Hearthstone Launches Year of the Raptor with New Content

The Year of the Raptor has officially begun in Hearthstone, ushering in a vibrant new expansion cycle, a refreshed Core Set, and the return of competitive esports. The first expansion, *Into the Emerald Dream*, is slated for a soon-to-be-announced release, preceded by an exciting lead-up event. Players will also enjoy a newly designed Year of the Raptor board, complete with updated visuals and soundscapes that enrich the gaming experience.

This year's Core Set update is poised to shake things up with a mix of beloved returning cards, strategic balance changes, and intriguing new additions. To enhance gameplay, cards known for their burst damage and other disruptive effects have been removed. Stay tuned for more comprehensive details as the release date approaches.

Hearthstone's esports scene is set to thrive in 2025 with two Seasonal Championships and a grand World Championship. In collaboration with Netease Thunderfire, the program boasts a prize pool of at least $600,000, aiming to draw in a larger competitive community. Expect further announcements on the format and rules soon.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming major Arena update in Patch 32.2, which follows the launch of *Into the Emerald Dream*. This patch promises to overhaul the drafting experience and inject new life into the mode. Alongside, anticipate a Battlegrounds Seasonal Update and the *Into the Emerald Dream Mini-Set*, which will roll out a patch earlier than usual.

This patch schedule adjustment is part of a larger effort to streamline development and content delivery. Despite these changes, the *Into the Emerald Dream* expansion will adhere to its traditional structure, with all the anticipated updates and events. Following Patch 32.4, the schedule will revert to its standard cycle with Patch 33.0.

Dive into the excitement of the Year of the Raptor by downloading Hearthstone for free today. For more details, head over to the official website.