A new Hearthstone expansion launches every April, August, and December so with August just a few weeks away, it is only natural that we would receive the notification of a brand-new expansion! The newest expansion is called Scholomance Academy and it will feature 140 new cards but the expansion is just the beginning! This also marks the beginning of Phase 2 for The Year of the Phoenix and that means we can expect (over the next 3 1/2 months) new Battlegrounds minions and heroes, balance patches, a seasonal event, a new solo experience, a new Battleground feature, and a brand-new (yet to be named) game mode!
Rather than focus on the unknown, let’s dive into what we do know!
Dual Class Cards
Coming to Hearthstone for the first time (technically second time) ever are cards that can be used by multiple classes. While these are limited to 2 classes (unlike The Mean Streets of Gadgetzan where you had tri-class cards), they still look to combine effects from both classes. Check out a few of them below:
The 10 class combinations are:
- Druid/Hunter
- Hunter/Demon Hunter
- Demon Hunter/Warlock
- Warlock/Priest
- Priest/Paladin
- Paladin/Warrior
- Warrior/Rogue
- Rogue/Mage
- Mage/Shaman
- Shaman/Druid
New Keyword: Spellburst
This is a simple trigger effect. Much like a Battlecry is a trigger that happens when a minion is played, or like Deathrattle is a trigger when a minion dies, Spellburst is an effect that happens when a spell is played. Check out a few examples below:
Studies
Studies are cards that, when played, will reduce the mana cost of the next card played based on the text on the Study. So if the Study says Discover a spell… then the next spell you play will cost 1 less. You might be thinking “if the Study costs 1 mana… and the spell is reduced by 1… isn’t that the same overall cost?” Well, yes… however… one thing to pay attention to is that it does NOT say “This Turn.” which means the effect persists until you play the spell no matter how long you wait.
Game Board
Pre-Order
Pre-orders for the expansion are now live. The expansion is set to launch in early August. Like always, there is a Standard Bundle and the Mega Bundle. Here’s the differences:
Standard Bundle – $49.99
- 55 Card Packs
- Kel’thuzad Card Back
- Golden Legendary Card
Mega Bundle – $79.99
- 80 Card Packs
- 5 Golden Card Packs (all cards golden)
- Golden Legendary Card
- Kel’thuzad Mage Hero
- Kel’thuzad Card Back
- 4x Arena Tickets
- Battlegrounds Perks
Free Gift
Everyone who logs in will get the new Epic card Transfer Student for free! The card will be offered from now until October 20.
Last but not least, we have two trailers… one which is the cinematic trailer, the other which is the official announce trailer. Both of which you can check out below:
