Heroes of the Storm Bringing Back Popular Game Mode

Heroes of the Storm Revives Brawl Mode: A Celebration of Classic Maps and Challenges

Heroes of the Storm is bringing back its popular Heroes Brawl game mode, rebranded as "Brawl Mode," introducing a rotating selection of unique map challenges after a near five-year hiatus. Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Brawl Mode is set for official release within the next month.

Originally launched in 2016 (initially as Arena Mode), Heroes Brawl offered weekly rotating maps with diverse objectives and unconventional rulesets. These included everything from all-Nova sniper duels to action-packed Arena versions of existing battlefields and the PvE mission, Escape from Braxis. However, due to the rising popularity of single-lane maps and maintenance difficulties, it was ultimately replaced by ARAM in 2020.

Brawl Mode's return marks a significant event for Heroes of the Storm, especially considering the game's upcoming 10th anniversary on June 2nd, 2025. The mode will feature a bi-weekly rotation of maps, updating on the 1st and 15th of each month. Players earn a special chest after completing three matches within the active Brawl period. The exact reward structure (single reward per Brawl or multiple rewards per week) remains to be confirmed.

The PTR currently features the holiday-themed Snow Brawl. Given the PTR's three-week duration, a February launch for the official Brawl Mode seems likely. The return of Brawl Mode is a significant victory for the game's fanbase, and many players are hopeful it signals a broader resurgence for Heroes of the Storm.

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

The latest Heroes of the Storm patch is now live on the PTR, including bug fixes and balance updates. Please report any bugs encountered on the PTR Bug Report forum.

General Updates:

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

Balance Updates:

Significant balance adjustments have been made to several heroes, including Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin. These changes affect various talents and base abilities, altering damage output, mana costs, cooldowns, and other key stats. (Detailed hero-specific changes are omitted for brevity but are present in the original patch notes).

Bug Fixes:

Numerous bug fixes address issues related to experience globes, root visual effects, slowing effects, and various hero-specific problems. (Detailed bug fix descriptions are omitted for brevity but are present in the original patch notes).

(Replace https://imgs.34wk.complaceholder_image_url.jpg with the actual image URL)