Blizzard just posted a quick update about the upcoming release schedule. According to the Year of the Raptor announcement, we were originally supposed to get the long-awaited Arena rework in Patch 32.2. However, it has been delayed by one major patch – to 32.4, so about a month.
Additionally, cosmetic Pets have also been delayed by one patch – instead of 32.6 (expansion announcement patch) they will drop in 33.0 (expansion release patch). We should have more info about both the new Arena and Pets soon.
To be completely honest, I think that’s a good thing, at least in the case of Arena (Pets are just cosmetics anyway). As much as I’m excited to try out the new Arena mode, Patch 32.2 will already be PACKED with content. Normally X.2 patches are big Battlegrounds updates that launch a new season. But this time we’re supposed to get the mini-set in the same patch cycle. Players who normally might be interested in trying out new Arena might be busy playing BG or Constructed instead because of the new content. And with mini-set moved forward, it means that 32.4 would be a pretty empty patch with not a lot to do.
Additionally, first impressions matter a lot – if they need more time to polish the mode, that’s okay. As long as it launches in a good and balanced state (which is a huge issue in the current Arena), waiting another month is not a big deal. We’ll be covering the new Arena version once it’s out.
You can read the official statement below:
Hello Hearthstone fans,
Soon we’ll be heading into Patch 32.2, our special .2 patch that will include both our new Battlegrounds Season and the Into the Emerald Dream Mini-Set—bringing shakeups to our two biggest modes!
If you’ve been following our announcements, you might remember that we previously announced our big Arena refresh would be in this patch, too.
The team is working diligently on that update and it’s coming together nicely, but we feel the mode can benefit from a little more development time—and some breathing room from this already large patch—so we’re pushing the Arena revamp back one patch, into Patch 32.4. To allow us the focus we want for Arena, we’re also moving Pets out one patch, into Patch 33.0. I’m looking forward to showing you more about Arena and Pets soon!
– Nathan
