Dragons have once again chosen rage as their hobby. The Cataclysm expansion for Hearthstone is live, and yes, it comes with plenty of making-things-burn drama.
What’s new in Cataclysm
The update brings a fresh set of cards and a few headline features that will shake up matches and deckbuilding.
- Deathwing hero card for Shaman and Warrior decks. This is the big, angry centerpiece that can trigger powerful board effects when it enters play.
- New keywords: "shatter" and "herald". Both introduce new interactions and strategies to explore during matches.
- Colossal minions return. The massive minion type is back and available for more classes, bringing high-risk, high-reward plays.
- Temporary free access to cards from the Emerald Dream and the Lost City of Un'Goro sets. Players can use those cards for a limited time without unlocking them permanently.
- Tavern pass and rewards track refresh. There is a new season of rewards tied to the expansion launch.
How to jump in
The expansion is available now in-game. If you play Hearthstone, check the client to see the refreshed tavern pass and to claim the limited-time access to the older card sets. The new keywords and Deathwing card are ready to be tested in casual and ranked matches.
Details came via Blizzard announcements and the official press release about Cataclysm. If you follow patch notes, this expansion arrived alongside the usual balance and system updates that accompany a release.
Short version: big dragons, new mechanics, and a handful of freebies for a little while. Time to reshuffle your decks and see what burns.
