Blizzard has released Hearthstone patch 34.6, kicking off preparations for the upcoming CATACLYSM expansion set to arrive on March 17. The update includes free rewards, balance changes across multiple modes, and community events to rally against Deathwing's invasion. Players can log in now to claim the Warmaster Blackhorn legendary card for free.
Patch 34.6 marks the beginning of the road to CATACLYSM, Hearthstone's next expansion featuring 135 new collectible cards, including the first Deathwing hero card, returning Colossals, and new Herald and Shatter keywords. In the expansion's storyline, Chromie and the Heroes of Time failed to stop Murozond, opening a portal to a timeline where Deathwing remains undefeated, accompanied by six powerful Lieutenants threatening Azeroth.
Players logging in receive the Warmaster Blackhorn legendary card for free, with the offer changing to a first-pack grant after patch 35.6. Community participation is encouraged through the 'Rally the Dragonflights!' online event from February 9 to March 17, where actions like signing up for emails, claiming stream drops, and sharing social media posts help unlock a free Legendary Ebyssian and two Signature copies of Envoy of the End.
In-game events simulate the invasion in two waves. Wave 1, 'Fire and Storm,' runs from February 10 to 24, pitting players against Ragnaros and Al’Akir for rewards including Sands of Time epic cards, Across the Timeways packs, Tavern Tickets, and the Eternalflame Ragnaros hero skin. Wave 2, 'Death and Madness,' from February 24 to March 17, features Onyxia and Cho’gall, offering Dark Iron Harbinger and Disciple of Demise epic cards, CATACLYSM packs, and the Twilight Hammer Cho'gall hero skin.
A new Legendary Quest Chain starts February 17, rewarding CATACLYSM packs for playing ranked games through March 17. Balance updates buff underplayed cards like Dr. Stitchensew (now 5 mana 5/4) and Emergency Meeting (1 mana), ahead of the Core Set refresh in patch 35.0.
Battlegrounds sees hero redesigns, such as Loh, the Living Legend's new Hero Power, and minion tweaks like Felhorn (2/4, Battlecry gives +1/+2 to Demons and Beasts, dealing 1 damage twice). Anomalies return, including new Darkmoon Faire Prizes. The Darkmoon Faire Treasures event, from February 9 (mainland China) or 17 (other regions) to March 10, offers Hogger pet, Lion’s Landing Varian mythic skin, and Lunar New Year rewards via Runestones pulls.
Numerous bug fixes address visual issues and gameplay inconsistencies across Hearthstone, Arena, and Battlegrounds.
