Buddies Return To Hearthstone Battlegrounds In Mid-Season Update

Buddies are returning to the Battlegrounds game mode in the popular digital card game Hearthstone. As part of the mid-season update, players will be able to give their favorite Hero a pet for a boost during matches. Not only do old friends return, but new sidekicks join in on the fun for Heroes who did not have a Buddy prior, such as Watfin for Murlock Holmes.

Also, developer and publisher Blizzard is taking away the Buddy Meter and adding a Buddy Button. Each Buddy’s initial cost will be based on their Tavern Tier, which are being reworked. Going forward, there can be Buddies of Tavern Tiers 1 through 6; 11 and 21 Gold to buy respectively. This cost reduces by 3 for every combat won or tied, or 2 if lost. And Buddies may be activated up to twice per game.

Blizzard has also announced plans to share details on the upcoming Hearthstone expansion with this patch, 25.6, when it drops next week.

Note: Activision Blizzard is still under investigation by the state of California for serious harassment charges. CEO Bobby Kotick is alleged to have known about such actions within his company – and performed some himself – and shielded the perpetrators from consequences.