BlizzCon 2017 has already happened and it’s time to round up all major announcements. The convention started back in 2005 and it’s a dedicated outlet to know everything Blizzard, surprises included. World of Warcraft and Hearthstone gathered a lot of attention this year, as both of them are getting new expansions.
Fans of Blizzard’s MMORPG received World of Warcraft Classic as well, the studio’s answer to all fans who were demanding an original experience. More news? There are two new characters arriving to Heroes of the Storm, Alexstrasza and Hanzo, while Overwatch unveiled a new battleground, a new hero and Reinhart’s very own short movie.
We have compiled here these and other announcements. If you missed BlizzCon 2017 there’s definitely a lot to catch up with. Off we go!
StarCraft II Goes F2P on November 14
Or more specifically, the single-player Terran campaign known as “Wings of Liberty”. If you already have it, then Blizzard is offering the second expansion, “Heart of the Swarm”, for free instead. This comes along with every co-op commander up through level five.
On top of that, Blizzcon 2017 announced free access to the game’s online ranked competitive multiplayer, giving access to units from all three StarCraft II releases. The only condition here is to unlock the mode first by obtaining ten “First Wins of the Day”.
Alexstrasza and Hanzo Are Arriving to Heroes of the Storm
Two new characters will be joining the Nexus fairly soon. And they are none other than Alexstrasza, from World of Warcraft and Overwatch‘s Hanzo Shimada. Blizzard showcased both of them in a cinematic trailer where we can see Hanzo taking down Alexstrasza, who can metamorphose into a dragon when her health is low. Both of them come to the MOBA as ranged characters.
Discover Hearthstone‘s “Kobolds and Catacombs” Expansion
December will see the arrival of a new content expansion to Blizzard’s famous card game. “Kobolds and Catacombs” does way more than simply adding cards, however. It comes with a fresh narrative twist, where players will have to make decisions as they venture into the deep catacombs. This will grant you different cards to play with.
“Kobolds and Catacombs” is also introducing a single-player mode, Dungeon Runs. Inside these, players will battle against bosses inside a magic vault. Each new victory will add new cards to your deck. But if you lose, this the same deck will disappear and you’ll need to start all over again.
Overwatch Grows with the Addition of Moira and BlizzardWorld
Overwatch is also getting some interesting additions in the near future: a new map, Blizzard World, and another hero, Moira. Blizzard World is a thematic part that will bring you nice memories from other Blizzard games as you battle with your team for victory.
The new character in the roster, Moira, is a support that mixes magic and science to subdue her enemies, following Zenyatta’s style of blending offensive with healing powers.
Reinhardt Gets the Spotlight with “Honor and Glory”
Blizzard also granted us another amazing cinematic for one of Overwatch‘s most iconic tanks, Reinhardt. “Honor and Glory” gives some action glimpses on Reinhardt’s youth, revisiting a skirmish in Eichenwalde against the Omnics.
Going Back to the Origins with World of Warcraft Classic
For years and years, fans of World of Warcraft have asked to enjoy this MMORPG following the same mechanics that saw its birth. As an answer, Blizzard has delivered an official classic-style “vanilla” server.
“We want to reproduce the game experience that we all enjoyed from the original, classic WOW,” said executive producer J. Allen Brack. The Classic version is still in development though.
“Battle for Azeroth” is the New Expansion for World of Warcraft
Last but not least, World of Warcraft is expanding as well thanks to “Battle for Azeroth”. In this content expansion, players will explore new uncharted areas from Azeroth that they have never seen before, hit the new 120 level cap, and take part in new dungeons and raids.
Other novelties include the so-called Island Expeditions, which will allow three players to participate in different tasks around an island, and the removal of the PvE/PvP server distinction. There will also be new Allied Races. In developer words, this is the most ambitious content expansion for World of Warcraft to date.
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Did you see BlizzCon 2017 this year, Fanatics? What announcement got you the most hyped? Let the conversation start in the comment section down below!
