Patch 25.2.0.162867

25.2.0.162867
March of the Lich King
Ann. date:	January 17, 2023
Release date:	January 18, 2023
Version:	25.2.0
Build:	162867
Highlights & notes
Battlegrounds updates New Battlegrounds Track and Season New Event Track Heroic Brawliseum
Official links
Patch Notes Known Issues 25.2.1 Patch Notes
Patch chronology
← Previous	25.0.4.162171
← Previous	25.0.4.162171
Next →	25.2.2.163976
Next →	25.2.2.163976
Useful links
Patches • Patches category

Patch 25.2.0.162867 is a Hearthstone patch released on January 17, 2023. It's a major patch, containing the start of Battlegrounds Season 3, which introduces the Undead minion type, dual-type minions, a new Battlegrounds Track, and card changes. It also introduces a new Event Track for the Lunar New Year.

A hotfix for this patch, 25.2.1, was released on January 19, 2023.

25.2.1 Patch Notes

We're in the process of rolling out Patch 25.2.1, a server-side hotfix patch with the following updates and bug fixes:

Battlegrounds Updates

• Scabbs Cutterbutter, Tess Greymane, Illidan Stormrage, and Tamsin Roame have been returned to the Hero Pool.
• Murozond has been returned to the Minion Pool.
• Wasteland Assassin and Devourer of Souls have been removed from the Professor Putricide Hero Power pools. Possessive Banshee, Handless Forsaken, and a new minion, Cursed Shadow, are being added to the Hero Power pools.
  • Cursed Shadow is a Tier 5, 7/5 Undead with Stealth.
  • Dev Comment: Cursed Shadow is only being added to the Professor Putricide Hero Power pool, not the general Minion Pool.
• The following heroes have less armor:
  • Galakrond and Infinite Toki have been moved to Armor Tier 1 (0 Armor).
  • Drek'Thar, Greybough, and Heistbaron Togwaggle have been moved to Armor Tier 2 (2-5 Armor).
• The following hero has more armor:
  • Pyramad has been moved to Armor Tier 2 (2-5 Armor).

Arena Updates

• Malignant Horror can no longer be drafted.
• Warrior and Hunter have had the draft appearance rates of some high performing cards increased.

Duels Updates

• Tome Tampering and Shockspitter have been banned from both deck building and card buckets.
• The Cold Feet Pact passive treasure has been moved from Pool 2 to Pool 2 Ultra Rare.

Bug Fixes and Game Improvements

• [Hearthstone] Fixed a bug where the new Omen Demon Hunter Hero Skin's Hero Power could not be upgraded through effects like Baku the Mooneater.
• [Hearthstone] Fixed a bug where Sunfury Clergy unintentionally gained Rush.
• [Battlegrounds] Fixed a bug where Discover effects could sometimes Discover non-Battlegrounds cards.
• [Battlegrounds] Fixed a bug where Sinrunner Blanchy could gain infinite Reborn under certain circumstances.
• [Battlegrounds] Fixed a bug where Putricide's Creation could be tripled under certain circumstances. The triples were failed experiments that lost some of their combined powers; it's better these Creations remain unable to be tripled.
• [Battlegrounds] Fixed a bug where a Corpse Refiner made golden by Greta Gold-Gun would not sell for the right amount of Gold.
• [Battlegrounds] Fixed a bug where a minion that received Reborn from Baltharak (one of the tokens generated by Mecha-Jaraxxus) would lose Reborn if tripled.
• [Duels] Fixed a bug where the Hematology Hero Power always assumed the player had 3 unspent Corpses if the player had any.
• [Duels] Fixed a bug where the Hematology Hero Power could hit 0-Cost cards in your hand.
• [Solo Content] Fixed a bug where a card adjustment to Forsaken Lieutenant made one of the Book of Mercenaries encounters impossible to complete.

Patch Notes

Patch 25.2, launching today, brings Battlegrounds Season 3 and more!

Battlegrounds Season 3 is Here!

Good news, everyone! Battlegrounds Season 3 brings Professor Putricide's new Hero Power, Undead and dual-type minions, and tons more new and updated heroes and minions!

General Updates

• On January 17, Battlegrounds Season 2 will end and Battlegrounds Season 3 will begin. That means that rankings will reset, Battlegrounds Quests will be removed, minion pools will update, and the Battlegrounds Track will switch over. All rewards that were earned, but not yet claimed, from the Season 2 Track will be automatically claimed.
• The 15-damage Damage Cap will now persist until both a hero has died and the game has reached turn 8 (the 10 Gold turn).
• Armor will now appear overlayed on health bars on the scoreboard.
• Undead and dual-type minions have been added as a regular part of Battlegrounds. The same number of minion types will be in each Battlegrounds game (meaning an additional minion type will be excluded each game after this change). If either type of a dual-type minion is in a game, the dual-type minion will be in that game.
• Undead will appear in every lobby for 2 weeks after the patch; they will then appear in 75% of lobbies for an additional 2 weeks. Then they will be part of the regular rotation of minion types.
• For a short time after the launch of Undead, turns 5+ will be 5 seconds longer to allow players time to learn the new cards. This is expected to be reverted in a planned hotfix following the patch.

New Battlegrounds Track

When the new Battlegrounds Season begins, rewards on last Season's Battlegrounds Track will no longer be able to be earned, all rewards that were earned and not yet claimed will be automatically claimed, and a new Battlegrounds Track will begin. The Season 3 Battlegrounds Track features 40 new Battle for Silvermoon themed cosmetics, including 4 Legendary Hero Skins, 3 Epic Hero Skins, 8 Rare Hero Skins, 1 Rare Board, 1 Rare Bartender, and 9 Rare Emotes!

For more details about the Season 3 Battlegrounds Track, see our Season 3 Announcement Blog.

Hero Updates

Professor Putricide has been reworked with new art and a whole new Hero Power for his return to the Hero Pool!

Professor Putricide

• Build-An-Undead
  • [4 Gold] Craft a custom Undead. (3 Creations left!)

Dev Comment: When you build an Undead, you'll be offered two sets of 3 minions to merge together. One set tends to have persistent in-combat rules while the other set tends to have keywords and in-shop effects. All minion offerings will be at or below your Tavern Tier. The Build-An-Undead pools include both minions that are available in Bob's Tavern and minions that are unique to this effect. Putricide's creations are unnatural, so they can't be tripled.

Professor Putricide will be available in all games for two weeks after launch.

Millificent Manastorm (Tinker)

• Old: Passive. Mechs in Bob's Tavern have +1/+1.
• New: Passive. Whenever you summon a Mech, give it +2 Attack.

Lord Jaraxxus (Bloodfury)

• Old: [1 Gold] Give your Demons +1/+1.
• New: [1 Gold] Choose a friendly Demon. It consumes a minion in Bob's Tavern to gain its stats.

Pyramad (Brick by Brick)

• Old: [0 Gold] Give a minion +2 Health. (Gains +1 Health each turn you don't use this!)
• New: [0 Gold] Give a minion +1 Health. (Gains +1 Health each turn you don't use this!)

Galewing (Dungar's Gryphon)

• You can no longer choose the same Flight Path twice in a row.

• Westfall
  • Old: Passive. In 1 turn, give your left-most minion +2/+1.
  • New: Passive. In 1 turn, give your left-most minion +2/+2.

• Ironforge
  • Old: Passive. In 3 turns, Discover a minion of your Tavern Tier.
  • New: Passive. In 2 turns, gain 2 Gold.

• Eastern Plaguelands:
  • Old: Passive. In 5 turns, your next Tavern Tier upgrade costs (6) less.
  • New: Passive. In 3 turns, Discover a minion of your Tavern Tier.

Updated Hero Armor Tiers

Many heroes have had their Armor Tiers adjusted for the new season. All armor tiers are as follows:

Tier 1 (0 Armor)

• Arch-Villain Rafaam
• Captain Hooktusk
• Cookie the Cook
• C'Thun
• Elise Starseeker
• Forest Warden Omu
• Galewing
• George the Fallen
• Lady Vashj
• Maiev Shadowsong
• Master Nguyen
• Millhouse Manastorm
• Murloc Holmes
• Mutanus the Devourer
• Pyramad
• Scabbs Cutterbutter
• Silas Darkmoon
• Sire Denathrius
• Tamsin Roame
• The Lich King
• The Rat King
• Trade Prince Gallywix
• Xyrella
• Vanndar Stormpike
• Vol'jin
• Ysera

Tier 2 (2-5 Armor)

• Al'Akir
• Cariel Roame
• Dancin' Deryl
• Death Speaker Blackthorn
• Deathwing
• Fungalmancer Flurgl
• Ini Stormcoil
• Galakrond
• Guff Runetotem
• Jandice Barov
• Lich Baz'hial
• Lord Barov
• Millificent Manastorm
• N'Zoth
• Patchwerk
• Professor Putricide
• Reno Jackson
• Rokara
• Sir Finley Mrrgglton
• Tess Greymane
• The Great Akazamzarak
• Tickatus
• Varden Dawngrasp

Tier 3 (3-6 Armor)

• Dinotamer Brann
• Enhance-o Mechano
• Heistbaron Togwaggle
• Infinite Toki
• Malygos
• Nozdormu
• Patches the Pirate
• Shudderwock
• Skycap'n Kragg
• Sylvanas Windrunner
• The Jailer
• Yogg-Saron, Hope's End

Tier 4 (4-7 Armor)

• Alexstrasza
• Ambassador Faelin
• Bru'kan
• Kael'thas Sunstrider
• Onyxia
• Ozumat
• Ragnaros the Firelord
• Sneed
• Y'Shaarj
• Zephrys, the Great

Tier 5 (5-8 Armor)

• Captain Eudora
• Chenvaala
• Edwin VanCleef
• Greybough
• Queen Azshara
• Rakanishu
• Tavish Stormpike

Tier 6 (6-9 Armor)

• Illidan Stormrage
• Kurtrus Ashfallen
• Mr. Bigglesworth
• Sindragosa

Tier 7 (7-10 Armor)

• A. F. Kay
• Aranna Starseeker
• King Mukla
• Overlord Saurfang
• Queen Wagtoggle
• The Curator

New Minions

Risen Rider [Tavern Tier 1, Undead]

• 2 Attack, 1 Health. Taunt, Reborn.

Rot Hide Gnoll [Tavern Tier 1, Undead]

• 1 Attack, 4 Health. Has +1 Attack for each friendly minion that died this combat.

Thorncaptain [Tavern Tier 1, Quilboar/Pirate]

• 4 Attack, 1 Health. After a card is added to your hand, gain +1 Health until next turn.

Scarlet Skull [Tavern Tier 2, Undead]

• 1 Attack, 2 Health. Reborn, Deathrattle: Give a friendly Undead +1/+2.

Eternal Knight [Tavern Tier 2, Undead]

• 4 Attack, 1 Health.  Has +1/+1 for each friendly Eternal Knight that died this game (wherever this is).

Nerubian Deathswarmer [Tavern Tier 2, Undead]

• 1 Attack, 3 Health. Battlecry: Your Undead have +1 Attack for the rest of the game (wherever they are).

Blazing Skyfin [Tavern Tier 2, Dragon/Murloc]

• 1 Attack, 3 Health. After you play a Battlecry minion, gain +1/+1.

Corpse Refiner [Tavern Tier 2, Undead/Pirate]

• 2 Attack, 3 Health. Avenge (4): This sells for 1 more Gold.

Jelly Belly [Tavern Tier 3, Undead]

• 3 Attack, 5 Health. After a minion is Reborn, gain +3/+3.

Ghoul of the Feast [Tavern Tier 3, Undead]

• 2 Attack, 4 Health. Avenge (1): Give a friendly minion of each type +3 Attack.

Lich Doctor [Tavern Tier 3, Undead]

• 3 Attack, 2 Health. Taunt. At the start of your turn, give your minions that died last combat +1/+1.

Felemental [Tavern Tier 3, Elemental/Demon]

• 3 Attack, 1 Health. Battlecry: Minions in Bob's Tavern have +1/+1 for the rest of the game.

Soulsplitter [Tavern Tier 4, Undead]

• 4 Attack, 2 Health. Reborn. Start of Combat: Give a friendly Undead Reborn.

Handless Forsaken [Tavern Tier 4, Undead]

• 2 Attack, 3 Health. Deathrattle: Summon a 2/2 Hand with Reborn.

Possessive Banshee [Tavern Tier 4, Undead]

• 2 Attack, 7 Health. Battlecry: Give an Undead +2/+7.

General Drakkisath [Tavern Tier 4, Dragon]

• 2 Attack, 8 Health. Battlecry: Add a 2/1 Smolderwing to your hand that gives another Dragon +5 Attack.

Peggy Sturdybone [Tavern Tier 4, Pirate]

• 6 Attack, 5 Health. After a card is added to your hand, give another friendly Pirate +1/+1.

Chronormu [Tavern Tier 4, Dragon]

• 4 Attack, 4 Health. While this is in the Tavern, gain the stats of any minions sold.

Magmaloc [Tavern Tier 4, Elemental/Murloc]

• 1 Attack, 1 Health. At the end of your turn, gain +1/+1. Repeat for each minion you played this turn.

Pufferquil [Tavern Tier 4, Naga/Quilboar]

• 2 Attack, 4 Health. After a spell is played on this, gain Poisonous until next turn.

Battlegrounds/Sin'dorei Straight-Shot [Tavern Tier 4]

• 3 Attack, 4 Health. Windfury. Divine Shield. Whenever this attacks, remove Reborn and Taunt from the target.

Anub'arak, Nerubian King [Tavern Tier 5, Undead]

• 5 Attack, 3 Health. Deathrattle: Your Undead have +2 Attack for the rest of the game (wherever they are).

Hungering Abomination [Tavern Tier 5, Undead]

• 3 Attack, 4 Health. Avenge (1): Gain +1/+1 permanently.

Cyborg Drake [Tavern Tier 5, Mech/Dragon]

• 2 Attack, 8 Health. Divine Shield. Your Divine Shield minions have +10 Attack.

Sinrunner Blanchy [Tavern Tier 5, Undead/Beast]

• 4 Attack, 4 Health. Reborn. This is Reborn with full Health and enchantments.

Titus Rivendare [Tavern Tier 5]

• 1 Attack, 7 Health. Your Deathrattles trigger an extra time.

Eternal Summoner [Tavern Tier 6, Undead]

• 8 Attack, 1 Health. Deathrattle: Summon 2 Eternal Knights.

Colossus of the Sun [Tavern Tier 6, Undead]

• 6 Attack, 6 Health. Divine Shield, Reborn.

Sister Deathwhisper [Tavern Tier 6, Undead]

• 4 Attack, 11 Health. After a friendly minion is Reborn, give your Undead +1/+3 permanently.

Felstomper [Tavern Tier 6, Demon/Beast]

• 3 Attack, 7 Health. After you summon a minion in combat, give your minions +3 Attack.

Mecha-Jaraxxus [Tavern Tier 6, Mech/Demon]

• 3 Attack, 15 Health. Battlecry: Add a random Mecha-Demon to your hand.

• Rusted Reggie: 5 Attack, 5 Health. Windfury. Can Magnetize to Mechs and Demons.

• Magtheridon Prime: 1 Attack, 10 Health. Taunt. Can Magnetize to Mechs and Demons.

• Baltharak: 10 Attack, 1 Health. Reborn. Can Magnetize to Mechs and Demons.

Greta Gold-Gun [Tavern Tier 6, Naga/Pirate]

• 2 Attack, 9 Health. Spellcraft: Make a different friendly Naga or Pirate Golden until next turn.

Minion Pool Updates

• {{bl|Icky Imp and {{bl|Budding Greenthumb have been returned to the minion pool.
• Peggy Brittlebone, Baron Rivendare, Saltscale Honcho, Glyph Guardian, Yo-Ho-Ogre, Stasis Elemental, Majordomo Executus, Bonker, Mechano-Egg, Baby Krush, Palescale Crocolisk, Imp Mama, Tony Two-Tusk, Drakonid Enforcer, Razorgore, the Untamed, Witchwing Nestmatron, Imprisoner, Khadgar, and Mythrax the Unraveler have been removed from the minion pool.

Other Minion Updates

• Micro Mummy has gained the Undead minion type.
• The Golden version of Amber Guardian will now hit two minions with the effect (giving each +2/+2 and Divine Shield), instead of doubling the effect on one minion (giving it +4/+4 and Divine Shield).

Mercenaries Update

• Sir Finley can now be acquired through all normal means.

Special In-Game Event: Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is right around the corner and this year we're doing it in style with the new in-game Event System. From January 17 to January 31, you can complete daily and special Event Quests to earn Event XP towards the event Rewards Track. Complete the event Rewards Track to earn three Battlegrounds Hero Skins!

Heroic Tavern Brawl Returns!

On February 1, the fan-favorite Heroic Tavern Brawl (Standard format) is back for more grueling competition! This time, there will be a new special Legendary Quest tied to the Brawl for those who want to earn something they can use to show off their skill. Win 3 games in one Heroic Tavern Brawl run and you'll get the new Ghoul Queen Scarlet Death Knight Hero Skin in addition to your other prizes! There will also be a Legendary Quest for players to win one game of any type in order to get a Standard Pack, so there is something for all players, even those who don't want to participate in the Heroic Tavern Brawl.

Bug Fixes and Game Improvements

• [Progression] Quests requiring you to deal damage of a particular spell type have been updated to require damage with one of two spell types.
• [Hearthstone] Fixed a bug where Heart Strike was not affected by Spell Damage.
• [Hearthstone] Fixed a bug where Anachronos's effect interacted inconsistently with effects like Power Overwhelming, Habeas Corpses, and Goblin Prank. All these types of effects will now be removed when the minion returns from its journey through time.
• [Hearthstone] Fixed a bug where Anachronos's effect could cause a temporary disconnect in certain circumstances.
• [Mercenaries] Fixed a bug where Chromie's Chaos Theory used the wrong effect animation.
• [Cosmetics] Fixed a bug where the Lor'themar Hero Skin used the wrong hero power animation.
• [Cosmetics] Fixed a bug where certain Mal'Ganis voicelines were incorrect.
• [Cosmetics] Fixed a bug where some of Ebon Assassin Garona's voicelines and speech bubbles were swapped.
• [Cosmetics] Fixed a bug where certain card backs were automatically marked as “Favorite” when acquired.
• [Cosmetics] Corrected the “Obtained by” portion of the descriptions for the The Coin and the Tinker Town Takeover Battlegrounds Board in the Collection Managers.
• [Shop] Fixed various shop presentation/visual bugs.
• Misc. other bug fixes and game improvements.