Cataclysm is the first expansion of Hearthstone's Year of the Scarab! It launches on March 17, 2026 and we've brought you all the information you need to know in one dedicated space; Our Survival Guide to Cataclysm!

Cataclysm Fast Facts

• A total of 145 new cards have been added to the game.

• There will not be a mini-set, instead, Blizzard is launching "Class Sets" which give a few classes many addition cards during "key points" this year. Details to arrive in the future.

• Colossal cards return to all classes with new Legendary minions. Login to get a random one for free via the Rewards Track.

• Get Warmaster Blackhorn for free by just logging in!

• Year of the Scarab is here which means a brand new core set.

  • Learn more about Hearthstone Set Rotations.

• Into the Emerald Dream & The Lost City of Un'Goro are both FREE during Cataclysm.

Out of Games Updates

We've got a brand new Hearthstone deckbuilder! Please help contribute to our deck database by sharing your favourite decks with us.

Optimal Pack Opening in Hearthstone for Cataclysm

Note that catch-up packs during Cataclysm will reward cards for Across the Timeways, The Lost City of Un'Goro, and Into the Emerald Dream.

• If you want the most total cards (fewest duplicates):

  • Open Expansion Packs

  • Open Class Packs

  • Open Standard Packs

• If you want the most cards from Cataclysm (more dupes):

  • Open Standard Packs

  • Open Class Packs

  • Open Expansion Packs

Mechanics in Cataclysm

There are three primary mechanics in Cataclysm via Keywords.

Colossal

All classes are get a brand new Legendary Colossal card in Cataclysm. The new Herald keyword is tied to Deathwing's arrival, so only the six classes aligned with him reap its benefits: Death Knight, Demon Hunter, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, and Warrior.

Herald

The Herald keyword reflects Deathwing's rising strength and the escalating danger that builds over the course of a game.

• Herald delivers instant value by summoning a Colossal Soldier and keeps scaling in strength throughout the game.

• Playing a Herald minion summons a Soldier that has the same ability as your class Colossal's appendages.

• Each Herald use upgrades both the Soldier and your Colossal’s appendages. Herald twice to double their power, four times to double it a final time.

• Herald also empowers Deathwing, Worldbreaker, increasing the number of Cataclysms he unleashes when played. Herald twice to play two Cataclysms, four times to use all four.

Shatter

Deathwing’s destruction is spreading across Azeroth, and our heroes are doing their best to pick up the pieces. Enter Shatter, a new keyword for the dragonflight-aligned classes. When you draw a card with Shatter, it breaks into two pieces that move to opposite ends of your hand. You can play the pieces separately, but if you manage to bring them back together by playing the cards in between, they recombine into a single card that’s doubly strong.

Trial Cards

Trial Cards are a new update to Hearthstone which makes it more accessible than ever to play the game. During Cataclysm, two expansions will be available for free to all players:

• Into the Emerald Dream

• The Lost City of Un'Goro

This will make it easier than ever to build decks and most importantly, be competitive for returning players. If you haven't played Hearthstone in a while, now is a great time to give it a go again.

If you have completed the achievement, Only Missing A Few (Emerald Dream), Blizzard is giving you a free Ysera, Emerald Aspect signature art card.

Likewise, if you have completed Only Missing A Few (Lost City), you will receive a free Endbringer Umbra signature art card.

Best of luck with your card pack openings!