Hearthstone announced its Cataclysm expansion, arriving March 17 with a new Deathwing card, new mechanics, and Colossal minions. Players can join limited-time events and claim free card trials to prepare for the next chapter of Hearthstone's story.
Hearthstone Announced Cataclysm Expansion
Deathwing Returns as a Hero Card, Colossals Make Their Comeback
Blizzard has confirmed that Hearthstone is not getting a sequel or "Hearthstone 2", but instead a full-scale expansion themed around World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Titled "Cataclysm", the update launches on March 17, 2026, and introduces new mechanics, limited-time events, and a major storyline crossover inspired by one of Warcraft’s most iconic eras.
Originally released in 2014, Hearthstone is Blizzard’s free-to-play digital collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe. Players build decks using hero classes, spells, and minions drawn from across Warcraft lore, then face off in turn-based matches built around strategy and outwitting their opponents. Over the years, the game has received dozens of expansions, each adding new cards, mechanics, and themes to evolve its competitive meta.
The Cataclysm expansion continues the time-bending story introduced in Across the Timeways, Hearthstone’s previous chapter. In the final moments of that arc, the villain Murozond refuses to accept defeat and smashes the Hourglass of Time, tearing open a portal to a nightmare timeline. From that rift emerges a version of the dragon Deathwing who was never defeated and whose Cataclysm succeeded, bringing the Hour of Twilight to Azeroth and threatening to destroy the world once more.
Hearthstone players are tasked with pushing back the end of the world by teaming up with heroes from across Hearthstone’s history, Chromie, and the Dragonflights as they collect new cards and take part in limited in-game events.
Cataclysm introduces a mix of new and returning gameplay systems designed to shake up the meta. Colossal minions return as oversized threats designed to feel like true endgame monsters. These massive cards take up multiple board spaces and often come with built-in companion pieces, making their arrival feel closer to a boss fight than a standard minion drop.
The new keywords Herald and Shatter represent two opposing forces in the Cataclysm storyline. Herald cards are tied to Deathwing’s armies and scale in power as they are repeatedly used, emphasizing inevitability and pressure. Shatter, on the other hand, reflects the Dragonflights’ resistance, splitting cards into fragments that can be played separately or recombined for stronger effects.
Alongside these mechanics, Cataclysm brings new visuals, original music, and a themed game board inspired by Azeroth’s shattered landscapes. Triumphs and Last Stands are also being introduced as new, powerful class-based spell cards tied to each hero. Finally, Deathwing himself will join the Hearthstone card pool as part of the expansion, the iconic dragon taking center stage as the narrative’s main threat.
To help players jump in, Blizzard is offering temporary free access to two full Hearthstone sets: Into the Emerald Dream and The Lost City of Un’Goro. Players who log in between March 10, 2026 (PDT) and the launch of the 36.0 expansion will automatically gain access to both sets and can use those cards in deckbuilding for one expansion cycle, which lasts for roughly four months. Veteran players who already have a high collection level for Into the Emerald Dream will receive the signature legendary Ysera, Emerald Aspect, while those with a high collection level for The Lost City of Un’Goro will receive Endbringer Umbra.
More Card Reveals On The Way
Over the coming weeks, Blizzard will roll out a series of official Cataclysm card reveals across Hearthstone’s Twitch and YouTube channels featuring hosts, community creators, and developers from the Hearthstone design team.
These reveal streams culminate in a Final Reveal live stream, also on the official Twitch and YouTube channels, where the remaining cards are shown. Drops are enabled on these broadcasts, and viewers can earn one Cataclysm pack on each platform (Twitch and YouTube) after 20 minutes of watch time.
Hearthstone Reveal Schedule Guide
| Description | When |
|---|---|
| Hunter Colossal Reveal | February 10, 1:00 p.m. EST February 10, 10:00 a.m. PST February 10, 6:00 p.m. GMT |
| Druid Colossal Reveal | February 11, 1:00 p.m. EST February 11, 10:00 a.m. PST February 11, 6:00 p.m. GMT |
| Mage Colossal Reveal | February 12, 1:00 p.m. EST February 12, 10:00 a.m. PST February 12, 6:00 p.m. GMT |
| Priest Colossal Reveal | February 13, 1:00 p.m. EST February 13, 10:00 a.m. PST February 13, 6:00 p.m. GMT |
| Death Knight and Demon Hunter | February 17, 5:00 p.m. EST February 17, 2:00 p.m. PST February 17, 10:00 p.m. GMT |
| Druid and Rogue | February 19, 5:00 p.m. EST February 19, 2:00 p.m. PST February 19, 10:00 p.m. GMT |
| Mage and Hunter | February 23, 5:00 p.m. EST February 23, 2:00 p.m. PST February 23, 10:00 p.m. GMT |
| Priest and Warlock | February 25, 5:00 p.m. EST February 25, 2:00 p.m. PST February 25, 10:00 p.m. GMT |
| Warrior, Paladin and Shaman | February 27, 5:00 p.m. EST February 27, 2:00 p.m. PST February 27, 10:00 p.m. GMT |
| Final Reveal Live Stream | March 3, 2026, 2:00 p.m. EST March 3, 2026, 11:00 a.m. PST March 3, 2026, 7:00 p.m. GMT |
With the Cataclysm expansion, rather than reinventing the game as a sequel, Blizzard is positioning Hearthstone for one of its largest shakeups yet, blending Warcraft lore with major mechanical changes while keeping the focus on accessibility and fresh gameplay. As the game approaches its 12th anniversary, Cataclysm aims to refresh Hearthstone’s core experience and invite both returning and new players to celebrate the game’s journey while diving into the new content.
Hearthstone is now available on PC and mobile. For more information on the game, check out our article below!
Sources:
Hearthstone Cataclysm Expansion Announcement Page
Cataclysm Livestream and Rewards Guide
