In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Warcraft, the teams at Blizzard behind the Warcraft teams have come together to talk about what’s next for their respective titles.
Warcraft RTS is getting a 2.0 update which brings a variety of new features to the experience. This includes a new, customizable visual experience that will allow players to choose between Reformed graphics, the classic game graphics, and a new remastered classic game presentation that has increased resolution for modern systems. Players will also be able to mix and match the different UI elements, from icons and portraits to game scenes, for the three graphic options.
A new Warcraft battle chest is available for players to explore the origins of the Warcraft universe with some modernization and quality-of-life changes. The chest will give players access to Warcraft Orcs & Humans Remastered, Warcraft II: Tides of War Remastered, and Warcraft III: Reforged.
All of the updates for Warcraft RTS are available now.
The devs behind Hearthstone have revealed what players can expect for 2025. Things will kick off with the biggest mini set that Hearthstone has ever done, journeying to a whole new universe with the Heroes of Starcraft.
The Zerg, Terran, and Protoss factions will each be represented with their own faction banners that will be present on the cards. Cards in each faction can synergize with each other and are usable across multiple classes.
Each faction will also get a Hero card associated with it. The Zerg is led by Sarah Kerrigan. She can provide Death Knights, Hunters, Warlocks, and Demon Hunters access to an agro playstyle. Artantis is the Hero card for the Protoss. He can provide Druids, Mages, Priests, and Rogues access to powerful, high mana cost units. Utilizing the sionic powers of the Protos, these units will be cheaper. The Teran’s Hero card is Jim Raynor and he gives Warriors, Paladins, and Shamans the new keyword Starship from the main set.
Arena is also getting an update with Underground Arena. The Underground Arena has a distinctive basement aesthetic, longer runs, and a new feature. Re-draft on loss gives players the option to redraft cards and edit their deck. Ratings are also coming for both the normal and Underground modes. Ranking will be separate between the two. Skill-based matchmaking is in the normal Arena while Underground will see players face off against all skill levels.
2025 marks the Year of the Raptor and the three expansions for the year have been revealed: Emerald Dream, The Shrouded City, and The Heroes of Time.
World of Warcraft Classic will add the 20th Anniversary Edition Realms which gives Classic players a fresh start to the game if they want. Hardcore server options will also be available to choose from. Additionally, non-hardcore servers will progress to Burning Crusade Classic.
Mists of Panaria Classic is set to launch next year continuing the Classic journey on the progression servers.
For modern World of Warcraft, the War Within story continues with Undermine(d). The new season launches next year and will take players to the subterranean goblin capital of Undermine as players continue to chase the mysterious Xal’atath to thwart her plans. Undermine(d) adds 2 new Delves, 1 new Dungeon, a new ground mount, and a new 8-boss raid.
Lastly, Blizzard teased that player housing is set to come with Midnight. More details about the system will be revealed next year.