Hearthstone’s Year of the Raptor Brings Expansions, Esports Revival, and Exciting New Features
Hearthstone has unveiled ambitious plans for the Year of the Raptor, the standard year for 2025, introducing three expansions, new cosmetic elements such as evolving game boards and Pets, and the return of esports. This exciting new era begins with the launch of Into the Emerald Dream, the first major card set of 2025.
During the recent Warcraft Direct, Blizzard revealed key details, including the Heroes of StarCraft Mini-Set for The Great Dark Beyond and three upcoming expansions: Into the Emerald Dream, The Shrouded City, and The Heroes of Time. While the Heroes of StarCraft Mini-Set has already launched, fans had been eagerly awaiting more news on Hearthstone’s 2025 roadmap. Now, Blizzard has broken its silence with a major announcement, including a cinematic trailer teasing all three expansions. Additionally, Blizzard confirmed updates to the Hearthstone Core set, including three new cards:
- Falric (Legendary Death Knight minion)
- Poison Breath (Rare Death Knight spell)
- Babbling Bookcase (Rare Mage minion)
Hearthstone 2025 Year of the Raptor Highlights
- Three major expansions:
- Into the Emerald Dream & Druids of the Flame Mini-Set
- The Shrouded City & Festival of the Devilsaur Mini-Set
- The Heroes of Time & The End of Time Mini-Set
- New Core set refresh with additional cards
- Evolving game board that changes with each expansion, featuring unique lighting, music, and visual elements
- Unleash the Raptor in-game event leading up to Into the Emerald Dream
- Arena overhaul set for the first major update after Into the Emerald Dream
- Pets, a brand-new collectible cosmetic, arriving in the final patch of Into the Emerald Dream
- Esports revival, including two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship
Evolution of Hearthstone’s Cosmetics and Esports
A major change is coming to Hearthstone’s cosmetics. While the game previously introduced new boards for each expansion, the Year of the Raptor will debut an evolving game board that shifts throughout the year. Inspired by the three major expansions, this board will change its lighting, music, and interactive elements accordingly. Additionally, a mysterious new cosmetic feature, Pets, will debut in Hearthstone’s final update of Into the Emerald Dream, just before The Shrouded City card reveals begin.
Esports is also making a triumphant return after being scaled back in recent years. Blizzard has announced a revitalized competitive scene, featuring two Seasonal Championships and a World Championship. More details, including tournament dates and prize pools, will be revealed soon.
With all these exciting updates, Hearthstone players have a lot to look forward to in the Year of the Raptor. From new expansions and Mini-Sets to game-changing cosmetics and a competitive revival, Blizzard is gearing up for an action-packed year. The first glimpse of Into the Emerald Dream and the Year of the Raptor Core set refresh will arrive during the card reveal season starting the week of February 18.
