Better late than never. The United in Stormwind extension in the form of the Deadmines Mini-Set is just a day away. And with it, brand new chapters will be opened for all of our favorite game modes. We know exactly what that involves - so in the interest of staying prepared, let's spread the word further:

Arena Rotation

When the Deadmines Mini-Set unlocks on November 2, the Arena will include cards from the following sets:

  • Deadmines Mini-Set
  • United in Stormwind
  • Ashes of Outland
  • Rise of Shadows
  • Knights of the Frozen Throne
  • Journey to Un’Goro
  • Mean Streets of Gadgetzan
  • Core

So almost all cards from the current rotation are out, except for the latest expansion and the Core set. That's going to shake things up noticeably.

But not nearly as much as the next big thing. As has become the tradition by now, Dual-Class Arena is set to launch at the same time as well. Presumably, it might last a litte longer than just for the remaining duration of the ongoing Hallow's End event. Otherwise we would be invited to one short masquerade ball.


You guys and gals could really use some new costumes. 

Giving Duels A Facelift

You could be excused for forgetting just how many and which exact sets can be used to create starter decks within Duels. It's already a long list that is set on growing. However, for now only the new Deadmines cards will be joining what's already available for use in there: 

  • United in Stormwind + Deadmines Mini-Set
  • Forged in the Barrens + Wailing Caverns Mini-Set
  • Madness at the Darkmoon Faire + The Darkmoon Races Mini-Set
  • Scholomance Academy
  • Kobolds & Catacombs
  • Journey to Un’Goro
  • One Night in Kharazan
  • Whispers of the Old Gods
  • Curse of Naxxramas
  • Legacy (Basic/Classic)
  • Core

Trying to list all the cards that have been banned or otherwise excluded (from deckbuilding or buckets) could give us all a collective headache at this point, so we will steer clear of that. It's just good to keep in mind that's a thing. 

And finally, some of our prayers have been answered. Only took nearly a year... but hey, at least we got there, right? 

  • Starting in Patch 21.6, all original Scholomance Heroes will have all their unlock requirements removed.

Making the mode slightly more accessible for everyone (slightly - you still better have access to some Wild cards, or the willingness to craft them/open old packs) is a big relief; the artificial blocks in place were quite awful. 

Anything else, Avalon has already got covered in detail: with the implications of dual-class Diablo, and all the lovely treasure updates.

Spare Tavern Tickets, Come Get Yours! 

Tavern Tickets, we all know and love them. Occasionally found on the Rewards Track and also known as corresponding to the typical entrance fee of 150 gold (or some spare change) for both Arena and (Heroic) Duels. 

This might mark the first time we've been given such clear official communication on the subject. Technically also the first time we will be seeing wide compensations for our Heroic Duels runs getting forcibly retired along with the existing Arena decks.

Quote From Blizzard
Please note that 21.6 will be the first time that players with active Heroic runs are cashed out for rewards based on their run progress when the patch goes live, and those players will be compensated with a Tavern Ticket (much like how active Arena runs are cashed out when sets rotate).

Well, you only got to do pretty much what this little helpful message says. As per usual, make sure you have Arena and Heroic Duels runs underway, then leave them at X wins and a maximum of 2 losses to collect rewards equal to the amount of wins you left the run with, plus a Tavern Ticket when your run gets retired once the patch goes live.

It's well worth the price of admission, because you are always guaranteed a pack from the current expansion, on top of any bonus gold, dust, or cards based on how many wins were achieved. If you've got some time to spare, make sure to play until these 2 losses. If you still have any unused Tavern Tickets collected from the Rewards Track, the game will remind you once you attempt to enter Arena/Duels mode. 

On the topic of Duels, double check whether you've started a proper Heroic run instead of Casual. If you don't remember or think you can't tell the difference, look at the visual clues. The vault board (where your win count is being displayed) for Heroic has more adornments and color, as can be seen:

Keep in mind that entries might close a few hours prior to the launch of the Mini-Set. Once that happens, you temporarily won't be able to start any new runs. Don't wait until the last minute like some of us are prone to (cough cough)! It would be a shame to miss out.

Looking forward to any of the upcoming changes and new special ways to play in either Arena or Duels? Or do you simply just like collecting Tavern Tickets and never fully using them up?