Who will want to play Hearthstone?
Lighthearted and strategic, Hearthstone is a free-to-play digital collectible card game (CCG). Originally released in 2014, it has gone on to become a hugely popular game where users can battle friends, select a random opponent, or participate in solo adventures. Aim to bolster your personal card deck, either by working through the ranks and achieving reward packs or by purchasing packs yourself. In game play, two opponents take turns attempting to destroy each other’s assigned 'Hero'. Each hero has a unique power and each game is an adventure with randomly drawn cards and trades.
This game is an excellent option for those who enjoy collectible card games and battle games without all the hype of running through worlds, building forts, or chasing and killing one another. It is a fun and mild game that is easy to learn and easily addictive. Check this game out if you want a break from a crazy day, to unwind with friends or make new ones, and develop skills and a strategic mindset.
Hearthstone's objective and features
With a low learning curve and addictive quality, Hearthstone’s strategic nature make it a fun game for anyone.
After a simple installation, launch a new game in Hearthstone and find an ornate looking box on your screen, begging to be opened. Click to open it and receive a surprise of free cards right off the bat. As you play, you will naturally receive and gain more cards in your basic card set. A tutorial launches right away as well, relaying your first trial mission. Once you’ve made it through the tutorial game, you are greeted with a main menu offering the options 'Play' and 'Solo Adventures'.
The ability to 'Open Packs' and access 'My Collection' can be found on the toolbar along the bottom of the screen. Access your quest log on the bottom left of your screen to receive your first Hearthstone quest. Once you win five games in practice mode, you will be awarded a classic pack and two additional quests. Playing in 'Play Mode' versus 'Practice Mode' is where you will gain the most experience and play against other human beings.
Stack up against the rest of the player community
On the upper right of your user interface, check out your user ranking. Don’t get discouraged that your number will start out high, this easy-to-learn game will have you playing up through the ranks before you know it. Starting out at rank 50 (standard beginner’s rank) ensures you are playing against other Hearthstone newbies, not putting you out of your league. Each time you make your way through the ranks in multiples of five (rank 45, 40, 35, 30, etc.), three classic packs will be awarded to you for free, which in Hearthstone, is a big deal. Hit the rank 25 threshold, and receive an additional 10 classic packs. This is where momentum truly picks up and you find yourself learning faster, playing better, and earning a ton of awards along the way.
When you jump into your first game at Rank 50, a slot machine style spinner pops up to find you an opponent with the same skill level. The interface shows an intricately designed 'card table' with interesting graphics in each corner. The UI makes it easy to tell when it is your turn versus your opponent. The good news for beginners is that in the beginning ranks, you cannot lose stars no matter how many times you lose.
Users can always purchase card packs to literally 'stack their deck'. However, with all the packs new users receive as they climb the ranks, many say this is not necessary to have a good time and win some games. This can, however, lead to a perceived (and sometimes actual) disadvantage to those unwilling to enhance their decks with 'boosters'.Players use simple drag-and-drop controls to make their moves. The graphics are stellar, and the audio element is well executed. The basic strategy of the game is to reduce your opponent’s life down to zero. With four different card types, users can cast spells, use weapons, attack with minions, and employ heroes. Users can access support via Hearthstone’s website. There you will find a user forum, technical support, payments FAQs, and account and in-game support. Users can browse informational articles or contact support directly.
Where can you run this program?
Hearthstone by Blizzard Entertainment is available on Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Is there a better alternative?
One of the closest games by comparison is a game called Magic. Its origins are in an actual physical card game, it has 26 years of history, and is much more complex. Hearthstone was developed specifically for digital play, making it more intuitive and providing slightly more features for that reason. Both games are based on the need to acquire mana (kind of like power), to play in an attempt to reduce your enemy’s life and win the game. Mana is a given in Hearthstone, providing you with more each turn. In Magic, mana is based on the cards you draw. Creature combat is different in Magic as well, opening up different opportunities. All in all, Magic relies slightly more on luck than Hearthstone does, so if you’re looking for a more strategy-driven game, Hearthstone is a better pick.
Our take
Hearthstone is an excellent download for gamers looking for a fun, new, digital collectible card game. If you love the process of diving into a new game, learning it, and rising through the ranks, then download Hearthstone. If strategy overwhelms you or you do not enjoy collectible card games, but prefer combative play, opt for a more battle royale game instead.
Should you download it
Yes, and make sure you enjoy yourself.
