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[[File:Piloted Shredder gold animated.gif|thumb|262px|Golden cards often add movement and visual effects, like with this golden [[Piloted Shredder]]]]
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'''Golden cards''' are special, rarer versions of [[card]]s.
 
  +
:''"Golden" redirects here. For information on golden heroes, see [[Golden heroes]].''
   
  ⚫
'''Golden cards''' are special, rarer versions of [[card]]s. Each card exists in both a regular and a golden form.
⚫
On the [[battlefield]], the difference between a card's normal version and its golden version is purely aesthetic - all golden cards feature a golden frame, and each has a unique animation. Golden cards are commonly compared with "foil" cards of other types of Trading Card Games, and are intended to allow players to show off their card-collecting achievements<ref>[[Patch 1.0.0.3890#Golden cards]]</ref>. Golden cards do not allow you to circumvent the 2-per-deck (1-per-deck for [[legendaries]]) card restriction.
  
   
  ⚫
The difference between a card's normal version and its golden version is purely aesthetic - all golden cards feature a golden frame, and each has a unique animation. There is no difference in gameplay or behaviour on the [[battlefield]], and golden cards do not allow you to circumvent the 2-per-deck (1-per-deck for [[legendaries]]) card restriction.
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Each available card is also available as a golden card.
  
  +
  +
Golden cards are commonly compared with "foil" cards of other Trading Card Games, and are far harder and more costly to obtain than their regular versions. Golden cards are intended to allow players to show off their card-collecting achievements.<ref>[[Patch 1.0.0.3890#Golden cards]]</ref>
  +
  +
Because golden cards do not display the usual class colours, golden cards feature additional ribbons at the top and/or bottom bearing the colour of the card's class.
   
 
==How to get==
  
==How to get==
  +
[[File: Swipe gold animated.gif|thumb|266px|A golden [[Swipe]]. Note the brown ribbons, indicating a [[druid]] card.]]
 
While offering no functional difference, golden cards are far harder to obtain than their non-golden versions. Those that can be crafted are far more expensive to craft, and far more rewarding to disenchant. The means of obtaining a golden card depends on the [[card set]] to which the card belongs.
 
While offering no functional difference, golden cards are far harder to obtain than their non-golden versions. Those that can be crafted are far more expensive to craft, and far more rewarding to disenchant. The means of obtaining a golden card depends on the [[card set]] to which the card belongs.
   
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Golden cards also [[generate]], [[summon]], [[transform]] and otherwise create golden cards.<ref name="BB">{{tw|https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/593105268642185218|2015-04-28|Ben Brode}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/536764752479789056|date=2014-11-24|title=Ben Brode on Twitter}} - Example of transform producing golden version</ref> Golden [[uncollectible]] cards can therefore be brought into play through golden versions of the generating cards. However, existing cards which are merely put into play by golden cards, such as by [[put into battlefield]] effects, will not be changed into their golden versions.<ref name="PIP">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/534764797498097664|date=2014-11-18|title=Ben Brode on Twitter}}</ref>
 +
Golden cards also [[generate]], [[summon]], [[transform]] and otherwise create golden cards.<ref name="BB">{{tw|https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/593105268642185218|2015-04-28|Ben Brode}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/536764752479789056|date=2014-11-24|title=Ben Brode on Twitter}} - Example of transform producing golden version</ref> Golden [[uncollectible]] cards can therefore be brought into play through golden versions of the generating cards.
   
  ⚫
===Core cards===
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There are two exceptions to the rules for gaining golden cards: [[The Coin]] and [[Blingtron 3000]].
 
  +
All [[core]] set cards have their golden versions unlocked with [[Achievement/Progression|progression achievements]]. Win games and click the achievement to receive all associated golden cards:
⚫
* If a player's deck is composed entirely of golden cards, they will be granted a golden version of [[The Coin]] when going second.
  
  +
{| class="wikitable"
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* [[Blingtron 3000]]'s [[Battlecry]] will always generate golden weapons, regardless of whether the Blingtron is golden or regular.
  
  +
|+
−  
  +
!Card type !!Common !!Rare !!Epic !!Legendary
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===Basic cards===
  
  +
|-
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A golden version of each [[basic]] card can be obtained by leveling a specific class of hero to a certain [[Level#Rewards|level]]. Raising a hero of the correct class to the required level will 'unlock' the card, granting the player two of the golden version of that card. While all class-specific golden basic cards require a hero of the corresponding class to unlock, the required class for non-class-specific cards varies. Some non-class-specific cards have two possible classes.
  
  +
|Class cards ||50 class wins ||100 class wins ||500 class wins ||1000 class wins
−  
  +
|-
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Golden basic cards are considered 'Soulbound' and cannot be disenchanted or crafted.
  
  +
|Neutral cards ||500 total wins ||1000 total wins ||2500 total wins ||5000 total wins
  +
|}
  +
Alternatively any golden cards from previous sets that the player has already acquired by whatever means will also have them available as core set versions. Crafting the versions from the older sets will make them available in the core set regardless of any progression achievements.
   
 
===Expansion cards===
  
===Expansion cards===
  +
Golden cards from [[expansion]] sets currently part of [[Standard format]], as well as the [[Classic]] set, can be obtained through [[card pack]]s, [[Arena]] rewards, or [[crafting]]. Golden cards from [[Wild format]] expansion sets can be obtained through crafting or through card packs.
⚫
Golden cards from the [[Classic]], [[Goblins vs Gnomes]] and [[The Grand Tournament]] sets can be obtained through [[card pack]]s, [[arena]] rewards, or [[crafting]]. Each card found in a [[card pack]] has a chance to be automatically upgraded to its golden version. Individual cards rewarded from arena play likewise have a chance to be golden. Crafting and disenchanting values for golden cards are between two and ten times those of their non-golden counterparts. It is also worth noting that both Epic and Legendary golden cards will disenchant for exactly as much dust as it takes to craft a regular counterpart, respectively allowing them to be exchanged for any single Epic or Legendary card you might require, making them especially useful for building up your collection.
  
   
  ⚫
Each card found in a [[card pack]] has a chance to be automatically upgraded to its golden version. Individual cards rewarded from Arena play likewise have a chance to be golden. Crafting and disenchanting values for golden cards are between two and eight times those of their non-golden counterparts. It is also worth noting that Rare, Epic and Legendary golden cards will disenchant for exactly as much dust as it takes to craft a regular counterpart, respectively allowing them to be exchanged for any single Rare, Epic or Legendary card you might require, making them especially useful for building up your collection.
  +
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[[File:Water Elemental gold animated.gif|thumb|263px|A golden [[Water Elemental]]]]
 
{| class="wikitable"
  
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
  
|-
−
! Rarity !! Disenchant !! Crafting
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! Rarity !! Crafting cost !! Disenchanting
 
|-
  
|-
−
| Common Golden || 50 || 400
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|Golden Common|| 400 || 50
 
|-
  
|-
−
| Rare Golden || 100 || 800
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| Golden Rare || 800 || 100
 
|-
  
|-
−
| Epic Golden || 400 || 1600
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| Golden Epic || 1600 || 400
 
|-
  
|-
−
| Legendary Golden || 1600|| 3200
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| Golden Legendary || 3200|| 1600
 
|}
  
|}
   
 
===Adventure cards===
  
===Adventure cards===
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Golden cards from [[adventure]] sets can be obtained exclusively through [[crafting]]. Each golden card is only available to craft once the card's regular version has been obtained through defeating the corresponding [[boss]] or [[Class Challenge]] within the adventure. The costs for crafting them are the same as those for other craftable cards (see section above).
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Golden cards from [[adventure]] sets can be obtained exclusively through [[crafting]]. Golden cards from [[Standard format]] adventures are only available to craft once the card's regular version has been obtained through defeating the corresponding [[boss]] or [[Class Challenge]] within the adventure, but golden cards from [[Wild format]] adventures can be crafted at any time. As of the start of the Year of the Phoenix, all adventures are now in Wild format except [[Galakrond's Awakening]], and so golden cards from any adventure predating that can be crafted at any time. The costs for crafting them are the same as those for other craftable cards (see section above).
   
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===Reward and promotion cards===
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===Promo cards===
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Golden cards from the [[reward]] and [[promotion]] sets can only be obtained by fulfilling the specific criteria for those cards. These cards cannot be crafted or disenchanted.
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Previously, golden cards from the [[Promo]] set were only obtainable by fulfilling the specific criteria for those cards. At the start of the Year of the Mammoth, the Promo set was moved into the [[Hall of Fame]], and so the cards were moved into Wild format. They can now be crafted at any time.
   
 
===Generated golden cards===
  
===Generated golden cards===
  +
Golden cards create golden cards. This means that new cards or minions created by a golden card during a game will automatically be the golden version. This includes [[summon]], [[generate]] and [[transform]] effects.<ref name="BB">{{tw|https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/593105268642185218|2015-04-28|Ben Brode}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/536764752479789056|date=2014-11-24|title=Ben Brode on Twitter}} - Example of transform producing golden version</ref> These means are the only way to encounter golden versions of [[uncollectible]] cards. However, existing cards which are merely moved or put into play by golden cards will not be changed into their golden versions.<ref name="PIP">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/534764797498097664|date=2014-11-18|title=Ben Brode on Twitter}}</ref>
−  
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[[File: Deathwing gold animated.gif|thumb|286px|A golden [[Deathwing]]]]
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Golden cards create golden cards. This means that new cards or minions created by a golden card during a game will automatically be the golden version. This includes [[generate]], [[summon]] and [[transform]] effects.
  
   
 
As a rule, ''if any card involved in the generation of another card is golden, the resulting card will also be golden.'' For example a golden [[Polymorph]] cast upon a regular [[Goldshire Footman]] will create a golden [[Sheep]]; as will a regular Polymorph cast upon a golden Goldshire Footman, or a golden Polymorph cast upon a golden Goldshire Footman.<ref>http://www.reddit.com/r/hearthstone/comments/1p9dsd/til_golden_sheep/</ref> Effects which create cards through interaction with characters obey the same rules; [[Light of the Naaru]] will generate a golden [[Lightwarden]] if either the spell or the target character is golden - including [[golden heroes]].<ref>http://www.reddit.com/r/hearthstone/comments/2p0jli/til_if_you_use_a_regularlight_of_the_naaru_on_a/</ref><ref>[http://i.imgur.com/zAF9N5l.png]</ref>
  
As a rule, ''if any card involved in the generation of another card is golden, the resulting card will also be golden.'' For example a golden [[Polymorph]] cast upon a regular [[Goldshire Footman]] will create a golden [[Sheep]]; as will a regular Polymorph cast upon a golden Goldshire Footman, or a golden Polymorph cast upon a golden Goldshire Footman.<ref>http://www.reddit.com/r/hearthstone/comments/1p9dsd/til_golden_sheep/</ref> Effects which create cards through interaction with characters obey the same rules; [[Light of the Naaru]] will generate a golden [[Lightwarden]] if either the spell or the target character is golden - including [[golden heroes]].<ref>http://www.reddit.com/r/hearthstone/comments/2p0jli/til_if_you_use_a_regularlight_of_the_naaru_on_a/</ref><ref>[http://i.imgur.com/zAF9N5l.png]</ref>
   
−
The above rules apply for all generation of new cards, including both [[uncollectible]] cards such as [[Imp Master]]'s [[Imp (Imp Master)|Imp]]s, and normally [[collectible]] cards such as [[Archmage Antonidas]]' [[Fireball]]s. However, as stated above, existing cards which are merely put into play from the player's deck by golden cards, such as by [[put into battlefield]] effects, will not be changed into their golden versions.<ref name="PIP"/>
 +
The above rules apply for all generation of new cards, including both [[uncollectible]] cards such as [[Imp Master]]'s [[Imp (Imp Master)|Imp]]s, and normally [[collectible]] cards such as [[Archmage Antonidas]]' [[Fireball]]s. However, as stated above, existing cards which are merely moved or put into play from the player's deck by golden cards, such as by [[put into battlefield]], [[put into hand]] or [[card draw]] effects, will not be changed into their golden versions.<ref name="PIP"/>
   
 
[[Hero Power]]s which generate cards work the same way. For example, a golden [[Reinforce]] will generate golden [[Silver Hand Recruit]]s. However, effects which replace Hero Powers may or may not produce golden versions (see below).
  
[[Hero Power]]s which generate cards work the same way. For example, a golden [[Reinforce]] will generate golden [[Silver Hand Recruit]]s. However, effects which replace Hero Powers may or may not produce golden versions (see below).
  +
  +
While these rules are largely consistent, there are a few exceptions, and these are listed in the appropriate sections below. Note that [[Bugs#Golden card bugs|bugs]] may also cause inconsistent behaviour in some cases.
   
 
;Types
  
;Types
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The main types of uncollectible card generation are broken down below, along with a few examples. These means are the only way to encounter golden versions of [[uncollectible]] cards (aside from [[The Coin]], which can be obtained by using a full golden deck).
 +
The main types of uncollectible card generation are broken down below, along with a few examples.
   
 
<!-- THERE IS NO NEED FOR A FULL LIST - THE RULE IS CONSISTENT, AND THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY EXAMPLES (HUNDREDS) TO LIST THEM ALL -->
  
<!-- THERE IS NO NEED FOR A FULL LIST - THE RULE IS CONSISTENT, AND THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY EXAMPLES (HUNDREDS) TO LIST THEM ALL -->
 
*Minion [[summon]]ing
  
*Minion [[summon]]ing
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** Golden cards which summon minions will summon golden version of those minions. For example, golden [[Dragonling Mechanic]] will summon a golden [[Mechanical Dragonling]], golden [[Mirror Image]] will summon golden [[Mirror Image (minion)|Mirror Image minions]], and golden [[Harvest Golem]]'s [[Deathrattle]] will summon a golden [[Damaged Golem]]. Cards which summon minions through interaction with characters will also produce golden minions if the target character is golden.
 +
** Golden cards which summon minions will summon golden version of those minions. For example, golden [[Dragonling Mechanic]] will summon a golden [[Mechanical Dragonling]], golden [[Mirror Image]] will summon golden [[Mirror Image (minion)|Mirror Image minions]], and golden [[Harvest Golem]]'s [[Deathrattle]] will summon a golden [[Damaged Golem]]. Cards which summon minions dependent on interaction with characters will produce golden minions if either the card or the target character is golden, such as [[Light of the Naaru]].
−
*** However, note that [[put into battlefield]] effects such as [[Deathlord]]'s [[Deathrattle]] are not summon effects, and will not automatically produce golden cards in this way; they instead follow the rule for card drawing effects (see below).
 +
*** Note that [[put into battlefield]] effects such as [[Deathlord]]'s [[Deathrattle]] are not summon effects, and will not automatically produce golden cards in this way; they instead follow the rule for card drawing effects (see below).
  +
*** The one exception is [[Blood of The Ancient One]], which only produces a golden [[The Ancient One]] if both Blood of The Ancient Ones are golden.<ref>{{tw|https://twitter.com/PlayHearthstone/status/717412363486556161|2016-04-05|PlayHearthstone}}</ref>
 
*[[Generate|Card generation]]
  
*[[Generate|Card generation]]
 
** Golden cards which [[generate]] other cards will generate golden versions of those cards.<ref name="BB"/> For example, golden [[Mind Vision]] will create golden versions of the opponent's cards, and golden [[Elite Tauren Chieftain]] will create golden Power Chord cards (which may in turn summon golden minions). This includes generate effects which [[copy]] other cards, even if the card being copied is not golden.
  
** Golden cards which [[generate]] other cards will generate golden versions of those cards.<ref name="BB"/> For example, golden [[Mind Vision]] will create golden versions of the opponent's cards, and golden [[Elite Tauren Chieftain]] will create golden Power Chord cards (which may in turn summon golden minions). This includes generate effects which [[copy]] other cards, even if the card being copied is not golden.
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** The one exception is [[Blingtron 3000]], which will always generates golden weapons, regardless of whether the Blingtron is golden or regular.
 +
** The only exceptions are [[Blingtron 3000]], [[Elise the Trailblazer]]'s [[Un'Goro Pack]], and [[Zola the Gorgon]]. Blingtron and Zola will always generates golden weapons and minions, respectively, regardless of whether the Blingtron or Zola is golden or regular. A golden Elise generates a golden pack containing five golden cards, as expected; but while a regular Elise generates a regular pack, that Un'Goro Pack has a chance to generate Golden cards, much like a regular pack has a chance to open them.
  +
[[File:The Coin gold animated.gif|thumb|267px|A golden [[The Coin]], available only through playing with an entirely golden deck]]
 
*[[Transformation]]
  
*[[Transformation]]
 
**Golden cards which transform cards will transform them into their golden versions. For example, golden [[Polymorph]] and golden [[Hex]] will turn a target minion into a golden [[Sheep]] and a golden [[Frog]], respectively.
  
**Golden cards which transform cards will transform them into their golden versions. For example, golden [[Polymorph]] and golden [[Hex]] will turn a target minion into a golden [[Sheep]] and a golden [[Frog]], respectively.
 
**Golden minions will always produce golden versions when transformed. For example, a regular [[Polymorph]] played on a golden [[Molten Giant]] will produce a golden [[Sheep]].
  
**Golden minions will always produce golden versions when transformed. For example, a regular [[Polymorph]] played on a golden [[Molten Giant]] will produce a golden [[Sheep]].
−
*[[Card draw]], [[Put into battlefield]] and [[Put into hand]] effects
 +
*[[Card draw]], [[put into battlefield]] and [[put into hand]] effects
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**Golden cards which cause the player to draw cards ''will not draw golden cards'' (unless the cards drawn are already golden). This is because those cards already exist, and are not modified by the drawing process. For example, a golden [[Novice Engineer]] ''will not'' draw golden cards, unless the cards are already golden.
 +
**Golden cards which cause the player to draw cards, or move them from zone to another will ''not'' change cards to their golden versions. This is because those cards already exist, and are not modified by being drawn or moved. For example, a golden [[Novice Engineer]] will not draw golden cards, unless the cards are already golden. Likewise, a golden [[Varian Wrynn]] or [[Captain's Parrot]] will not change cards into their golden versions.
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**The same rules apply for [[put into battlefield]] and [[put into hand]] effects. These effects place pre-existing cards into the battlefield or the player's hand, and golden cards with these effects will not therefore specifically produce golden cards.
  
 
*Replacing Hero Powers <!-- THE FOLLOWING SEEMS TO BE TRUE BASED ON ALL KNOWN EXAMPLES, BUT IT'S POSSIBLE IT'S WRONG, OR FUTURE CARDS WILL BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY -->
  
*Replacing Hero Powers <!-- THE FOLLOWING SEEMS TO BE TRUE BASED ON ALL KNOWN EXAMPLES, BUT IT'S POSSIBLE IT'S WRONG, OR FUTURE CARDS WILL BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY -->
 
**Cards which replace a Hero Power with another one (such as [[Lord Jaraxxus]], [[Sir Finley Mrrgglton]] or [[Shadowform]]) will only grant golden Hero Powers if the card is golden. For example, playing a regular Sir Finley Mrrgglton with a golden Hero Power will replace it with a regular Hero Power; playing a regular Shadowform after playing a golden Shadowform will replace the golden [[Mind Spike]] with a regular [[Mind Shatter]].
  
**Cards which replace a Hero Power with another one (such as [[Lord Jaraxxus]], [[Sir Finley Mrrgglton]] or [[Shadowform]]) will only grant golden Hero Powers if the card is golden. For example, playing a regular Sir Finley Mrrgglton with a golden Hero Power will replace it with a regular Hero Power; playing a regular Shadowform after playing a golden Shadowform will replace the golden [[Mind Spike]] with a regular [[Mind Shatter]].
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**The one exception is [[Justicar Trueheart]], which will produce a golden Hero Power if either the card or the Hero Power is golden. This may be because conceptually the card "upgrades" the Hero Power.
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** However, [[Justicar Trueheart]] and [[Baku the Mooneater]] both produce a golden Hero Power if either the card or the Hero Power is golden.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii0XqLi3c5k&t=39m34s</ref> This may be because those cards conceptually "upgrade" the Hero Power, so a golden hero power is changed to a more powerful golden power.
  +
* [[The Coin]]
  ⚫
** If the deck of the player chosen to go second is composed entirely of golden cards, they will be granted a golden version of [[The Coin]].
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==Non-constructed decks==
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In some game modes, the game provides you with a deck, or with the cards for your deck (instead of you constructing the deck from your own collection). Those modes have different rules for which cards are golden.
  +
  +
* In [[Arena]] play, if you have two copies of a golden card (or one copy of a legendary golden card), all copies of that card appearing in the arena draft will be golden. If you have one golden copy of a non-legendary card, the first copy of that card appearing in the draft will be golden, and all further copies will be regular.
  +
* In [[Dungeon Run|dungeon runs]], none of the cards you build your deck with are golden, though you can add golden cards to your deck with certain treasures (like [[Magic Mirror]]).
  +
* [[Tavern Brawl]]s where you do not build your own deck do not ordinarily give you golden cards, though every tavern brawl makes its own rules.
  +
* If you use a golden [[Whizbang the Wonderful]] or [[Zayle, Shadow Cloak]], you'll play with a golden hero and an all-golden deck.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwVxcBfgNHo</ref> If you use a non-golden version, the deck you play with will have no golden cards, regardless of what you have in your collection.
  +
* In [[Battlegrounds]], golden cards are a mechanic. Golden minions are obtained by collecting three of any minion, which will fuse the three cards into a golden copy with doubled stats and a stronger ability.
   
 
==Viewing uncollected golden cards==
  
==Viewing uncollected golden cards==
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==Trivia==
  
==Trivia==
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Senior Game Designer [[Ben Brode]] has stated that he intentionally "tried to make the least playable golden basics the easiest to get," and that he "loves" how rare golden [[Sen'jin Shieldmasta]] is,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/486905384796315648|title=Ben Brode on Twitter|date=2014-07-09}}</ref> requiring the player to reach levels 59 and 60 with a rogue.
 +
* Senior Game Designer [[Ben Brode]] has stated that he intentionally "tried to make the least playable golden basics the easiest to get," and that he "loves" how rare golden [[Sen'jin Shieldmasta]] is,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/486905384796315648|title=Ben Brode on Twitter|date=2014-07-09}}</ref> requiring the player to reach levels 59 and 60 with a rogue.
  +
  ⚫
* The introductory sections to trailers such as those for ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijyMZPIsj5E Goblins vs Gnomes]'' and ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SDJgW3A_sw Curse of Naxxramas]'' feature placeholder art for golden card frames.<ref name="tr">{{tw|https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/559059928296345601|2015-01-24|Ben Brode}}</ref> Resembling a purple version of the mage card frame, this art was used prior to the development of the golden card frames, but has continued to be used in trailers.<ref name="tr"/>
  +
  +
==Gallery==
  +
;Frames
  +
<gallery widths="150">
  +
base-minion-premium.png|Golden [[minion]]
  +
base-spell-premium.png|Golden [[spell]]
  +
base-weapon-premium.png|Golden [[weapon]]
  +
hero-power-premium-player.png|Golden player's [[Hero Power]]
  +
hero-power-premium-opponent.png|Golden opponent's Hero Power
  +
</gallery>
   
  +
;History
⚫
The introductory sections to trailers such as those for ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijyMZPIsj5E Goblins vs Gnomes]'' and ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SDJgW3A_sw Curse of Naxxramas]'' feature placeholder art for golden card frames.<ref name="tr">{{tw|https://twitter.com/bdbrode/status/559059928296345601|2015-01-24|Ben Brode}}</ref> Resembling a purple version of the mage card frame, this art was used prior to the development of the golden card frames, but has continued to be used in trailers.<ref name="tr"/>
  
  +
<gallery widths="150">
  +
base-hero-premium.png|Golden [[hero card]] prior to [[Patch 18.0.0.54613]]
  +
</gallery>
   
 
==Patch changes==
  
==Patch changes==
  +
* {{Patch 5.2.0.13619}} Golden Priest, Rogue, and Neutral cards are now easier to tell apart. [The ribbon at the tops and bottoms of golden cards are now black for Rogue, and white for Priest.]
 
* {{Patch 1.0.0.4944}} If a player’s deck contains all Golden cards, a Golden Coin will complement your deck if you happen to go second.
  
* {{Patch 1.0.0.4944}} If a player’s deck contains all Golden cards, a Golden Coin will complement your deck if you happen to go second.
 
* {{Patch 1.0.0.4217}} All Golden cards are now animated.
  
* {{Patch 1.0.0.4217}} All Golden cards are now animated.
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==References==
  
==References==
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{{reflist}}
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<references/>
  

Revision as of 10:53, 17 June 2021

Piloted Shredder gold animated

Golden cards often add movement and visual effects, like with this golden Goblins vs GnomesPiloted Shredder

"Golden" redirects here. For information on golden heroes, see Golden heroes.

Golden cards are special, rarer versions of cards. Each card exists in both a regular and a golden form.

The difference between a card's normal version and its golden version is purely aesthetic - all golden cards feature a golden frame, and each has a unique animation. There is no difference in gameplay or behaviour on the battlefield, and golden cards do not allow you to circumvent the 2-per-deck (1-per-deck for legendaries) card restriction.

Golden cards are commonly compared with "foil" cards of other Trading Card Games, and are far harder and more costly to obtain than their regular versions. Golden cards are intended to allow players to show off their card-collecting achievements.[1]

Because golden cards do not display the usual class colours, golden cards feature additional ribbons at the top and/or bottom bearing the colour of the card's class.

How to get

Swipe gold animated

A golden LegacySwipe. Note the brown ribbons, indicating a druid card.

While offering no functional difference, golden cards are far harder to obtain than their non-golden versions. Those that can be crafted are far more expensive to craft, and far more rewarding to disenchant. The means of obtaining a golden card depends on the card set to which the card belongs.

Golden cards also generate, summon, transform and otherwise create golden cards.[2][3] Golden uncollectible cards can therefore be brought into play through golden versions of the generating cards.

Core cards

All core set cards have their golden versions unlocked with progression achievements. Win games and click the achievement to receive all associated golden cards:

Card type Common Rare Epic Legendary
Class cards 50 class wins 100 class wins 500 class wins 1000 class wins
Neutral cards 500 total wins 1000 total wins 2500 total wins 5000 total wins

Alternatively any golden cards from previous sets that the player has already acquired by whatever means will also have them available as core set versions. Crafting the versions from the older sets will make them available in the core set regardless of any progression achievements.

Expansion cards

Golden cards from expansion sets currently part of Standard format, as well as the Classic set, can be obtained through card packs, Arena rewards, or crafting. Golden cards from Wild format expansion sets can be obtained through crafting or through card packs.

Each card found in a card pack has a chance to be automatically upgraded to its golden version. Individual cards rewarded from Arena play likewise have a chance to be golden. Crafting and disenchanting values for golden cards are between two and eight times those of their non-golden counterparts. It is also worth noting that Rare, Epic and Legendary golden cards will disenchant for exactly as much dust as it takes to craft a regular counterpart, respectively allowing them to be exchanged for any single Rare, Epic or Legendary card you might require, making them especially useful for building up your collection.

Water Elemental gold animated

A golden LegacyWater Elemental

Rarity Crafting cost Disenchanting
Golden Common 400 50
Golden Rare 800 100
Golden Epic 1600 400
Golden Legendary 3200 1600

Adventure cards

Golden cards from adventure sets can be obtained exclusively through crafting. Golden cards from Standard format adventures are only available to craft once the card's regular version has been obtained through defeating the corresponding boss or Class Challenge within the adventure, but golden cards from Wild format adventures can be crafted at any time. As of the start of the Year of the Phoenix, all adventures are now in Wild format except Galakrond's Awakening, and so golden cards from any adventure predating that can be crafted at any time. The costs for crafting them are the same as those for other craftable cards (see section above).

Promo cards

Previously, golden cards from the Promo set were only obtainable by fulfilling the specific criteria for those cards. At the start of the Year of the Mammoth, the Promo set was moved into the Hall of Fame, and so the cards were moved into Wild format. They can now be crafted at any time.

Generated golden cards

Golden cards create golden cards. This means that new cards or minions created by a golden card during a game will automatically be the golden version. This includes summon, generate and transform effects.[2][4] These means are the only way to encounter golden versions of uncollectible cards. However, existing cards which are merely moved or put into play by golden cards will not be changed into their golden versions.[5]

Deathwing gold animated

A golden LegacyDeathwing

As a rule, if any card involved in the generation of another card is golden, the resulting card will also be golden. For example a golden LegacyPolymorph cast upon a regular LegacyGoldshire Footman will create a golden LegacySheep; as will a regular Polymorph cast upon a golden Goldshire Footman, or a golden Polymorph cast upon a golden Goldshire Footman.[6] Effects which create cards through interaction with characters obey the same rules; Goblins vs GnomesLight of the Naaru will generate a golden LegacyLightwarden if either the spell or the target character is golden - including golden heroes.[7][8]

The above rules apply for all generation of new cards, including both uncollectible cards such as LegacyImp Master's Imps, and normally collectible cards such as LegacyArchmage Antonidas' Fireballs. However, as stated above, existing cards which are merely moved or put into play from the player's deck by golden cards, such as by put into battlefield, put into hand or card draw effects, will not be changed into their golden versions.[5]

Hero Powers which generate cards work the same way. For example, a golden LegacyReinforce will generate golden Silver Hand Recruits. However, effects which replace Hero Powers may or may not produce golden versions (see below).

While these rules are largely consistent, there are a few exceptions, and these are listed in the appropriate sections below. Note that bugs may also cause inconsistent behaviour in some cases.

Types

The main types of uncollectible card generation are broken down below, along with a few examples.

  • Minion summoning
  • Card generation
    • Golden cards which generate other cards will generate golden versions of those cards.[2] For example, golden LegacyMind Vision will create golden versions of the opponent's cards, and golden LegacyElite Tauren Chieftain will create golden Power Chord cards (which may in turn summon golden minions). This includes generate effects which copy other cards, even if the card being copied is not golden.
    • The only exceptions are Goblins vs GnomesBlingtron 3000, Journey to Un'GoroElise the Trailblazer's Journey to Un'GoroUn'Goro Pack, and Kobolds & CatacombsZola the Gorgon. Blingtron and Zola will always generates golden weapons and minions, respectively, regardless of whether the Blingtron or Zola is golden or regular. A golden Elise generates a golden pack containing five golden cards, as expected; but while a regular Elise generates a regular pack, that Un'Goro Pack has a chance to generate Golden cards, much like a regular pack has a chance to open them.
The Coin gold animated

A golden CoreThe Coin, available only through playing with an entirely golden deck

  • Transformation
    • Golden cards which transform cards will transform them into their golden versions. For example, golden LegacyPolymorph and golden LegacyHex will turn a target minion into a golden LegacySheep and a golden LegacyFrog, respectively.
    • Golden minions will always produce golden versions when transformed. For example, a regular LegacyPolymorph played on a golden LegacyMolten Giant will produce a golden LegacySheep.
  • Card draw, put into battlefield and put into hand effects
    • Golden cards which cause the player to draw cards, or move them from zone to another will not change cards to their golden versions. This is because those cards already exist, and are not modified by being drawn or moved. For example, a golden LegacyNovice Engineer will not draw golden cards, unless the cards are already golden. Likewise, a golden The Grand TournamentVarian Wrynn or LegacyCaptain's Parrot will not change cards into their golden versions.
  • Replacing Hero Powers
    • Cards which replace a Hero Power with another one (such as LegacyLord Jaraxxus, The League of ExplorersSir Finley Mrrgglton or LegacyShadowform) will only grant golden Hero Powers if the card is golden. For example, playing a regular Sir Finley Mrrgglton with a golden Hero Power will replace it with a regular Hero Power; playing a regular Shadowform after playing a golden Shadowform will replace the golden LegacyMind Spike with a regular LegacyMind Shatter.
    • However, The Grand TournamentJusticar Trueheart and The WitchwoodBaku the Mooneater both produce a golden Hero Power if either the card or the Hero Power is golden.[10] This may be because those cards conceptually "upgrade" the Hero Power, so a golden hero power is changed to a more powerful golden power.
  • CoreThe Coin
    • If the deck of the player chosen to go second is composed entirely of golden cards, they will be granted a golden version of CoreThe Coin.

Non-constructed decks

In some game modes, the game provides you with a deck, or with the cards for your deck (instead of you constructing the deck from your own collection). Those modes have different rules for which cards are golden.

  • In Arena play, if you have two copies of a golden card (or one copy of a legendary golden card), all copies of that card appearing in the arena draft will be golden. If you have one golden copy of a non-legendary card, the first copy of that card appearing in the draft will be golden, and all further copies will be regular.
  • In dungeon runs, none of the cards you build your deck with are golden, though you can add golden cards to your deck with certain treasures (like One Night in KarazhanMagic Mirror).
  • Tavern Brawls where you do not build your own deck do not ordinarily give you golden cards, though every tavern brawl makes its own rules.
  • If you use a golden The Boomsday ProjectWhizbang the Wonderful or Rise of ShadowsZayle, Shadow Cloak, you'll play with a golden hero and an all-golden deck.[11] If you use a non-golden version, the deck you play with will have no golden cards, regardless of what you have in your collection.
  • In Battlegrounds, golden cards are a mechanic. Golden minions are obtained by collecting three of any minion, which will fuse the three cards into a golden copy with doubled stats and a stronger ability.

Viewing uncollected golden cards

To view currently uncollected golden cards in-game, go to the Collection screen, enter crafting mode, and choose the 'show golden cards only' option. Players can right-click cards to view them up close. However, currently uncollected cards will be yellow-shaded rather than showing their actual colours.

Full-colour animated golden versions of all cards can also be viewed on Hearthpwn.

Examples

Iron Juggernaut Gold - animated Abomination Gold - animated Malorne Gold - animated Sprint

Card art

Main article: Card art#Golden cards

While the underlying art for each card is created by a range of artists, the creation of golden card images requires additional work, transforming each static 2D image into a recoloured, animated, moving display. Hearthstone's golden card art is created by Becca Abel, Kyle Harrison, John Zwicker and Jon Briggs.[12][13]

Trivia

  • Senior Game Designer Ben Brode has stated that he intentionally "tried to make the least playable golden basics the easiest to get," and that he "loves" how rare golden LegacySen'jin Shieldmasta is,[14] requiring the player to reach levels 59 and 60 with a rogue.
  • The introductory sections to trailers such as those for Goblins vs Gnomes and Curse of Naxxramas feature placeholder art for golden card frames.[15] Resembling a purple version of the mage card frame, this art was used prior to the development of the golden card frames, but has continued to be used in trailers.[15]

Gallery

Frames
History

Patch changes

  • Whispers of the Old Gods logo Patch 5.2.0.13619 (2016-07-12): Golden Priest, Rogue, and Neutral cards are now easier to tell apart. [The ribbon at the tops and bottoms of golden cards are now black for Rogue, and white for Priest.]
  • Hearthstone logo Patch 1.0.0.4944 (Open beta, 2014-03-11): If a player’s deck contains all Golden cards, a Golden Coin will complement your deck if you happen to go second.
  • Hearthstone logo Patch 1.0.0.4217 (Closed beta, 2013-12-10): All Golden cards are now animated.
  • Hearthstone logo Patch 1.0.0.3890 (Closed beta, 2013-10-02):
    • You can now acquire Golden Basic minions at higher experience levels.
    • At 9 Arena wins, you are now guaranteed an extra pack or a Golden card.
    • Many Golden cards have new animations! More to come! Check out LegacyGelbin Mekkatorque!

References

 
  1. ↑ Patch 1.0.0.3890#Golden cards
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ben Brode on Twitter. (2015-04-28). 
  3. ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter. (2014-11-24).  - Example of transform producing golden version
  4. ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter. (2014-11-24).  - Example of transform producing golden version
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Ben Brode on Twitter. (2014-11-18). 
  6. ↑ http://www.reddit.com/r/hearthstone/comments/1p9dsd/til_golden_sheep/
  7. ↑ http://www.reddit.com/r/hearthstone/comments/2p0jli/til_if_you_use_a_regularlight_of_the_naaru_on_a/
  8. ↑ [1]
  9. ↑ PlayHearthstone on Twitter. (2016-04-05). 
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii0XqLi3c5k&t=39m34s
  11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwVxcBfgNHo
  12. ↑ Yong Woo on Twitter. (2013-12-15). 
  13. ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter. (2014-12-08). 
  14. ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter. (2014-07-09). 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Ben Brode on Twitter. (2015-01-24). 
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