The escape of the draenei as a narrative element

With the new expansion "The Great Dark Expanses", Hearthstone takes players into a previously untold chapter of Warcraft history. The focus is on the Draenei's escape from the Burning Legion. This narrative forms the basis for all cards and game mechanics in the expansion. Senior Game Designer Leo Robles Gonzalez explains that each card is a part of the story and is intended to support the theme and narrative. This gives the set a dense atmosphere in which players encounter various demonic forces and explore unknown planets.

New characters and game mechanics

The expansion brings some of the most well-known characters from the Warcraft universe to Hearthstone. Velen, Archimonde and Kil'jaeden in particular are the focus of the story. While Velen is known as the wise leader of the Draenei, Archimonde and Kil'jaeden have joined the Burning Legion. These two characters, previously unavailable as trading cards, are now part of the game for the first time.

Luke Mason, Senior VFX Artist, highlights that Kil'jaeden has a special card ability that allows him to open a portal that spawns endless demons. Archimonde also brings a special ability, summoning meteors onto the field and unleashing havoc.

Spaceship mechanics and new visual effects

One of the most interesting additions to the expansion is the so-called spaceship mechanic. This is aimed at players who prefer a more strategic and longer game. Starship characters are special minions that are added to a spaceship after they die, which can be collected again and again throughout the game. The team wanted to ensure that this mechanic was a perfect blend of Warcraft atmosphere and futuristic sci-fi visuals.

The visual design of the spaceships was a particular challenge as it had to convey the feeling of "space magic". A mixture of constellation magic and mystical elements perfectly captures the essence of the Draenei and their technology.

Return of the magic boost

Another highlight of the expansion is the return of the keyword "spell boost". The design team is particularly excited to reintroduce this mechanic into the game, as it fits well with the cosmic theme of the expansion, both playfully and visually. Certain minions have spell boost effects that encourage new deck building strategies and encourage players to combine spells and minions creatively.

Visual representation of the demonic threat

A particular challenge of the expansion was the visual representation of the "unstoppable demonic threat". An example of this is Xor'toth, a new legendary character whose ability allows two cards on opposite sides of the hand to combine to create a massive, star-colliding yield. These effects are intended to impressively represent the destructive power of the Burning Legion.

The team has also developed different designs for the spaceships to reflect the different cultural backgrounds of the Draenei and the Burning Legion. While the Draenei ships embody crystalline, magical technology, the Legion ships are dark and demonic in design.

What is the main theme of the expansion "The Great Dark Expanses"?
The expansion revolves around the Draenei's escape from the Burning Legion and tells a previously untold chapter of Warcraft history.

Which new characters are included in the expansion?
Velen, Archimonde and Kil'jaeden are the central characters of the expansion. Archimonde and Kil'jaeden are available as trading cards for the first time.

What is the spaceship mechanic?
The spaceship mechanic allows players to collect special minions that are added to a spaceship after death, which can be reused throughout the game.

What is spell boost and why does it return?
Spell Boost is a keyword that activates certain effects when certain spells are played. The design team is bringing it back to support the cosmic theme of the expansion and encourage new deckbuilding strategies.

What visual effects have been developed for the expansion?
The expansion includes a variety of new visual effects, including cosmic collision animations and the mystical Naaru energy that powers the Draenei spaceships.