainable through crafting or card packs. |
− | Expansion cards are added to the game in large batches with each new expansion from [[Patch|patch updates]]. They are different from [[adventure]] cards in the way they are obtained. Adventure cards are obtained in small batches, as each wing of the corresponding adventure is released. The introduction of new expansion cards thus tends to have a larger impact on the game's [[meta]] than that of adventure cards. |
+ | Expansion cards are added to the game in large batches with each new expansion from [[Patch|patch updates]]. They are different from [[adventure]] cards in the way they are obtained. Adventure cards are obtained in small batches, as each wing of the corresponding adventure is released. The introduction of new expansion cards thus tends to have a larger impact on the game's [[meta]] than that of adventure cards. The old adventures can still be bought either in-game or in the online [https://shop.battle.net/family/hearthstone Blizzard Shop]. |
===Standard format=== |
===Standard format=== |
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==Speculation== |
==Speculation== |
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* Future expansions may bring increased [[level]] caps for [[heroes]], although this has not yet been the case. |
* Future expansions may bring increased [[level]] caps for [[heroes]], although this has not yet been the case. |
||
− | * ''{{wow|World of Warcraft}}'' already has |
+ | * ''{{wow|World of Warcraft}}'' already has eight expansions, with the latest being ''{{wow|Shadowlands}}''. However, only two of the ''Hearthstone'' expansions so far have matched with one of these (''Wrath of the Lich King, the Burning Crusade''), with a preference for original themes. |
==Trivia== |
==Trivia== |
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{{Expansions}} |
{{Expansions}} |
||
− | [[Category: |
+ | [[Category:Expansions| ]] |
Revision as of 18:07, 18 June 2021
Expansions are major card set additions to the game of Hearthstone. Expansions introduce the majority of collectible cards into the game, with each expansion introducing around 130-145 new cards. These cards, referred to as expansion cards, are used primarily to create and build decks to play in Casual or Ranked mode, in either the Standard or Wild game format modes. These expansion cards are obtained chiefly through purchasing and opening card packs, through crafting, or through earning Arena rewards.
In early 2017, the developers announced their plans to release three expansions each year, with each expansion featuring around 130 new cards, abandoning their previous annual release cycle of expansion-adventure-expansion.[1] Starting with Knights of the Frozen Throne in August 2017, expansions also featured optional solo-player content in the form of Missions, effectively integrating an adventure into each expansion.[1]
Hearthstone's first expansion was Goblins vs Gnomes, released in December 2014.
List
The following is a table of all expansions, counting all collectible cards and Mini-set cards.
Format | Card set | Release date | Type | Year | Collectible | By rarity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard | TITANS | August 1, 2023 | Expansion | Wolf | 145 | 53 /38 /27 /27 |
Standard | Festival of Legends | April 11, 2023 | Expansion | Wolf | 183 | 69 /55 /28 /31 |
Standard | March of the Lich King | December 6, 2022 | Expansion | Hydra | 183 | 69 /55 /28 /31 |
Standard | Murder at Castle Nathria | August 2, 2022 | Expansion | Hydra | 170 | 66 /49 /26 /29 |
Standard | Voyage to the Sunken City | April 12, 2022 | Expansion | Hydra | 170 | 66 /49 /26 /29 |
Wild | Fractured in Alterac Valley | December 7, 2021 | Expansion | Gryphon | 170 | 66 /49 /26 /29 |
Wild | United in Stormwind | August 3, 2021 | Expansion | Gryphon | 170 | 66 /49 /26 /29 |
Wild | Forged in the Barrens | March 30, 2021 | Expansion | Gryphon | 170 | 66 /49 /26 /29 |
Wild | Madness at the Darkmoon Faire | November 17, 2020 | Expansion | Phoenix | 170 | 70 /46 /25 /29 |
Wild | Scholomance Academy | August 6, 2020 | Expansion | Phoenix | 135 | 52 /35 /23 /25 |
Wild | Ashes of Outland | April 7, 2020 | Expansion | Phoenix | 135 | 52 /35 /23 /25 |
Wild | Descent of Dragons | December 10, 2019 | Expansion | Dragon | 140 | 49 /36 /27 /28 |
Wild | Saviors of Uldum | August 6, 2019 | Expansion | Dragon | 135 | 49 /36 /27 /23 |
Wild | Rise of Shadows | April 9, 2019 | Expansion | Dragon | 136 | 49 /37 /26 /24 |
Wild | Rastakhan's Rumble | December 4, 2018 | Expansion | Raven | 135 | 49 /36 /27 /23 |
Wild | The Boomsday Project | August 7, 2018 | Expansion | Raven | 136 | 49 /36 /27 /24 |
Wild | The Witchwood | April 12, 2018 | Expansion | Raven | 135 | 49 /36 /27 /23 |
Wild | Kobolds & Catacombs | December 7, 2017 | Expansion | Mammoth | 135 | 49 /36 /27 /23 |
Wild | Knights of the Frozen Throne | August 10, 2017 | Expansion | Mammoth | 135 | 49 /36 /27 /23 |
Wild | Journey to Un'Goro | April 6, 2017 | Expansion | Mammoth | 135 | 49 /36 /27 /23 |
Wild | Mean Streets of Gadgetzan | December 1, 2016 | Expansion | Kraken | 132 | 49 /36 /27 /20 |
Wild | Whispers of the Old Gods | April 26, 2016 | Expansion | Kraken | 134 | 50 /36 /27 /21 |
Wild | The Grand Tournament | August 24, 2015 | Expansion | 132 | 49 /36 /27 /20 | |
Wild | Goblins vs Gnomes | December 8, 2014 | Expansion | 123 | 40 /37 /26 /20 |
Release calendar
The following is the card set release calendar for all expansions and adventures. The highlighted sets are in Standard format.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Naxx* | GvG | ||||||||||
2015 | BRM* | TGT | LoE* | |||||||||
2016 | WOG | Kara* | MSG | |||||||||
2017 | JUG | KFT | K&C | |||||||||
2018 | TWW | TBP | RR | |||||||||
2019 | RoS | SoU | DoD | |||||||||
2020 | GA* | AoO | SA | MDF | ||||||||
2021 | DR# | FitB | WC# | UiS | DM# | FAV | ||||||
2022 | OL# | VSC | ToT# | MCN | M&D# | MLK | ||||||
2023 | RtN# | FoL | Aud# | TTN |
* Adventure
# Mini-set
Standard format expansions
Ashes of Outland
- Main article: Ashes of Outland
Ashes of Outland is Hearthstone's fourteenth expansion, featuring 135 new collectible cards and the alternate shaman hero Lady Vashj. The expansion was released on April 7, 2020. Like the previous expansions, this one also includes Trial by Felfire, a free single-player content, where Aranna Starseeker must stop the Rusted Legion.
Ashes of Outland also featured Hearthstone's first new class, the Demon Hunter. The expansion did not introduce any new keywords directly. However, the Demon Hunter class uses its own special keyword; Outcast, which has an effect if the card is played from the left or right-most spot in the hand. Meanwhile, one of the old abilities, Dormant, was keyworded.
Scholomance Academy
- Main article: Scholomance Academy
Scholomance Academy is Hearthstone's fifteenth expansion, featuring 135 new collectible cards. The expansion was released August 6, 2020.
Set in the magical school of Scholomance, run by headmaster Kel'Thuzad at a time before he became an evil lich, the expansion sees aspiring young champions of every class studying in this prestigious academy. However, beneath the halls of Scholomance lies a secret, evil cult. Scholomance Academy introduced the new Spellburst keyword, an effect that triggers the first time you cast a spell with the minion on board. It also added dual-class cards, double majors that can be used by either class and combine themes and mechanics from each other.
Madness at the Darkmoon Faire
- Main article: Madness at the Darkmoon Faire
Madness at the Darkmoon Faire is Hearthstone's sixteenth expansion, featuring 135 new collectible cards. The expansion was released on November 17th, 2020.
This expansion takes place on the mysterious Darkmoon Island, on the fairgrounds run by Silas Darkmoon and his carnies... with four sinister guests from the depths of the Void. This expansion adds the new Corrupt keyword, which powers up corruptible cards in your hand by playing a card that's more expensive than it. It also features the return of the Old Gods Yogg-Saron, C'Thun, Y'Shaarj and N'Zoth (the latter of which is also now a new Hero). This expansion is set to be the first in Hearthstone to follow a "mini-expansion" format, adding 35 additional cards to the set halfway through the expansion's life cycle with the Darkmoon Races.
Forged in the Barrens
- Main article: Forged in the Barrens
Forged in the Barrens is Hearthstone's seventeenth expansion, featuring 135 new collectible cards. The expansion was released on March 30th, 2021.
Set in the dusty savannah territory of the Barrens, a literal crossroads where tauren, troll, and orc adventurers gather to prove their worth. Mercenaries of old and newcomers alike train for an upcoming conflict with the Alliance. This set introduced the new keyword, Frenzy, which causes a minion to do something the first time it takes damage as long as it survived the attack. Additionally, it added seven Spell schools to the game; Arcane, Fel, Fire, Frost, Holy, Nature, and Shadow. This applies to new spells but also old ones, opening up many new synergies. It also added Ranked Spells that become more powerful as you gain mana, and Mercenaries that will have their stories told throughout the year.
Wild format expansions
Goblins vs Gnomes
- Main article: Goblins vs Gnomes
Goblins vs Gnomes (often abbreviated as GvG) was the first expansion for Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft. The second infusion of new cards to be added to the game, after Naxxramas , the expansion features 143 new cards (123 of which are collectible), with a strong mechanical theme, and introduced the Mech minion type, as well as debuting the long-awaited spectator mode. The expansion was debuted in an arena-only launch event on December 4th, 2014, with the full launch taking place on December 8th/9th/10th.
The Grand Tournament
- Main article: The Grand Tournament
The Grand Tournament is Hearthstone's second expansion, launched August 24th, 2015. With more than 130 new cards, the expansion features a strong theme of Hero Power-related effects, as well as seeing the introduction of the first full new keyword since the game's release - Inspire - allowing minions to grant special effects each time the player uses their Hero Power. It also introduced a new non-keyword mechanic, Joust.
Whispers of the Old Gods
- Main article: Whispers of the Old Gods
Whispers of the Old Gods is Hearthstone's third expansion, launched April 26th, 2016. Featuring 134 new collectible cards, this sinister expansion revolves around the dark influence of the Old Gods, ancient and unspeakably evil creatures that have long lain hidden, imprisoned in the dark places of the world millennia ago. Despite their imprisonment, these shadowy beings' influence can be felt in every corner of Azeroth, twisting and corrupting any who hear their maddening whispers. With an army of followers performing forbidden empowerment rituals, the tentacles of these massive horrors are growing rapidly toward the light, eager to bring their own kind of excitement to the sunlit kingdoms and merry taverns of Azeroth.
Mean Streets of Gadgetzan
- Main article: Mean Streets of Gadgetzan
Released December 1, 2016, Hearthstone's fourth expansion, Mean Streets of Gadgetzan, features 132 new collectible cards. Set in the bustling, lawless port city of Gadgetzan, the expansion features characters from the city's three ruling crime families - the brutish Grimy Goons, the assassins of the Jade Lotus, and the shadowy spellcasters of the Kabal. With their own minions, spells and weapons, each family is formed from an allegiance of three different Hearthstone classes, resulting in multi-class cards, usable by heroes of any of those three classes.
Journey to Un'Goro
- Main article: Journey to Un'Goro
Journey to Un'Goro is the fifth expansion to Hearthstone, featuring 135 collectible cards. The expansion was released on April 6, 2017 in the Americas region, and April 7, 2017 in the Europe and Asia regions. The expansion features the new Adapt mechanic, the new Quest card type, and adds the new Elemental minion type. Set in the primordial mists of Un'Goro Crater, the expansion sees Elise Starseeker leading an expedition to explore the strange wonders of the region. The denizens of the region include dinosaurs, raging elementals and unusually active plants, many of whom have learned to adapt to the needs of the situation with impressive new powers.
Knights of the Frozen Throne
- Main article: Knights of the Frozen Throne
Released August 10th, 2017, Knights of the Frozen Throne is the sixth expansion to Hearthstone, featuring 135 collectible cards. Set in the frozen wastes of Northrend, the expansions sees each of the nine classic heroes of Warcraft fall under the sway of the Lich King, becoming undead death knights in his service. The expansion features the introduction of a new card type in the form of the hero card, which replaces the player's hero portrait and Hero Power, as well as the Lifesteal keyword. Knights of the Frozen Throne is also the first expansion to feature a new type of free, optional single-player content in the form of Missions, which take the player through the halls of Icecrown and rewards card packs and a random Legendary hero card.
Kobolds & Catacombs
- Main article: Kobolds & Catacombs
Kobolds & Catacombs is the seventh expansion to Hearthstone. It was released on December 7, 2017 and is the final expansion in the Year of the Mammoth. This set consists of 135 collectible cards, along with the new Recruit keyword, Legendary weapons for all classes, and offers the new Solo Adventures option of Dungeon Run. Hearkening back to the roots of classic fantasy and dungeon crawlers, the expansion sees players venturing deep into dark dungeons and winding catacombs in search of treasure and loot, encountering monsters, traps, rival adventurers, and — above all — slovenly, candle-obsessed kobolds along the way.
The Witchwood
- Main article: The Witchwood
The Witchwood is the eighth expansion to Hearthstone. It was released on April 12, 2018 and is the first expansion in the Year of the Raven. This set consists of 135 collectible cards, featuring three new keywords: Start of Game, Echo, and Rush. It also added a new game mode called Monster Hunt, a single-player mode akin to Dungeon Run that features four exclusive playable classes. The expansion also celebrated the release of Lunara, a new druid alternate hero. The release of The Witchwood ended the previous Standard year, the Year of the Mammoth. Set in the worgen kingdom of Gilneas, its citizens band together to fight the evil witch Hagatha who has corrupted the neighboring forest. The Witchwood expansion is the first one in which two minions, Baku the Mooneater and Genn Greymane, rotated out of standard after one year instead of two.
The Boomsday Project
- Main article: The Boomsday Project
The Boomsday Project is Hearthstone's ninth expansion, released on August 7, 2018. Featuring 136 new collectible cards, the Puzzle Lab single-player content, and the new warlock alternate hero Mecha-Jaraxxus, the expansion introduces the Magnetic keyword, Legendary spells for all nine classes, and themed "Project" and "Omega" cards. Set in the shattered, otherworldly region of the Netherstorm in Outland, the science-themed expansion is centered around the famous Dr. Boom and his team of elite scientists at Boom Labs working on a mysterious top-secret project, unleashing all manner of strange experiments along the way.
Rastakhan's Rumble
- Main article: Rastakhan's Rumble
Rastakhan's Rumble is Hearthstone's tenth expansion, released on December 4, 2018. Featuring 135 new collectible cards, the Rumble Run single-player content, and the new shaman alternate hero King Rastakhan. Set in the Gurubashi Arena, combatants fight for glory of the Loa spirits. The expansion introduces the Overkill keyword, and spirits and legendary Loa minions for all nine classes.
Rise of Shadows
- Main article: Rise of Shadows
Rise of Shadows is Hearthstone's eleventh expansion, released on April 9, 2019. Featuring 136 new collectible cards, the The Dalaran Heist single-player content, and the new priest alternate hero Madame Lazul, the expansion introduces the Twinspell keyword. Five of the villains of Hearthstone's previous expansions band together to form the League of E.V.I.L., devising a scheme to take over the magical floating city of Dalaran.
Saviors of Uldum
- Main article: Saviors of Uldum
Saviors of Uldum is Hearthstone's twelfth expansion, released on August 6, 2019. Featuring 135 new collectible cards, the Tombs of Terror single-player content, and the new druid alternate hero Elise Starseeker, expansion introduces the Reborn keyword. The set also reintroduces quest cards again as we know it from Journey to Un'Goro. Following the events of Rise of Shadows, the League of E.V.I.L. successfully steals the city of Dalaran and takes it to Uldum, but the League of Explorers steps in to foil Rafaam's plan.
Descent of Dragons
- Main article: Descent of Dragons
Descent of Dragons is Hearthstone's thirteenth expansion, released on December 10, 2019. Featuring 140 new collectible cards, and the new warrior alternate hero Deathwing, expansion introduces the Invoke keyword and Sidequest cards. The League of E.V.I.L. travels to Dragonblight to fulfill their ultimate plan: reawaken Galakrond, the primeval dragon. The League of Explorers and the League of E.V.I.L. face off once again, with the fate of the world at stake.
Expansion cards
Expansion cards are cards added to the game through expansions, or the game's original release, rather than through adventures or other means.
How to get
All Standard format expansion cards are obtainable through card packs, through crafting, or as Arena rewards. Standard expansion cards may also be found in the Highest Rank Bonus chest at the end of each Ranked season.
Wild format expansion cards are obtainable through crafting or card packs.
Expansion cards are added to the game in large batches with each new expansion from patch updates. They are different from adventure cards in the way they are obtained. Adventure cards are obtained in small batches, as each wing of the corresponding adventure is released. The introduction of new expansion cards thus tends to have a larger impact on the game's meta than that of adventure cards. The old adventures can still be bought either in-game or in the online Blizzard Shop.
Standard format
- Main article: Standard format
When the first new expansion is released each year, all card sets that weren't released in the same year or the year prior are removed from Standard format. Cards from these removed sets are termed Wild cards and can only be used in Wild format matches. For details on how the Standard format year works, see The Standard year.
Expansions and adventures
Starting in 2014, only a few months after the game's release, Hearthstone presented two different forms of content: adventures and expansions. The former featured a small number of cards and a substantial solo experience, with special bosses and challenges; while expansions brought far larger amounts of cards, but without solo content of any kind. Additionally, while adventures' cards were earned through defeating bosses, expansions' cards were earned through regular means such as crafting and card packs.
Despite these differences, in more general parlance, adventures can be considered equivalent to expansions in other games, with substantial changes to the game's basic play experience that far exceed the impact of a regular patch. For example, Curse of Naxxramas, the game's first adventure, is commonly considered its first 'expansion'.
Between the release of the game in March 2014 and the start of the Year of the Mammoth in spring 2017, Hearthstone saw an alternating pattern of adventures and expansions. However, in early 2017 the developers announced plans to integrate future adventure content into expansions. Starting with the second expansion of 2017, each release will feature optional single-player missions, themed around the expansion and serving to illustrate its story, setting and characters. These missions will be free of charge, but may not award cards in the same way or numbers in which adventures have until now. Further details will be announced later in the year.
Notes
- By the time an expansion is released, Team 5 are "already working a lot on future expansions",[2] including "not only the next [expansion] but the one after that as well".[2] Former Game Director Ben Brode states that the team always have "3-ish expansions in development",[3] although it is likely this also includes adventures. According to Senior Producer Yong Woo, the developers are always "trying to get ahead of the curve".[2] In April 2018, shortly after the release of The Witchwood, Ben Brode stated that the next set had passed through final design, the stage in development during which Team 5 focuses on refining the balance and clarity of the set's new cards. The set after that was currently in the final design process, and the set after was in the initial design phase, during which Team 5 comes up with the ideas for the set's general theme and for the cards and their mechanics. All in all, there are usually at least three sets that Team 5 know about but which players don't yet know about.[4] Later in 2018, the expansion development process was described as a full year cycle with different people working on it for about 16 weeks per team. First, the initial design team spend about 16 weeks nailing down the mechanics, art, and voice overs for the set before passing it onto final design, who refine and tweak the set's mechanics to "make an awesome set that's fair and fun, has cool themes, and all that stuff". At the same time, artists work on creating the card art and golden card animations. When final design starts finishing up, the team records all of the voice lines for the cards while the sound department engineer the various sound effects and the effects artists create the in-game visual effects and animations. At this point, when final design is done and animation is in progress, the engineering team spend time "cleaning up [...] whatever horrible things we've done in design" to ensure that cards function on a technical level and don't cause server or client crashes. The set then heads towards the very end of the cycle, at which point the PR team starts working on how best to market the set and reveal all of the various cards before it is finally released and becomes available to players.[5]
Speculation
- Future expansions may bring increased level caps for heroes, although this has not yet been the case.
- World of Warcraft already has eight expansions, with the latest being Shadowlands. However, only two of the Hearthstone expansions so far have matched with one of these (Wrath of the Lich King, the Burning Crusade), with a preference for original themes.
Trivia
- Eric Dodds has jokingly referred to a potential The Lich King vs Battle Pets expansion.
- "There was another idea out there... well actually it wasn't really an idea out there, but I was kinda wishing it would have been [...] because it's one that I think would be super awesome, is the idea that maybe we could do something like, you know, "THE LICH KING... VS... BATTLE PETS" [...] of course I've only put that up there to have a little fun with it, but on the other hand as I've been looking at it and thinking about it, it... it's starting to grow on me, actually..."[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Year of Mammoth Proportions!. (2016-02-16).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Yong Woo, live on stream. (2014-12-13).
- ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter. (2016-09-7).
- ↑ Ars Technica (2018-04-18). Blizzard's Ben Brode Answers Unsolved Hearthstone Mysteries. YouTube. Retrieved on 2018-04-20.
- ↑ Skiffington (2018-11-07). Interview With Hearthstone Game Designers Liv Breeden & Peter Whalen At BlizzCon: Discussing Rastakhan's Rumble!. Hearthstone Top Decks. Retrieved on 2018-11-12.
- ↑ The Grand Tournament announcement. (2015-07-22).