Q: Whats the difference between basic and expert cards?
Basic cards are the starter cards that form the foundation of each heros class, and are earned each time you play a game (you can have up to two of every basic card in the game in your collection). Expert cards are cards that can only be found in card packs or created using the crafting system (certain achievements grant them as well). Theyre distinguished by their raritycommon (white), rare (blue), epic (purple), or legendary (orange). Generally, the rarer a card is, the more complex it is . . . often providing you with new strategic options. You can have any number of expert cards in your collection, though only two of any common, rare, or epic card, and one of any legendary card, can be placed in a deck. Both basic and expert cards have important roles to play in all decks, regardless of whether youre just starting out or are a Hearthstone grandmaster.
Q: What are all the different ways a player can acquire cards?
Players will earn their first set of cards as soon as they start playing Hearthstone, and certain game modes and features will award additional cards through gameplay. In addition, players will have the option to purchase additional card packs through the in-game store using Battle.net Balance or other supported payment methods, such as major credit cards. Here are the different ways to get cards:
- Practice Mode: Play against A.I. opponents representing different classes to unlock new heroes and basic cards.
- Play Mode: By participating in traditional head-to-head matches, players have a chance to win card packs. (nickcv note: so you can get expert cards this way)
- The Forge: Build a deck by selecting one card from each of a series of randomized card choices, and then play against other Forge participants. The cards you pick to build your deck are yours to keepplay well enough, and you could win even more. Note that you must trade in a certain number of card packs to participate in The Forge (further details to be announced later).
- Crafting: Disenchant expert cards in your collection to receive arcane dust, and then use your collected dust to craft other cards of your choosing. Basic cards cannot be disenchanted.
- Card Packs: Purchase card packs containing five random cards using your Battle.net Balance or a variety of supported payment methods. One of the cards will always be of rare rarity or greater; in some cases, you may find that one or more additional cards has also upgraded to a higher tier of rarity.
- Achievements: Certain achievements in the game may grant additional cards.
Q: How does The Forge work?
Youll be able to enter The Forge by trading in unopened card packs (further details to be announced later). These packs can be earned free in Play mode (or won in previous Forge games that you might have played), or you can purchase them from the in-game store. Once you are in, you will build a special Forge deck, choosing one card at a time from a series of card options until you have a full deck of 30. Youll then duel with that deck against other Forge participants until you win or lose a specific number of matches. At the end, you keep all the expert cards that were in your deckand depending on how well you performed you could win additional card packs.
Q: How will I get cards in the beta test? Do I need to purchase them with real money?
We do plan to test the in-game store during the beta test, and players will be able to purchase card packs using their Battle.net Balance or other Battle.net-supported payment methods. Players will also be able to obtain cards through Practice mode, Play mode, and The Forge. The card pack price in the beta test does not necessarily reflect what the final prices will be at launch.
Q: Will the cards I earn or purchase in the beta test carry over into the live game? What happens if I purchased beta card packs for real money?
Prior to launch your card collection will be reset, and any cards you acquired through a purchased card pack or earned during the beta test will be removed. However, any purchases you made during the beta test will be credited back to you in the form of new, unopened card packs at launch, equal to the value you spent during the beta test. Please note that these will not contain the same cards as those received from card packs in the beta test. Also, as a thank you for testing out the in-game store during Hearthstones beta phase, everyone who purchased a card pack in the beta test will get a special gift.
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