Hearthstone To Implement Core Sets, Replacing Basic And Classic Sets, Which Gets Their Own Format
For about five years Blizzard has been rotating Hearthstone expansion sets for Standard play every year, something that was easy enough to predict, as it mimicked what Wizards of the Coast had been doing for Magic: The Gathering for about 25 years. One other thing Magic does is change up its core set of basic cards, which is a step Hearthstone has yet to adopt.
That's going to change in 2020, however, when Hearthstone replaces its Basic and Classic cards with a new, 235-card Core Set. 29 cards in the set will be completely new, with most of the rest coming from Classic, Basic, and Wild. As with the Basic Set, you'll earn Core Set cards by leveling up the game's various classes, so all Core Set cards will be available for free. If you're a veteran player, you'll receive the cards you're entitled to based on your level after the update. Like Magic: the Gathering, Hearthstone's Core Set will be swapped out every year.
So what about the old Basic and Classic cards? They'll move to Wild under the name "Legacy Set," along with most of the cards in the Hall of Fame. You'll also be able to use them in the new Classic format, which uses the original 240 cards from Hearthstone's launch "as they were in 2014," in all their pre-nerfed glory. I guess World of Warcraft isn't the only Blizzard game that's getting the "classic" treatment.
As a bonus to all players, once the new format goes live, Hearthstone will increase from 18 to 27 deck slots. Blizzard promises more reveals next week at BlizzConline; for now, you can learn all there is to know about the new Core Set on the Hearthstone site.
Related Articles
- Always Online Podcast: Did Redfall and ESO MMO Presentations Deliver, Hearthstone & A Sub, And The Day Before's Mess Ep 461
- Blizzard Wants To Know How Much Players Would Pay For A Hearthstone Subscription Via Survey
- Always Online Podcast: Blizzard, NetEase, & A Dead Orc Statue, Ubisoft Strike, & Dragon's Dogma MMORPG Returning? Ep 460
About the Author

Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.
Read Next
Genshin Impact's Lantern Rite Is Almost Here, And Check Out This Scale Model Of Liyue!
Genshin Impact's next event update is slated to arrive tomorrow -- or very late tonight, depending on your perspective.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 year agoYou May Enjoy
Sega Announces Phantasy Star Online 2 NGS Collaboration With NIJISANJI, And There's Plenty Of Places For Screenshots
The Livers come to Central City.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 4 days agoSquare Enix Strips Cheating World First Team Of Titles, Gear, And Achievements From FFXIV's Omega Protocol
“You didn’t directly commit cheating, but you were able to capture the benefits of cheating.”
By QuintLyn Bowers - 5 days ago💣 Feature | 10 Best MMORPGs For Beginners In 2023
Here are our top picks for any beginner hoping to discover their first MMORPG journey.
By Anthony Jones - 5 days ago💣 Feature | Reactions: The Day Before Gameplay Trailer Actually Releases, And It's Underwhelming To Say The Least
This game was actually slated to release this month until just a week ago.
By Michael Byrne - 3 days agoRUMOR: Insider Believes Rumbleverse Will Reportedly Shut Down At The End Of February
Take a hefty grain of salt with this one.
By Anthony Jones - 6 days agoPokémon Trading Card Game Online Will Halt Card Set Development
The development will officially end on March 1, 2023.
By Aspen Pash - 4 days ago
Discussion (0)