Heroes of the Storm Revives Beloved Game Feature

Heroes of the Storm Revives the Beloved Brawl Mode

Heroes of the Storm is bringing back a fan-favorite game mode: Brawl Mode, a revamped version of the classic Heroes Brawl. This exciting update, currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), introduces rotating bi-weekly challenges on dozens of previously unavailable maps. The return marks a significant moment for the game, especially given the mode's absence for nearly five years.

Originally launched in 2016 as Arena Mode, Heroes Brawl offered unique weekly challenges featuring altered maps, objectives, and rules. Inspired by Hearthstone's Tavern Brawls, it provided diverse gameplay experiences, ranging from all-Nova sniper duels to action-packed Arena versions of existing battlefields and even a PvE mission. However, due to the rising popularity of single-lane maps and maintenance complexities, the mode was discontinued in 2020, replaced by ARAM.

The resurrected Brawl Mode, launching officially with the next patch (approximately one month from the PTR release), will rotate every two weeks, on the 1st and 15th of each month. Players can earn a special chest by completing three games within each Brawl's active period. The exact reward structure (single reward per Brawl or multiple rewards per week) remains to be confirmed. With a vast library of past Brawls, players can anticipate many returning favorites and potentially new additions.

The initial Brawl Mode iteration, a festive Snow Brawl, is currently live on the PTR for testing. Given the PTR's three-week duration, a February launch for the official Brawl Mode is anticipated. The timing is particularly fitting, as June 2, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of Heroes of the Storm.

This revival is a significant victory for the Heroes of the Storm community, and many hope it signals a broader resurgence for the game.

Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes (January 6, 2025)

The latest Heroes of the Storm patch is now available on the PTR for testing. Please report any bugs encountered on the PTR Bug Report forum.

General Changes:

• Updated Homescreen and Startup Music.
• NEW: Brawl Mode added! Brawls rotate on the 1st and 15th of each month.

Balance Updates:

Significant balance adjustments have been made to Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin, affecting various talents and base abilities. Detailed changes are listed below:

(Detailed balance changes for Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin are omitted for brevity, but were present in the original text.)

Bug Fixes:

General bug fixes include improved pathing for Experience Globes, visual effect adjustments, and updates to Slow scaling with CC reduction. Numerous hero-specific bug fixes were implemented, addressing issues with abilities and visual effects for heroes such as Alexstrasza, Azmodan, Brightwing, Chen, Cho'Gall, Dehaka, E.T.C., Falstad, Fenix, Johanna, Kharazim, Lúcio, Lunara, Maiev, Mei, Muradin, Probius, Rehgar, Samuro, Sgt. Hammer, Stukov, Sylvanas, The Butcher, The Lost Vikings, and Zagara. (Specific details omitted for brevity but were included in the original text.)