Hearthstone’s Mercenaries mode is getting one last big update, after which it will not receive any more regular content. After Patch 25.4,Hearthstone’snewest minigame will enter maintenance mode, only receiving occasional updates for balance or stability.
TheMercenaries game mode inHearthstoneis an independent rogue-like battle sim that lets players field heroes and villains fromWarcraftin special teams to complete challenges called Bounties. The mode was first launched in October 2021. Over the subsequent year and a half, it regularly received new Bounties, Mercenaries, and mechanics.
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However, it seemsHearthstone’snewest game mode was not as successful as Blizzard had hoped.Hearthstonejust announced Mercenaries is getting one last big update in Patch 25.4 before entering maintenance mode. According to Blizzard, Mercenaries will continue to receive support for bug fixes and periodic balance changes, butHearthstonewill be focusing on its classic gamemodes and Battlegrounds instead of the rogue-like minigame.
That said, this final update for Mercenaries does seem pretty amazing.Hearthstoneis receiving its last six collectible Mercenaries, including Mr. Bigglesworth, Arfus, and Kel’Thuzad. Dual-types, whichrecently came toHearthstone’sother game modes, are coming to Mercenaries as well. Additionally, Mercenary Factions will be clearly shown on their card, and five more Factions, including Pirates and the Scourge, are being added for a total of seven. Lastly, Mythic Boss Rush is a new high-difficulty, evergreen endgame PvE challenge mode players can take on, using their Renown to upgrade their abilities, equipment, and treasures beyond their normal limits.
Many players are sad to seeHearthstoneMercenaries entering maintenance mode, but are glad to see it is getting one last hurrah. The casual game mode provided aunique challenge inHearthstone, and between the dual-type Mercenaries, Factions, and Mythic Boss Rush, it seems fans will be able to get plenty more fun out of the mode.
That said, Mercenaries was not a popular game mode.Hearthstonemetrics consistently showed the dearth of Mercenaries players, especially in its bare-bones PvP mode. The game mode struggled to find success outside a niche playerbase, leading to its current state. Though its small and dedicated fans will mourn Mercenaries entering maintenance mode, it will unfortunately be the best for the longevity of the game–especially consideringHearthstone’srecent reduction in its esports program. Hopefully, the new Mythic Boss Rush endgame system can provide hours of entertainment for diehard fans ofHearthstoneMercenaries, even if the game mode no longer gets regular updates.
Hearthstoneis available now for Mobile and PC.
