Heroes of the Storm Revives Beloved Game Mode

Heroes of the Storm: Brawl Mode Returns!

Heroes of the Storm is bringing back its popular Heroes Brawl mode, rebranded as "Brawl Mode," introducing unique challenges on a rotating selection of previously unavailable maps. This revival marks the first time these maps have been playable in nearly five years. Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Brawl Mode's official release is anticipated within a month.

The original Heroes Brawl, initially launched as Arena Mode in 2016, featured weekly rotating challenges with significant gameplay alterations. Inspired by Hearthstone's Tavern Brawls, these challenges offered unique map layouts, alternative objectives, and unusual rulesets. However, due to the rising preference for single-lane maps and the maintenance challenges, Heroes Brawl was discontinued in 2020, replaced by ARAM (All Random, All Mid).

Now, Brawl Mode makes a triumphant return. The PTR update includes the first Brawl, a festive "Snow Brawl." The mode will rotate bi-weekly, updating on the 1st and 15th of each month, offering players a special chest for completing three matches within each Brawl's active period. The reward structure (single reward per Brawl or multiple per week) remains to be confirmed. With a vast library of past Brawls, players can expect many favorites to reappear, alongside the possibility of entirely new challenges.

The PTR version of Snow Brawl will run for three weeks, suggesting a February launch for Brawl Mode's official release. This coincides nicely with the upcoming 10th anniversary of Heroes of the Storm on June 2nd, 2025. The return of Brawl Mode is a significant victory for the game's dedicated fanbase, and many players see it as a positive sign for the game's future.

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

The latest Heroes of the Storm patch is now available on the PTR for testing. Please report any bugs encountered on the PTR Bug Report forum.

General Changes:

• Updated Homescreen and Startup Music.
• NEW: Brawl Mode added! Brawls rotate on the 1st and 15th of each month.

Balance Updates:

This section details balance adjustments for various heroes (Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, Zul'jin), including talent and ability modifications. (Detailed hero-specific changes omitted for brevity, but are present in the original text.)

Bug Fixes:

This section lists numerous bug fixes across various aspects of the game, including general gameplay, and specific hero issues. (Detailed bug fix list omitted for brevity, but is present in the original text.)