Hearthstone Wiki
Register
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Duels''' are a [[game mode]] in which players can battle against other players on their friends list in private unranked matches using [[constructed]] decks. Offering fewer rewards than other modes of play, Duels are designed to allow friends to challenge each other to casual matches.
+
'''Duels''', sometimes referred to as "Friendly Play", are a [[game mode]] in which players can battle against other players on their friends list in private unranked matches using [[constructed]] decks. Offering fewer rewards than other modes of play, Duels are designed to allow friends to challenge each other to casual matches.
   
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
   
*Duels are the only game mode not to feature a round timer, allowing players to take as much time as they want.
 
 
*Duels are not generally eligible for completing [[quest]]s, and will not reward [[gold]] for wins, but do reward [[experience]].
 
*Duels are not generally eligible for completing [[quest]]s, and will not reward [[gold]] for wins, but do reward [[experience]].
 
*Duels are initiated directly through the social interface, limiting them to players on the challenger's friends list.
 
*Duels are initiated directly through the social interface, limiting them to players on the challenger's friends list.
Line 22: Line 21:
   
 
==Patch changes==
 
==Patch changes==
  +
* {{Patch 1.0.0.5314}} Games in Friendly Play now have a turn timer.
 
* {{Patch 1.0.0.4944}} The UI that pops up when challenging a friend to a duel has been improved.
 
* {{Patch 1.0.0.4944}} The UI that pops up when challenging a friend to a duel has been improved.
   

Revision as of 21:16, 8 May 2014

Duels, sometimes referred to as "Friendly Play", are a game mode in which players can battle against other players on their friends list in private unranked matches using constructed decks. Offering fewer rewards than other modes of play, Duels are designed to allow friends to challenge each other to casual matches.

Notes

  • Duels are not generally eligible for completing quests, and will not reward gold for wins, but do reward experience.
  • Duels are initiated directly through the social interface, limiting them to players on the challenger's friends list.
  • Duels are the only game mode which allows the player to choose their opponent. For this reason, Duels are often used when wishing to experiment with specific card mechanics or elaborate plays. They are also often used for rematches against players encountered in Play mode, after adding the player to the friends list.

Initiating a Duel

To initiate a Duel the player must open their friends list and click on the dual-bladed icon to the right of a player who is online on Hearthstone, but not currently in a match. This will issue them a prompt challenging them to a Duel with the player, which they can accept or decline. Accepting the challenge will take both players to the Duel screen, a selection screen very similar to the Play mode screen, where each player can choose their deck. Once both players have chosen their decks, the Duel will commence.

At the conclusion of a Duel, players are returned to the Duel screen, from which they may change their choice of deck, challenge their opponent to another match, or return to the main menu.

Strategy

Duels are the only game mode in which players know the identity of their opponent before the match begins. This can allow for some strategic anticipation, both in play and in choice of deck. When two players know each other (and their decks) very well, Duels can present the opportunity for a level of strategy not often seen in other types of play.

While the opponent is known, each player's deck is not revealed before the Duel commences. When playing a series of matches, this can allow players to surprise the other with a deck intended to counter their opponent's previous deck. However, bear in mind that the opponent may also have chosen a different deck. Long series of Duels may in this way begin to resemble a game of rock-paper-scissors.


Patch changes

  • Hearthstone logo Patch 1.0.0.5314 (2014-05-08): Games in Friendly Play now have a turn timer.
  • Hearthstone logo Patch 1.0.0.4944 (Open beta, 2014-03-11): The UI that pops up when challenging a friend to a duel has been improved.