Hearthstone 36.2 Patch Notes (3rd August 2026)
Blizzard has pulled the plug on one of its own buffs. Vicious Voidscale loses its Battlecry effect after Demon Hunter became too strong, whilst Battlegrounds Season 14 introduces an entirely new progression system.
Blizzard has admitted it overstepped. The Demon Hunter buffs that landed in the previous patch were meant to shore up a struggling class ahead of fresh support, but instead the class has become one of the strongest performers in the meta. Today's 36.2 patch yanks back the throttle with an unscheduled revert that affects only one card: Vicious Voidscale loses its Battlecry effect, keeping only the Deathrattle. That single line change removes the ability to generate a Void Soul on play, meaning the card no longer functions as both an immediate tempo tool and a value engine in the same turn.
This is a partial revert, not a complete one. The card still generates Void Soul on death, so Void Soul Demon Hunter archetypes retain their core engine. What vanishes is the flexibility of triggering the effect twice in quick succession, which was likely enabling explosive turns that pushed the class over the line. The developers note that Soul Immolation, arriving through the Zuramat's Rampage event, will offer a new avenue for Void Soul synergy, suggesting they want the archetype to survive but at a lower power ceiling. Players who crafted Vicious Voidscale will receive a full dust refund for two weeks, the standard safety net for mid-cycle balance corrections.
Battlegrounds Season 14 arrives tomorrow and represents a structural overhaul rather than a refresh. The new Dark Gifts system lets players spend gold starting Turn 3 to discover minions paired with unique passive effects, with up to three uses per game and improving offerings each turn. This is a direct progression system that sits alongside the existing Tavern and Trinket layers, adding another dimension to economy and decision-making. The Activate keyword allows minions to spend gold for triggered abilities once per turn, whilst two new synergies reshape Pirates and Beasts: Lockbox turns Pirates into delayed generators, and Fishbait lets Beasts attack during the Recruit Phase for rewards. These are not small tweaks. The minion pool shifts dramatically with 96 removed, 62 new, and 31 returning, alongside five new and four returning Tavern spells.
Two new heroes debut: Nightmare Lord Xavius with Feel Devastation and Tras'tath, Soul Parasite with Void Power. The Venomous keyword has been rewritten to trigger "each combat" rather than once per game, a necessary adjustment now that minions can trade outside the normal combat window. Chromadrakes have been removed from the standard Tavern pool but remain available through generation, a soft nerf that prevents passive scaling.
Outside Battlegrounds, Heroic Tavern Brawl returns from 12-19 August with the standard 1000 Gold entry and 12-win or 3-loss format. The Zuramat's Rampage event runs through 25 August, offering free cards including the newly printed Soul Immolation and Watfin. The new Battlegrounds Track includes cosmetics for Maiev and Vanessa VanCleef, with the Season Pass offering an extra hero re-roll per game. What remains unaddressed is whether Demon Hunter's other tools need attention; the patch treats Vicious Voidscale as the outlier, but the class's overall strength may demand further scrutiny during the next scheduled balance window.
Full Patch Notes
▲ Buff▼ Nerf✓ Fix◆ TweakPatch 36.2 is launching a new Battlegrounds season, a small Hearthstone balance update, new event cards, the return of Heroic Tavern Brawl, and more!
DISCOVER
| HEARTHSTONE |
| BATTLEGROUNDS |
| NEW EVENT |
| HEROIC TAVERN BRAWL |
| NEW TURALYON AND ALLERIA HERO SKINS |
| BUG FIXES AND GAME IMPROVEMENTS |
Hearthstone Updates
Dev Comment: Well met! We've been closely following the impact of the latest balance update, and it's become clear that the Demon Hunter buffs overshot the mark. Our goal was to help the class reach a healthier power level ahead of the new support arriving in this patch, but it has since become one of the strongest performers and is having an outsized impact on the meta. As a result, we're making a small unscheduled adjustment.
In particular, Vicious Voidscale has proven to be a clear outlier. We're reverting the buff to bring both the card and the class more in line with the rest of the meta.
With Soul Immolation becoming available through the "Zuramat's Rampage!" event, we look forward to seeing how you use its unique effect in Void Soul Demon Hunter.
We'll continue monitoring the meta and evaluating whether further changes are needed during our next regularly scheduled balance window. We'll see you in the Tavern!
Vicious Voidscale
- Old: Battlecry and Deathrattle: Get a Void Soul.
- New: Deathrattle: Get a Void Soul
The above card will be eligible for a full dust refund for two weeks following Patch 36.2.
Battlegrounds Updates
Something strange has been smuggled out of Dalaran, and it's about to reshape every lobby. Battlegrounds Season 14: Dark Gifts of Dalaran introduces powerful Dark Gifts, the new Activate keyword, an expanded Trinket pool, new Heroes, and the debut of the Lockbox and Fishbait mechanics. Discover what's inside when the new season begins on August 4 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.
What's Coming in Season 14
- New Gameplay System: Dark Gifts
- Spend Gold to Discover minions paired with powerful Dark Gifts.
- Starting on Turn 3, spend 3 Gold to Discover 1 of 3 minions, each paired with a unique Dark Gift.
- Use the Dark Gift button once per turn, up to 3 times per game.
- Offerings improve each turn, so waiting can lead to stronger options.
- 43 unique Dark Gifts
- New Keyword: Activate
- Spend Gold during the Recruit Phase to trigger special minion abilities.
- Click an Activate minion in your warband to use its ability.
- Each Activate ability can be used once per turn.
- New Pirate Synergy: Lockbox
- Pirates can uncover Lockboxes containing Golden minions that unlock on later turns, unless you break them out early.
- New Beast Synergy: Fishbait
- Beasts can now attack during the Recruit Phase, with a big reward for the minion that takes the bait.
- Seasonal Minion Refresh
- Minions
- 96 minions removed
- 62 new minions
- 31 returning minions
- Tavern Spells
- 5 Tavern spells removed
- 5 new Tavern spells
- 4 returning Tavern spells
- Minions
- Refreshed Trinket Pool
- Trinkets are sticking around for another season and will be available alongside Dark Gifts!
- 23 new Lesser Trinkets
- 24 new Greater Trinkets
- Two New Heroes
- Nightmare Lord Xavius – Feel Devastation
- Tras'tath, Soul Parasite – Void Power
For in-depth details on all this and more, check out our Battlegrounds Season 14 reveal blog. See our official forum posts for lists of all upcoming Tavern spells, Trinkets, and minions.
General Battlegrounds Updates
Venomous Change
With Fishbait allowing minions to attack during the Recruit Phase, Venomous has been updated to destroy the first minion it damages each combat, ensuring the keyword remains effective once combat begins.
Venomous
- Old: Destroy the first minion this deals damage to.
- New: Destroy the first minion this deals damage to each combat.
Chromadrake Change
Chromadrakes have been removed from the Tavern pool but can still be generated by certain minions and Trinkets. Their keyword has been updated to reflect that they are now only available through these effects.
Chromadrake
- Old: One of five Tier 3 Dragons with various Battlecries.
- New: One of five Dragons with various Battlecries.
Easy-to-Read Stats
We all love seeing our minions reach absurdly high stats. To help keep your warband readable, numbers with more than four digits will now be condensed for a cleaner, easier-to-read display.
New Battlegrounds Rewards Track
On August 4, Battlegrounds Season 13 will end, and Season 14 will begin! With that, Battlegrounds Ratings will reset, and the Battlegrounds Track will update. Any rewards that were already earned from the Season 13 Rewards Track, but not yet claimed, will be automatically claimed for you.
The Season 14 Battlegrounds Track includes brand new cosmetics featuring Maiev, Vanessa VanCleef, and more. Pick up the Season Pass to instantly unlock +2 Hero options at the start of each game. Then, progress through the Season Pass track to earn the new Violet Hold Legendary Strike, 13 additional Hero Skins, a new Bartender, and more! Or upgrade to the Season Pass + to get all the rewards from the Season Pass plus one included Hero re-roll per game.
| Level | XP | Cumulative XP | Free Track | Season Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 2x Hero Slots | |
| 2 | 20 | 20 | ||
| 3 | 20 | 40 | 2x BG Tokens | |
| 4 | 20 | 60 | 5x BG Tokens | |
| 5 | 30 | 90 | Rec Time A.F.Kay Rare Hero Skin | |
| 6 | 30 | 120 | Dalaran Escape - Aya Blackpaw Epic Emote | |
| 7 | 30 | 150 | 2x BG Tokens | |
| 8 | 30 | 180 | Off Duty Maiev Legendary Hero Skin | |
| 9 | 40 | 220 | Prison Sous-Chef Cookie Rare Hero Skin | |
| 10 | 40 | 260 | 5x BG Tokens | |
| 11 | 40 | 300 | Death's Head Blackthorn Rare Hero Skin | |
| 12 | 50 | 350 | Arch-Warden Rafaam Epic Hero Skin | |
| 13 | 50 | 400 | Dalaran Escape - Advocate Cariel Rare Emote | |
| 14 | 50 | 450 | Street Racer Sneed Rare Hero Skin | |
| 15 | 50 | 500 | 2x BG Tokens | |
| 16 | 60 | 560 | Violet Hold Rare Strike | |
| 17 | 60 | 620 | Vanessa VanCleef Epic Bartender | |
| 18 | 60 | 680 | 5x BG Tokens | |
| 19 | 60 | 740 | Dalaran Escape - Prosecutor Tamsin Rare Emote | |
| 20 | 60 | 800 | Prison Warden Omu Rare Hero Skin | |
| 21 | 60 | 860 | Smuggler Hooktusk Rare Hero Skin* | |
| 22 | 60 | 920 | Dalaran Escape - Aronist Rakanishu Epic Emote* | |
| 23 | 60 | 980 | Carny Silas Rare Hero Skin* | |
| 24 | 60 | 1040 | Getaway Galewing Epic Hero Skin* | |
| 25 | 60 | 1100 | Crime Master Voone Rare Hero Skin* | |
| 26 | 60 | 1160 | 5x BG Tokens | |
| 27 | 60 | 1220 | Dalaran Escape - Judge Jailer Epic Emote* | |
| 28 | 60 | 1280 | Violet Hold Epic Strike* | |
| 29 | 60 | 1340 | Dalaran Escape - Lovestruck Illidan Rare Emote* | |
| 30 | 60 | 1400 | Sewerwock Rare Hero Skin* | |
| 31 | 60 | 1460 | 2x BG Tokens | |
| 32 | 60 | 1520 | Advocate Cariel Epic Hero Skin* | |
| 33 | 60 | 1580 | Dalaran Escape - Carny Silas Rare Emote* | |
| 34 | 60 | 1640 | 5x BG Tokens | |
| 35 | 60 | 1700 | Prosecutor Tamsin Epic Hero Skin* | |
| 36 | 60 | 1760 | Inspector Holmes Legendary Hero Skin* | |
| 37 | 60 | 1820 | Arsonist Rakanishu Rare Hero Skin* | |
| 38 | 60 | 1880 | Dalaran Escape - A.F.Kay Epic Emote* | |
| 39 | 60 | 1940 | Jade Lotus Goya Legendary Hero Skin* | |
| 40 | 60 | 2000 | Violet Hold Legendary Strike* |
*These rewards will become available after the 36.6 patch update.
Complete In-Game Event Quests, Earn Free Rewards
Zuramat's Rampage!
From August 4 - 25, help contain the escaped void entity known as Zuramat the Obliterator! His containment crystal has been compromised, and he's creating a black hole within the Hold. Fortunately, Watfin is already on the case. Nobody sniffs out suspicious activity quite like Watfin, especially when a card doesn't look quite right! Join Watfin, stop Zuramat's rampage, and earn the following rewards:
- 1x Watfin*, normal and Golden version
- 2x Desperate Bribe*, normal and Golden version
- 2x Soul Immolation*, normal and Golden version
- 4x Violet Hold Packs
- 2x Golden Violet Hold Pack
- Escape Artist Millhouse Hero Skin for Mage
* After the event ends, these cards can be obtained by owning an Escape from Violet Hold pack starting with Patch 36.4.
Heroic Tavern Brawl Returns
Heroic Tavern Brawl returns from August 12 - 19! Put your skills to the test in high‑stakes matches using a Standard deck built from your collection. Enter for 1000 Gold and battle until 12 wins or 3 losses, with rewards determined by your performance.
Claim Free Rewards and Check Out New Special Offers in the Battle.net Shop!
From August 4 - 25, visit the Battle.net Shop each week to claim a free Escape from Violet Hold gift! Check back every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. PDT to see what new reward is waiting for you.
Starting August 4, the Battle.net Shop has a special deal for the Legendary Night Warrior Tyrande Bundle and is offering early access to the Legendary Landmarks Signature Bundle.
Qixi Turalyon and Qixi Alleria Unite in Darkmoon Faire Treasures
From August 11 – September 8, the Darkmoon Faire returns to celebrate Qixi, a traditional festival celebrating love and devotion, with two heroes whose bond has endured even the vastness of the Void. Reunite Turalyon and Alleria with a pair of stunning cosmetics inspired by Azeroth's most iconic love story. Featuring custom appearances, animated entrances, expressive emotes, and unique gameplay animations, these skins bring the legendary couple to life in Hearthstone.
Like a guiding star shining across the night sky, the Qixi Turalyon Mythic Hero Skin lets you bridge any distance with the power of devotion and Light. This Mythic skin features a fully reimagined Qixi-themed appearance, along with a complete suite of custom animations including unique entrance, Hero Power, attack, spellcasting, victory, and defeat sequences.
Though separated by the Void, Alleria's resolve has never faded. The Qixi Alleria Diamond Hero Skin shines with radiant elegance, showcasing a beautiful Qixi-inspired look and custom animated sequences throughout your matches, from her entrance and emotes to Hero Power, attack, victory, and defeat moments.
Darkmoon Faire Treasures is our random pull system that rewards Pets, Mythic Skins, Signature cards, Hero Skins, and more. The first pull is free, and subsequent pulls require Runestones to purchase. Every pull guarantees a prize. As the prize collections in the Treasures booth rotate, prices adjust to match the value of the current items. Read more about the current value of Darkmoon Faire Treasures, as well as pull rates and odds.
Bug Fixes and Game Improvements
Unity- Hearthstone has been upgraded to a newer version of Unity. The game's minimum system requirements have changed as a result. For the latest requirements, visit the Hearthstone System Requirements support page and select your operating system for more information.
- Fixed a visual bug where Krul the Unshackled's Battlecry caused the game board to remain dimmed for the rest of the match.
- Fixed a bug where Shadow of Demise could be played after a non-spell card was played, despite having no valid effect.
- Fixed a bug where the Essence generated by Dragon Soul, Shattered could be cast twice by Sinestra.
- Fixed a bug where only one Mana Burn effect applied when two Mana Burns were played in the same turn.
- Fixed a bug where Prepare incorrectly triggered Agamaggan's effect.
- Fixed a bug that could prevent a game from starting when a Priest deck contained both Azalina Soulsever and Medivh the Hallowed.
- Fixed a bug where a second Conjuration Specialist could target itself while Mayor Noggenfogger was on the board.
- Fixed a visual bug where Stormfury displayed 2 damage instead of the correct amount when the player had Spell Damage.
- Fixed a bug where Ascendance allowed a damaged Time-Twisted Seer to grant permanent Spell Damage for the rest of the game.
- Fixed a bug that prevented Tombs of Terror from being started.
- Fixed a bug where Secrets cast by The Origin Stone could be seen by opponents through the history bar.
- Fixed a bug where Jailbird could no longer have its Cost reduced after interacting with Wizened Truthseeker.
- Fixed a bug where Memoriam Manifest summoned Onyxia's Wing before Arisen Onyxia appeared.
- Fixed a bug where Violet Punisher failed to steal Taunt from certain minions.
- Fixed a bug where The Hero's Welcome did not trigger Rangari Scout's effect.
- Fixed a bug where Siphoning Growth granted 16 Armor instead of 8 while Niri of the Crater was in play.
- Fixed a bug where Mountain Map only offered two minion choices instead of three.
- Fixed a bug where Jailhouse Manastorm could summon minions that cost more than 10 Mana.
- Fixed a bug that prevented Prince Renathal and Timethief Rafaam from being included in the same deck.
- Fixed a bug where Dire Fate effects that grant Windfury, Taunt, or Charge did not apply to summoned minions.
- Fixed a bug where Conflux Crasher could still deal damage to an enemy minion after it had already died.
- Fixed a bug where Zilliax Deluxe 3000 was guaranteed to be drawn after being shuffled into the deck by its own Deathrattle.
- Fixed a bug where Helpless Hatchling's Deathrattle could reduce the Cost of Beasts that already cost 0.
- Fixed a bug where Headmaster Kel'Thuzad did not add Mr. Bigglesworth to hand under certain board conditions.
- Fixed a visual bug where Rampaging Hound displayed the Beast type instead of Elemental Beast.
- Fixed a visual bug where Winterspring Whelp's Frost effect could trigger twice while The Origin Stone was in play.
- Fixed a visual bug where dragging cards during Arena Redraft on Loss could leave behind a duplicate image.
- Fixed a bug where Golden Hero Powers appeared as their non-Golden versions during Arena deck drafting.
- Fixed a crash that could occur on iPad when conceding an Arena match.
- Fixed a bug where Catacomb Crasher could gain Down in the Catacombs while still in the Tavern.
- Fixed a group of bugs where Hand Protection was missing or did not function correctly for:
- Feline Fortune
- Timewarped Secrecy interacting with Secret Sinstone
- Yogg-Tastic Pastry's Hand of Fate outcome
- Fixed a bug where Moroes, Steward of Death granted an incorrect amount of stats when created by Build-An-Undead.
- Fixed a bug where Timewarped Wargear lost its base stats after being Magnetized onto another minion.
- Fixed a bug where The Eye of Dalaran was not granted after its conditions were met.
- Fixed a bug where Timewarped Interpreter granted +3/+2 instead of +3/+3.
- Fixed a bug where the Maxwell Sticker Greater Trinket granted the wrong Buddy while the Greater Pouches Anomaly was active.
- Fixed a bug where Tripled Sand Swirler and Glowing Cinder displayed incorrect card text when combined with Elemental of Surprise.
- Fixed a visual bug where the Violet Hold Card Back displayed the name "Kirin Tor" in the Collection.
Sources
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Written by
Nathan LeesGaming journalist and founder of XP Gained. Covering patch notes, breaking news, and updates across 160+ games.
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