Heroes Reintroduce Fan-Favorite Mode

Heroes of the Storm: Brawl Mode Returns!

The beloved Heroes Brawl game mode is making a comeback as "Brawl Mode" in Heroes of the Storm! This exciting update brings back dozens of previously unavailable maps and unique challenges, offering a fresh take on classic gameplay. Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Brawl Mode is set for official release within the next month.

What is Brawl Mode?

Brawl Mode revives the spirit of the original Heroes Brawl, offering bi-weekly rotating game modes with unique map layouts, objectives, and rule sets. Think zany twists on familiar battlegrounds and entirely new gameplay experiences. Remember the all-Nova sniper duels or the Escape from Braxis PvE mission? Get ready for a nostalgic trip (and maybe some new surprises!).

Rewards and Schedule:

Playing three Brawl Mode matches during its active period earns you a special chest. The rotation schedule is bi-weekly, updating on the 1st and 15th of each month. While the exact reward structure remains to be seen, the sheer number of past Brawls promises a diverse and exciting selection for players.

Snow Brawl Kicks Off the Fun:

The first Brawl Mode, the 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 seems likely.

A Celebration of Heroes of the Storm's 10th Anniversary:

The return of Brawl Mode is particularly fitting, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Heroes of the Storm on June 2nd, 2025. This exciting addition is a significant win for fans and fuels speculation about a potential full-scale revival of the game.

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

The recent PTR update includes:

• Brawl Mode: The core addition, featuring bi-weekly rotations.
• Homescreen and Startup Music Updates: A refreshed visual and auditory experience.
• Hero Balance Changes: Significant adjustments to Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin, impacting talents and base stats. See detailed notes below for specifics.
• Bug Fixes: Numerous fixes addressing experience globes, visual effects, slows, and specific hero issues (see detailed notes below).

Detailed Hero Balance Changes (January 6, 2025):

(Note: Only significant changes are summarized. Refer to the full patch notes for complete details.)

• Auriel: Searing Light damage restricted to Heroes; Energized Cord range increased; Reservoir of Hope quest bonus reduced; Wrath of Heaven armor reduction and Spell Power increased.
• Chromie: Timewalker's Pursuit Spell Power increased; Mobius Loop slow reduced; Unravelling no longer consumes energy and increases cast range.
• Johanna: Shield Glare mana cost increased; Divine Fortress health bonus increased; Zealous Glare damage bonus reduced; Steed Charge duration increased; Blessed Hammer damage reduced; Holy Renewal cooldown reduction reduced; Shrinking Vacuum damage reduction, duration, and slow increased.
• Tracer: Is That a Health Pack?! healing increased; Pulse Generator healing reduced; Jumper cooldown refresh and shield reduced.
• Zul'jin: You Want Axe? base damage increased, quest bonus reduced; Recklessness damage bonus reduced; Guillotine cooldown and mana cost reduced; Taz'dingo! cooldown and mana cost increased; Let the Killing Begin and Buzzsaw kill windows reduced.

Detailed Bug Fixes (January 6, 2025):

(Note: Only a selection of bug fixes are included. See the full patch notes for the complete list.)

• General: Experience globes pathing through gates improved; root visual effect issues fixed; slow scaling updated to interact with CC reduction.
• Hero-Specific Fixes: Numerous fixes addressing slow effects, ability interactions, visual effects, and quest progression for various heroes (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).

Join the fun on the PTR and get ready for the official return of Brawl Mode!