Post by KostaAndreadis @ 10:50am 18/03/20 | 0 Comments
With iconic Warcraft character Illidan Stormrage set to join the ranks of playable heroes when the latest expansion Ashes of Outland drops next month as part of the new Year of the Phoenix. The Demon Hunter, as a wielder of cards brings a very different and suitably aggressive play-style to Hearthstone thanks to several new cards and the game changing Outcast mechanic.
Empowered by demonic energies, the Demon Hunter wields unbridled fury. This is exemplified by its Hero Power Demon Claws—a one mana-cost boost to Attack that allows Demon Hunters to fluidly weave direct attacks into their combat strategies.
Demon Hunters brandish the power of fel, while crushing their opponents with colossal demon allies. They have access to cards with the Outcast keyword, which become more powerful when played from the left or right-most position of your hand—including the turn they’re drawn.
Outcast works in much the same way that a major new Keyword does with the arrival of a new expansion. Outcast cards will have specific bonuses play out if they're played from the left or rightmost position in your hand - a subtle nod to the on-the-edge of acceptance lore surrounding Demon Hunters.
For example, as seen below, the Skull of Gul'dan is a great Outcast card to have in a Demon Hunter deck because it allows you to draw three cards. But, if played when it's positioned there on the edge - those three drawn cards will all have their cost lowered by three. Meaning that a 3-cost can instantly become a freebie. Very powerful, and very cool.
Here's a look at a few Outcast cards to get a taste.
In addition to other class-specific cards the Demon Hunter immediately has a different, and aggressive feel to the existing classes - which is something we immediately noticed during a recent preview session. Best of all the new Demon Hunter will be free for anyone that logs into Hearthstone - with a special Prologue Campaign introducing Illidan and the class dropping on April 3. An origin story that will introduce the new play-style, with players getting all basic Demon Hunter cards (of which there will be 10 in total) in addition to a free 20-card Demon Hunter Initiate Set, and access to a pre-built deck to add to the collection.
The Demon Hunter arrives in full on April 8 - alongside the new expansion, 135 new cards, and a stacked Phase 1 that will see the ranked system get an overhaul, the Priest a full rework, duplicate card protection for opening decks, and a renewed focus on new and returning players. Stay tuned as we'll be bringing you an interview with Blizzard and behind-the-scenes look at the new Demon Hunter class later today.