Hearthstone Expansion Freebies: A Guide to Login Rewards, Legendary Cards, and Promotional Packs

Hearthstone, the digital collectible card game from Blizzard Entertainment, frequently introduces new expansions accompanied by promotional freebies designed to attract both new and returning players. These free offers typically include complimentary card packs, legendary cards, and access to special game modes. The availability and requirements for these rewards vary by expansion and are governed by specific Blizzard policies.

Kobolds & Catacombs Expansion Freebies

The Kobolds & Catacombs expansion, which launched on December 7, 2017, introduced 135 new cards and a single-player Dungeon Run mode. Blizzard offered specific rewards for players logging in during the launch period. According to official information, simply by logging in, players received a random Legendary weapon card. These weapons represent a new card type introduced in the expansion, with each class receiving one. Additionally, logging in granted three free Kobolds & Catacombs card packs to help bolster player collections. This expansion also introduced Unidentified Items and Spellstones, new card mechanics designed to add variability and progression to matches.

The Witchwood Expansion Rewards

The Witchwood, Hearthstone's eighth expansion, launched on April 12, 2018, adding 135 new cards. This expansion featured the introduction of the Echo and Rush mechanics. The promotional freebies associated with The Witchwood launch included:

Login Rewards: Players received a legendary class card and three card packs simply for logging in during the release period.
Pre-Expansion Quests: Players could earn up to four card packs by completing daily quests in the lead-up to the expansion's release.
Monster Hunt Content: A card back was awarded for completing the Monster Hunt, a single-player mode similar to Dungeon Run. The Monster Hunt featured four unique hero characters: Cannoneer, Houndmaster, Time Tinkerer, and Tracker, rather than standard Hearthstone heroes.

United in Stormwind Launch Rewards

The United in Stormwind expansion provided specific freebies upon its launch. Players logging in during the event received the Flightmaster Dungar legendary card. The rewards track also offered a free Lady Prestor legendary card. Furthermore, reaching level 9 on the rewards track unlocked a total of three United in Stormwind packs.

Free Deck Program for New and Returning Players

Hearthstone has historically operated a program offering free decks to new and returning players. Based on forum discussions regarding this program, the eligibility requirements were specific. The free deck was available only to players who had not logged into Hearthstone for a period of four months, beginning on March 17, 2020. Limitations stated that only one free deck was available per account.

Upon qualifying, players could select a deck from a pool of options. Until Patch 24.6, all ten classes had their own dedicated deck. Post-patch, players could select from six alternatives: Death Knight, Paladin, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, and Warrior. These decks utilize cards from the past three expansions, though they do not contain cards from the most recent expansion (e.g., Ashes of Outlands was excluded from the specific pool mentioned in the context). Forum discussions noted that if a player already owned a card included in the selected free deck, they would receive extra copies, which could be disenchanted for Arcane Dust.

Card Back Availability

Hearthstone offers various card backs through different methods, as categorized in available galleries.

Basic Card Backs: These are obtainable at any time by meeting basic requirements, such as visiting a Fireside Gathering or playing against someone with a specific card back.
Mystery Card Backs: These are obtained by completing secret achievements in the game. Examples include card backs for completing secret achievements in expansions such as Forged in the Barrens, United in Stormwind, Alterac Valley, and Castle Nathria.
Esports Card Backs: These are awarded to those attending official competitive events or placing highly in them.
Tavern Brawl Card Backs: These are obtained by winning or playing in Tavern Brawls, such as The Dark Wanderer card back from 2023.
Login Events Card Backs: These are distributed during special login events, such as Hearthstone's 6th and 10th birthdays.
Shop Events Card Backs: These are available as freebies during shop events (e.g., Lunar New Year 2022) or included in bundles (e.g., Fire Festival 2021).
Pre-Order Card Backs: Several expansions have received a promotional card back for pre-ordering packs from that specific set.

Economic Context of Hearthstone

While the core game remains accessible, the economic structure of Hearthstone has evolved. The introduction of Mini-sets, released mid-expansion for a price of $15 (or 1500 Runestone), adds to the cost of maintaining a full collection. Additionally, the Tavern Pass (Battle Pass) system offers a premium track for $20 per expansion, providing cosmetic items, a Diamond Legendary Card, and an XP boost. The free track of the Tavern Pass rewards gold, packs, and cards, though the premium track offers significant XP bonuses that can result in earning extra gold compared to free-to-play players.

Conclusion

Blizzard utilizes freebies such as legendary cards, card packs, and unique game modes to engage the Hearthstone community during expansion launches. Specific rewards, such as the random Legendary weapon from Kobolds & Catacombs or the Flightmaster Dungar card from United in Stormwind, are tied to login events. Programs offering free decks are available to returning players who meet specific inactivity criteria, though the selection of available decks changes with game updates. Card backs remain a collectible reward available through various gameplay milestones and promotional events.