What we know so far about Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

We're going to keep this post updated throughout the day with all the latest HearthStone information. Here's what we know so far.

General Information
HearthStone is a new digital collectible card game (CCG) that takes place in the Warcraft universe.HearthStone is free to play.It's set for release this year. The beta will happen this summer.You can sign up for the beta now over at HearthStone's site.It will initially be playable on the Mac and PC. iPad version to follow soon (and not Blizzard soon, but reality soon).PC and iPad version are playable now at PAX East.Blizzard is looking at the possibility of future platforms (in response to the Android comments), but development is focused on PC, Mac, and iPad right now.

Cards and Decks
Initial launch will contain 300 cards.You'll be able earn booster packs (just like MT:G booster packs). You can also buy them.The price Blizzard is throwing around for the booster packs right now is $1/pack.Each pack comes with five random cards. Guaranteed to get a rare or better in each pack.Chance also to upgrade to a "golden" version of the same card (like MT:G foil cards).You'll be able to build your own decks, but also can let the game build it for you.Two classifications of cards: basic and expert.Multiple rarity levels of expert cards: common, rare, epic, and legendary.You will be able to disenchant cards you don't want into Arcane Dust, then use that Arcane Dust to craft cards you do want.Anything buy in the beta will be credited back to your live version of the game at equal value in the form of an unopened pack.Playing the Game The game is built around 1v1 match.Battle.net is used to set up the matches, you also can play against an AI (normal and expert mode).You earn medals every week for winning matches.You play the game as one of nine "heroes" of the Warcraft universe. Like a mage, druid, rogue, warlock, etc...Anyone who is familiar with MT:G or the WoW TCG should be able to pick this up pretty quickly, it looks like.Some cards demonstrated had AoE damage.Play field looks pretty standard: your hand, discard pile, health, mana, draw pile, battle field.In the screenshots and gameplay footage you start off with 30 health.
Other Notes We don't know yet if cards are going to be tradeable.
Developing... Tags: breaking, hearthstone

Filed under: News items, Hearthstone Insider

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