The new "Hearthstone" update will reportedly take out several cards from Arena Mode. On the other hand, there will be a number of new improvements that will boost overall gameplay. Dozens of cards will reportedly be removed from Arena Mode by the new "Hearthstone" update. Game designer Dean Ayala stated that Arena Mode in "Hearthstone" was a fun environment that could benefit with some overall balance tuning. Blizzard has been looking at some of the issues that plagued "Hearthstone" and plans to finally address these.
In a blog post, Ayala explained that one of their objectives in Arena Mode in "Hearthstone" is to make it feel meaningfully different from other ways that players may enjoy the game. He believes that they are drawing closer to that goal, although they have to stay consistent when creating changes in the future. They wish to introduce variety among all their game modes, at the same time, providing a wide array of experiences within each one. They decided that Arena Mode could improve in that aspect.
Ayala continued that one of the balances that they could make in "Hearthstone" Arena Mode involves the removal of cards, such as C'Thun-synergy cards and Purify. However, they intend to keep strong weapons and spells in the mode to feature excitement and unpredictability in the current board state. They also do not plan to take out iconic cards because these are quite versatile and familiar tools for both new and veteran players. Primarily, Blizzard plans to remove lower-performing cards to give room for favorite cards that appear more often in the Arena draft.
GameSpot noted that the "Hearthstone" Arena Mode cards that will be removed are Forgotten Torch, Snowchugger and Faceless Summoner of Mage and Rogue's Goblin Auto Barber and Undercity Valiant. There will be no changes to Paladin. Shaman's Vitality Totem, Totemic Might, Dust Devil, Dunemaul Shaman, Ancestral Healing and Windspeaker will be taken out. This is together with Warlock's Anima Golem, Sacrificial Pact, Sense Demons, Void Crusher, Curse of Rafaam, Reliquary Seeker and Succubus. The Druid's Savagery, Mark of Nature, Poison Seeds, Soul of the Forest, Tree of Life and Astral Communion will be eliminated.
In "Hearthstone," the Warrior's Warsong Commander, Bolster, Charge, Bouncing Blade, Rampage, Axe Flinger and Ogre Warmaul will be removed as well. Hunter's Starving Buzzard, Timber Wolf, Call Pet, Cobra Shot, Snipe, Dart Trap and Lock and Load will no longer be available. The Priest's Mind Blast, Power Word: Glory, Shadowbomber, Lightwell, Confuse, Convert and Inner Fire will be removed. More updates and details on "Hearthstone" are expected soon.