Heroes of the Storm: Brawl Mode Returns!
Heroes of the Storm is bringing back its popular Heroes Brawl game mode, rebranded as Brawl Mode. This exciting update, currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), introduces rotating bi-weekly challenges featuring dozens of previously unavailable maps. The return marks the first time these maps have been playable in nearly five years.
Originally launched in 2016 as Arena Mode, Heroes Brawl offered unique weekly challenges with altered game mechanics. Inspired by Hearthstone's Tavern Brawls, it incorporated unique map layouts, alternative objectives, and unconventional rulesets. Examples included all-Nova sniper duels, Arena variations of existing battlefields, and the PvE mission, Escape from Braxis. However, due to the rising preference for single-lane maps and maintenance difficulties, it was discontinued in 2020, replaced by ARAM (All Random, All Mid).
Now, Brawl Mode makes a triumphant comeback! The PTR update includes the first Brawl, a festive Snow Brawl. The mode will officially launch with the next patch, approximately a month from the PTR release date. The bi-weekly rotation (1st and 15th of each month) offers a special chest reward for 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 over two dozen past Brawls to draw from, players can anticipate many returning favorites and potentially new Brawls in the future.
The PTR release (January 6th, 2025) also includes general updates such as a new homescreen and startup music, along with significant hero balance changes and bug fixes detailed below. The three-week PTR testing period suggests a potential February launch for Brawl Mode, coinciding perfectly with the upcoming 10-year anniversary of Heroes of the Storm on June 2nd, 2025. This revival is a significant victory for the game's dedicated fanbase and fuels speculation about a potential full-scale resurgence of Heroes of the Storm.
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Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes (January 6, 2025)
This section details the hero balance updates and bug fixes included in the PTR patch. Due to the extensive nature of the patch notes, they are omitted here for brevity but are available in the original source material. The notes include balance adjustments for various heroes (Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, Zul'jin) and numerous bug fixes across the game.
