Balance Changes are Coming to Hearthstone

Blizzard announced upcoming balance changes for Update 9.1 – a number of popular and overperforming cards will be changed. Let’s take a closer look at the changes.

Everyone who plays or follows Hearthstone knows that the meta is in a tricky spot right now. The number of cards available in standard rotation is too big, which creates a lot of possibilities to build overpowered decks. For example, almost everyone agrees that some Druid builds are overpowered.

Blizzard acknowledged the issue and announced upcoming balance changes to some of the cards in the game. Let’s see what are they going to change:

Innervate

• The number of gained Mana Crystals is reduced from 2 to 1.

This change was expected by the community: the card was used in various Druid decks and was overperforming, allowing Druids to start a match with a huge advantage, which made it too hard for the opposing player to provide a counter-play.

Fiery War Axe

• The cost of the card is increased by 1 (from 3 to 4 mana).

This Warrior’s card has been performing on a top level since it was added to the game. Due to its low cost and high damage output it was used in many decks, specifically those utilizing synergy with Pirates cards. Even after the nerf this card is going to be a good option to have – 3 mana for a 3/2 weapon is a good trade.

Hex

• The cost of the card is increased by 1 (from 3 to 4 mana).

The problem with this card was not that it was overpowered. Instead, Blizzard and many players found it to be too universal. While Shamans are in a balanced spot right now, this change will make them weaker against stronger minions.

Murloc Warleader

• Additional health to other Murlocs is removed (now the card gives +2 Attack; previously – +2 Attack, +1 Health).

Murloc builds are known for being very effective in taking an early lead in the game. Sometimes it’s too hard for the opposing player to even clear the board. Removing of additional health will make it easier to counter an early aggression with many minions-murlocs.

Spreading Plague

• The cost of the card is increased by 1 (from 5 to 6 mana).

Another nerf to Druid class. The card was effectively used in a defensive manner against players who tend to spawn a lot of minions. Blizzard found that the card was too strong for its cost and increased it from 5 to 6.