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The Year of the Phoenix is upon us in Hearthstone, bringing with it a new class in the Demon Hunter, and the Ashes of Outland expansion. They will be arriving 8 April, UTC +8, to Blizzard’s smash-hit digital card game. The Year of the Phoenix will see all players getting the new Demon Hunter class and corresponding Hero, Illidan Stormrage, free, to Hearthstone! He will be coming 30 of the class’ specially tailored class, so dive right in with a pre-built decklist!
Ashes of Outland is the first expansion of the Year of the Phoenix. Go beyond the Dark Portal into the war-torn realm where World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade took place. There will also be features, updates, in-game events, as well as substantial additions to the Battlegrounds game mode.
“We’re excited to kick off the Year of the Phoenix by introducing Hearthstone’s first all-new class together with the epic Ashes of Outland expansion.”
“The Demon Hunter is iconic to Warcraft®, and the class is a natural fit for Hearthstone. When you look at everything coming to the game in April, and everything we have planned for 2020—this is going to be the best year yet for Hearthstone players.”
J. Allen Brack, president of Blizzard Entertainment
Complete the free Demon Hunter Prologue campaign to obtain Hearthstone’s first ever all-new class! Learn the origin story of the iconic Warcraft hero from 3 April UTC +8. Completing the prologue will also provide 30 Demon Hunter class cards and pre-built starter Demon Hunter deck. The class and cards themselves will be launching together with Ashes of Outland on 8 April UTC +8.
As for Ashes of Outland, players will see Illidan Stormrage proclaim himself Lord of Outland. With the Illidari, his elite cabal of fellow Demon Hunters with their thralls and allies, he’s the last bastion of hope against the Rusted Legion. 135 collectible cards will be introduced in this expansion. Pre-purchase the expansion Mega Bundle at $79.99, with 90 Ashes of Outland cards, one random expansion Golden Legendary card, Lady Vashj Shamam Hero, Serpentine card back, four Arena tickets and Descent of Dragons bonuses for Battlegrounds. The last part will upgrade to the Tavern Pass once the expansion launches.
$49.99 will get players the Pre-Purchase Bundle, with 55 Ashes of Outland card packs, one random expansion Golden Legendary card and the Serpentine card back. One of each bundle can be purchased per account.
Expect the following throughout the Year of the Phoenix:
- Ranked Mode Overhaul—The ranked ladder is seeing substantial improvements in the new year, including reworked matchmaking and a fun progression system loaded with meaningful rewards.
- New and Returning Player Experience—New players who ascend through the beginner ranks—as well as those returning to Hearthstone after an absence—will receive a free competitive deck of the class of their choice. In addition, they’ll get to play some all-new single-player missions to get back into the swing of things.
- Battlegrounds Updates—Hearthstone: Battlegrounds continues to evolve in the Year of the Phoenix, starting with the addition of Illidan to the roster, ahead of Ashes of Outland.
- . . . And More! There’s plenty to look forward to in the Year of the Phoenix, including new card additions to the Hall of Fame, substantial updates to the Priest class as well as a nonstop barrage of new content, such as in-game events, free Solo Adventures, and much more!
Southeast Asia players can participate in a regional specific campaign to receive at least three free Hearthstone packs to celebrate the arrival of Illidan and the Demon Hunters’ aggressive tactics. Until 7 April 23:59 PM UTC +8, complete the pre-registration through the official campaign website and claim goodies ranging from Classic set card packs to Year of the Dragon expansions.
Eligible countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Terms and conditions apply.
