Earlier today, Hearthstone announced the name of their next expansion: The Great Dark Beyond. Now, they've released a blog post detailing what's coming. You can get all the details in the quote below, but here's a quick rundown:
- New keyword: Starship
- There are minions with special abilities that, when destroyed, get added to your Starship. You can summon it by paying 5 mana.
- Death Knight, Demon Hunter, Druid, Hunter, Rogue, and Warlock all get their own Starship parts
- Draenei is the newest minion type to be added to the game. The last one was Undead during March of the Lich King.
- Each Draenei improves the next Draenei you play by giving it a special effect.
- Spellburst is returning to the game from Scholomance Academy, though it's unclear if it's a permanent or temporary addition.
- Nexus-Prince Shaffar is the login reward for the expansion.
- There will be a special Tavern Brawl with increased rewards a week before expansion launch that will allow you to open packs and play against other players.
- The first entry is free, but subsequent ones will cost 2 Tavern Tickets, 300 Gold, or 400 Runestones.
Quote From Hearthstone Announcing The Great Dark Beyond, Hearthstone’s Next Expansion
When the demonic Burning Legion invaded their planet, the Draenei fled to the stars. Now, these “Exiled Ones” are being chased across the cosmos while they search for a new home. Build your own Starship, command the new Draenei minion type, and battle a demonic threat as you explore The Great Dark Beyond!
The Great Dark Beyond launches on November 5 with 145 new cards! You can find the Great Dark Beyond reveal schedule and all cards that have been revealed by visiting the official Card Library. Check back often as we travel across the universe!
New Keyword: Starship
Fly around The Great Dark Beyond in a shiny new Starship! Throughout The Great Dark Beyond, you’ll find Starship Piece minions. When they die, their stats and effects get added to your in-progress Starship construction. When you’re ready, press the button and Launch your Starship directly onto the board for 5 Mana. You can stack as many pieces as you want before you launch—the sky’s the limit!
Anybody can build a Starship, but six classes in The Great Dark Beyond have dedicated Starship cards: Death Knight, Demon Hunter, Druid, Hunter, Rogue, and Warlock. Each of those classes has a unique name and art for their Starship, representing their role in The Great Dark Beyond.
New Minion Type: Draenei
Exiled from their planet and hunted by the Burning Legion, the Draenei now travel The Great Dark Beyond, searching for a new home. You can help by welcoming them into your Collection as Hearthstone’s newest permanent minion type! The Draenei are known for their hope and community, so many of them affect the next Draenei you play. They are led by the powerful Velen, who exemplifies all his people!
Returning Keyword: Spellburst
The Great Dark Beyond is bursting with cosmic energy! Cards with the returning Spellburst keyword have an effect that triggers the first time you play a spell. Combine your cards for a well-timed surge in power!
An Unstoppable Demonic Threat
Demons? Demons. While the Draenei search a new home, the Burning Legion seeks only pain and destruction. Somehow, it seems like their forces are endless. Learn to spot the early signs of a Demonic incursion and you just might be able to escape with your life!
Nexus-Prince Shaffar Login Reward Available Now!
There are many mysterious and powerful characters in The Great Dark Beyond. Log in now to get the Legendary minion, Nexus-Prince Shaffar and chain your Spellburst effects until you go supernova!*
* Limited one per account. After patch 31.6, Nexus-Prince Shaffar will be granted upon opening your first The Great Dark Beyond pack, instead of upon logging in.
Prepare for the Pre-Release Tavern Brawl!
We’re exploring new frontiers in The Great Dark Beyond with a new Pre-Release Tavern Brawl! For one week, from October 29 to the launch of The Great Dark Beyond on November 5, you can open your Great Dark Beyond Packs, build decks, and play with the new cards in a mini-competition until you hit 6 wins or 3 losses and win prizes based on how well you do—including more The Great Dark Beyond cards and packs!
One entry will be free for all players. After that, entries will cost 2 Tavern Tickets, 300 Gold, or 400 Runestones. During this period, there will also be free The Great Dark Beyond community pack drops so that everyone will be able to play with the new cards! Look out for more details on the format, exact prizing, and design insights closer to when the Tavern Brawl goes live.
Note: Standard Packs will not contain cards from The Great Dark Beyond until the expansion officially launches on November 5.
Pre-Purchase The Great Dark Beyond Now!
The Great Dark Beyond Mega Bundle includes 80 The Great Dark Beyond card packs, 10 Golden The Great Dark Beyond card packs, 1 random Signature The Great Dark Beyond Legendary card, 1 random Golden The Great Dark Beyond Legendary card, 6 Tavern Tickets, and the Prophet Velen Card Back and Priest Hero Skin!
The Great Dark Beyond Bundle includes 60 The Great Dark Beyond card packs, 2 random The Great Dark Beyond Legendary cards, and the Prophet Velen Card Back!
Pre-purchase is only available until the expansion launches on November 5, but pre-purchase card packs and Tavern Tickets can be used in the Pre-Release Tavern Brawl, starting on October 29. Grab your bundles and join us for that exciting countdown!
What do you think about The Great Dark Beyond? Are you excited to go to SPACE. SPACE. space? Let us know in the comments below!
Comments
5th of November, the earliest we ever got the last expansion of the year.... 4 expansion next year confirmed :]
I like the spell burst mechanic. I like the draenei effect; I wish it wasn't stepping on the toes of elementals so much. Overall, looks fun!