Blizzard reveal some big changes coming to Hearthstone in its next update, but players don’t seem too happy with what’s in store.
Update 9.1 will come to Hearthstone later this month, and includes some significant top-level balance changes to three Basic class cards: Innervate, Fiery War Axe, and Hex.
In a blog post on the Hearthstone website, Blizzard say that the decision to make these changes came after careful consideration:
“While they can be regarded as staples in those classes’ card repertoires, too many Basic and Classic cards played in individual decks means less fun when new expansions are released.
Cards in the Basic set serve several purposes in the game, so we would rather make balance adjustments to them instead of moving them to the Hall of Fame, like we have done for cards in the Classic set. “
Hearthstone Balance Changes – Update 9.1
Innervate
- Now reads: Gain 1 Mana Crystal this turn only. (Down from 2)
Fiery War Axe
- Now costs 3 mana. (Up from 2)
Hex
- Now costs 4 mana. (Up from 3)
Murloc Warleader
- Now reads: Your other Murlocs have +2 Attack. (Down from +2 Attack, +1 Health)
Spreading Plague
- Now costs 6 mana. (Up from 5)
The changes seem reasonable enough to my uneducated mind, but comments on the post reveal wide-spread dissatisfaction from many players.
User Sefr articulates the general tone, saying:
“WHY, JUST WHY would you nerf cards that were being played for so long ?!?! Dont nerf cards that were just fine, because you printed some new cards! Nerf damn NEW cards! Seriously, the basic set will be playable forever, right? And I’ve NEVER seen you guys buff cards, EVER! What the hell, blizzard?”
And fellow player, JohnMarston, simply says:
“This patch just makes me sad.”
Update 9.1 doesn’t have a confirmed release date, so perhaps there is still a little time for Blizzard to take the feedback onboard and make further tweaks.