Hearthstone’s ‘Into the Emerald Dream’ Expansion Brings New Keywords, Legendary Minions, and Free Cards!

Hearthstone has officially unveiled "Into the Emerald Dream," the first expansion for the Year of the Raptor. This new card set introduces the Imbue and Dark Gifts keywords, powerful Wild God Legendary minions, and more when it launches on March 25.

Recently, Hearthstone outlined its plans for the Year of the Raptor, featuring a major Arena revamp, the introduction of Pets cosmetics, and a revitalized esports program. Throughout the year, players can anticipate three expansions: "Into the Emerald Dream," "The Shrouded City," and "The Heroes of Time."

Now, Hearthstone has revealed the first of these expansions. "Into the Emerald Dream" takes players into a mystical realm, centering on the battle between Ysera, the protector of World of Warcraft’s legendary Emerald Dream, and the Nightmare forces of the Old Gods. This 145-card expansion grants Druids, Hunters, Mages, Paladins, Priests, and Shamans access to Imbue, a new keyword that transforms and enhances their Hero Power. Meanwhile, Death Knights, Demon Hunters, Rogues, Warlocks, and Warriors align with the Nightmare, gaining access to Dark Gifts—10 unique effects randomly paired with Discovered minions. Additionally, every class will receive a Choose One card, a mechanic previously exclusive to Druids.

Hearthstone’s "Into the Emerald Dream" Expansion Highlights

• 145-card set launching March 25
• New Keywords:

1. Imbue: Transforms and empowers Hero Powers with Wild God magic (available for Druid, Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, and Shaman)
2. Dark Gifts: Grants Discovered minions with random special effects (featured primarily in Death Knight, Demon Hunter, Rogue, Warlock, and Warrior)
3. Choose One Cards: Now available for every class

• Wild God Legendary Minion: Each class receives its own Legendary Wild God minion
• Pre-release Cards:

1. Ysera, Emerald Aspect: Free upon login
2. Creature of Madness (x2): Free in the shop
3. Raptor Herald (x2): Obtainable via the "Release the Raptor" in-game event starting March 4

Each Hearthstone class also receives a unique Legendary Wild God minion. Some, like the Priest’s Aviana, Elune’s Chosen, stand as champions of the Emerald Dream, while others, such as the Death Knight’s Ursoc, have succumbed to the Nightmare. Alongside these, Legendary minions like Malorne the Waywatcher and Naralex, Herald of the Flights, will make their debut, with class-specific cards such as Merithra, the Green Aspect from World of Warcraft, bringing a powerful resurrection mechanic to Shamans.

Players can acquire some of these cards before the expansion officially drops. By logging into Hearthstone now, players will receive Ysera, Emerald Aspect—a neutral Legendary minion that increases both players’ maximum mana while in a deck. Additionally, two copies of the common minion Creature of Madness can be obtained for free from the shop. Then, from March 4 until the expansion’s launch, players can earn the Raptor Herald card by participating in the "Release the Raptor" event.

Beyond standard play, Hearthstone Battlegrounds introduces three new heroes inspired by the Hearthstone x StarCraft crossover, the return of Anomalies, and updates to the minion pool, all arriving alongside the "Into the Emerald Dream" expansion. Fans are encouraged to log in, claim their free rewards, and experience the latest content firsthand.