Hearthstone: what is it?

The card game "Hearthstone" is enjoying increasing popularity among professionals and beginners. We will clarify what is special about this game.

Who Develops Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft?

California-based developer Blizzard Entertainment is responsible for "Hearthstone". This is best known for its "Diablo", "Starcraft" and "Warcraft" titles.
The "Warcraft" brand should also help "Hearthstone" to fame, as the subtitle "Heroes of Warcraft" suggests. In the past, this worked with the MMORPG "World of Warcraft".

With "Hearthstone" the developers of "Blizzard" venture several experiments:

They do not rely on real-time strategy or role-playing elements. Instead, the new title is an online trading card game. You collect cards, put your deck together, and then duel with other players worldwide. In simple terms, such online trading card games already exist; like "Urban Rivals" shows.
You can play Hearthstone for free because it is a free to play game. This means that you can use the game indefinitely without paying any money.
Card packs and entry to the arena can be purchased in-game currency or real money. However, there is no unfair imbalance between players who have already invested real money and those who do not want it.
All cards can also be created in-game, regardless of card packs. For this you need "Arcane Dust", which you get when you disenchant (double) cards to this dust.

With "The Grand Tournament" Blizzard brings the first major and far-reaching expansion for Hearthstone:

With the publication of the expansion, 132 new maps are added to the old acquaintances. If you are lucky, you can buy them in the new "Grand Tournament" packs.
Blizzard is also introducing the new Inspire card capability. This is activated as soon as you use your hero ability.
In addition, you will be able to fight your battles on a new game board.
"The Grand Tournament" will be released in August 2015.

In the next practical tip, we will explain how you can earn gold as quickly as possible in Hearthstone.