Hearthstone: Madness at the Darkmoon Faire Expansion Includes Most Requested Features
Hearthstone's next expansion includes long-awaited features and cards that could break the game.
The Hearthstone team has revealed the game’s upcoming Madness at the Darkmoon Faire expansion, and everything we’ve heard so far suggests it could be the game’s most meaningful expansion yet.
The upcoming expansion will also feature the usual number of new cards (135). Among the new cards are the return of the “Old Gods” Legendaries (C’thun, N’Zoth, Yogg-Saron, and Y’Shaarj) who each produce some potentially game-changing effects when played. There’s also a new keyword called “Corrupt” which basically allows you to upgrade a corrupted card by playing a card that costs more than it does. Interestingly, Blizzard has announced that they will supplement that set by releasing 35 card mini-expansions between the release of Darkmoon Faire and the debut of Hearthstone‘s next full set sometime in 2021.
For more information on Madness at the Darkmoon Faire‘s new cards, be sure to check out this blog post.
The expansion itself looks like a lot of fun, but the real draw here is how the release of this expansion will coincide with the release of many of the features that Hearthstone fans have been requesting for years.
The highlight of those features is the addition of a new game mode called Duels. Essentially a PvP take on Hearthstone‘s popular Dungeon Runs, Duels sees two players create a starter deck of eligible cards that they’ll be able to expand via rewards offered at the end of every match. Players will be able to participate in a free “Casual” version of the mode that will be released later today for those who pre-order the upcoming expansion, but Blizzard is also developing a “Heroic” version of the mode (featuring buy-ins and rewards) that is scheduled for release on November 17.
Hearthstone‘s reward structure has also been completely overhauled thanks to the edition of a new Progression System. The core of this system is a new Reward Track, which essentially functions as a Battle Pass. It allows you to unlock rewards (including gold, packs, and cards) by reaching certain progression milestones. By purchasing a Tavern Pass, you unlock additional milestone rewards. The hope is that this system (and the game’s new Quest system which allows you to access more daily and weekly rewards) will normalize rewards so that you always feel like you’re working towards some kind of beneficial unlock.
Additionally, achievements are finally coming to Hearthstone via an expanded profile page that more accurately measures your progress. Achievements will include everything from winning a game in a certain way to reaching specific in-game milestones.
Honestly, the Hearthstone team has done a fantastic job over the last year or so of taking fan feedback to heart by not only adding the most requested features but by updating the game in a timely fashion that addresses concerns of creative complacency. Everything we’re hearing about this upcoming expansion suggests that trend will continue into 2021.
Hearthstone: Madness at the Darkmoon Faire Release Date
Madness at the Darkmoon Faire will be released on November 17. As usual, you’ll be able to pre-order $40 or $80 bundles that contain card packs for the upcoming expansion as well as various cosmetic goodies and other perks.
Hearthstone: Madness at the Darkmoon Faire Trailer
If you’re just here for those stylish Hearthstone expansion trailers, then we’ve got you covered:
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Matthew Byrd is Games Editor at Den of Geek and an entertainment enthusiast living in Brooklyn. When he's not exploring the culture of video games, he's…