Blizzard Entertainment has officially released its latest expansion for the digital card game Hearthstone, titled CATACLYSM. This update introduces 135 collectible cards alongside several gameplay mechanics that alter the current state of play.
The expansion focuses on the return of a major antagonist through the Deathwing, Worldbreaker Hero Card. Available specifically for the Shaman and Warrior classes, this card allows players to transform their hero into the Destroyer. This transformation provides access to a selection of four unique apocalyptic abilities to use against opponents.
Accompanying this Hero Card is the return of the Colossal keyword. These minions are represented by multiple cards on the board, featuring various appendages that extend beyond the initial unit. To complement these massive units, the expansion introduces the Herald keyword. When a Herald card is played, it summons a Soldier from the army of that player’s class-specific Colossal lieutenant. This allows players to utilize Colossal-style abilities before they have enough mana to play the primary legendary minion.
A new card handling mechanic, Shatter, has also been implemented. When a player adds a card with Shatter to their hand, it immediately splits into two separate fragments which move to the opposite ends of the hand. While each fragment can be played on its own, playing the cards located between them causes the fragments to recombine into a single card with two enhanced effects.
To assist players with deck building during this period, a selection of previous content has been made temporarily free. For the duration of the CATACLYSM expansion, players can access every card from the Into the Emerald Dream and The Lost City of Un’Goro sets through the Dream City Trial Cards program. This includes Golden versions of the cards to assist with deck construction and experimentation.
