Hearthstone Update 32.2.2 Brings Mini-Set Embers of the World Tree and Major Battlegrounds Changes

On May 13, 2025, Blizzard released Hearthstone update 32.2.2, featuring the new mini-set "Embers of the World Tree" and extensive balance changes to the Battlegrounds mode.

New Mini-Set: Embers of the World Tree

The mini-set introduces 38 new cards, including 4 Legendaries, 2 Epics (2 copies each), 16 Rares (2 copies each), and 16 Commons (2 copies each). These cards are available in Into the Emerald Dream card packs or as a complete 72-card set. The regular version costs $14.99 or 2000 gold, while the Golden version is priced at $69.99 or 10,000 gold, and includes a bonus Diamond copy of Fyrakk, the Blazing, a legendary minion.

To allow players time to adapt, developers did not apply balance changes to Standard mode. The next adjustment window is scheduled shortly after the mini-set release.

Battlegrounds Balance Update

The update focuses on buffing underperforming compositions and nerfing two dominant strategies in the current meta: Mechs with Tavern spells and Elementals with end-of-turn effects. It also includes adjustments to Trinkets and minion tier redistributions.

Trinket Changes

The rules for Trinkets have been updated: the Greater Trinket slot now always offers a neutral Trinket, removing the 50% chance for a discounted option.

Examples of Trinket adjustments:

• Gem Donation: Now plays Blood Gems on 3 minions instead of 2.
• Cliffdiver Sticker: Bonus increased from +3/+2 to +3/+3.
• Shrine of Evolution: Cost raised from 0 to 2 gold; now transforms all minions into random Tier 4 minions.
• Finley’s Helmet: Murloc bonus increased from +2/+2 to +5/+5.
• Sacrificial Altar: Cost increased from 2 to 4 gold; grants 4 gold per removed minion.

Hero Adjustments

• Dinotamer Brann: Now receives Brann Bronzebeard after purchasing 5 Battlecry minions, reduced from 6.

Minion Changes

Buffed Minions:

• Silithid Burrower: Stats increased from 5/1 to 5/4; Avenge reduced from 3 to 1.
• Gentle Stag: Bonus increased from +2/+2 to +3/+3.
• Valiant Tiger: Stats increased from 4/3 to 5/5; bonus from +4/+3 to +5/+5.
• Blazing Greasefire: Tavern Elemental bonus increased from +3/+2 to +4/+4.
• Dancing Barnstormer: Bonus increased from +2/+2 to +4/+4.

Tier Changes:

• Ashen Corruptor: Moved from Tier 4 to Tier 5.
• Shadowdancer: Moved from Tier 5 to Tier 4.
• Spirited Whimsydrake: Moved from Tier 5 to Tier 4.
• Technical Element: Moved from Tier 5 to Tier 2.
• Lokholar, Frostforger: Moved from Tier 5 to Tier 6; now only boosts Elementals.

Removed from Minion Pool:

• Low Flier
• Arm of the Empire
• Slippery Slider

Added to Minion Pool:

• General Drakkisath
• Hunter of Gatherers
• Adaptive Ancestor
• Coast Guard
• Kangor’s Apprentice
• Darkcrest Strategist
• Handless Forsaken
• Daggerspine Thrasher

Bug Fixes

A bug that caused players to receive only one copy of Creature of Madness from Into the Emerald Dream packs — instead of two — after the initial release period has been fixed. Affected players will receive the missing second copy.

Final Thoughts

Update 32.2.2 marks a significant shift in the Battlegrounds meta, while also refreshing Standard mode with the new mini-set. Whether you're looking to explore fresh strategies in Battlegrounds or build new decks with Embers of the World Tree, this patch delivers a wave of impactful content for Hearthstone players.