Hearthstone Battlegrounds Update: Patch 29.6 Introduces Buddies and Duos

The Hearthstone Battlegrounds community has been buzzing with excitement as Patch 29.6 is finally officially announced, bringing back the beloved Buddies and debuting their presence in the new Battlegrounds Duos mode. This extensive update promises to revolutionize gameplay with a plethora of new features, updated heroes, and fresh minions. Let's delve into what makes this patch a game-changer for Hearthstone enthusiasts.

The Return of Buddies in Hearthstone Battlegrounds

One of the most anticipated features in Patch 29.6 is the return of Buddies to Hearthstone Battlegrounds. Buddies are unique minions assigned to each hero, specifically designed to enhance their Hero Powers. Unlike general minions, Buddies are exclusive to their heroes, making them powerful tools for strategic gameplay.

How to Acquire Buddies

Obtaining Buddies is straightforward yet strategic: Each hero has a Buddy Button, which players can press to summon their Buddy. The initial cost of using the Buddy Button depends on the Tavern Tier of the Buddy, with the cost decreasing based on combat outcomes. Winning or tying a combat reduces the cost by 3 Gold, while losing reduces it by 2 Gold. The Buddy Button can be pressed twice per game. The first press grants one copy of the Buddy, and the second press provides two copies, resetting and slightly increasing the cost each time. This mechanic adds a layer of depth to the game, as players must decide the optimal timing to summon their Buddies.

New Buddies to Discover

Patch 29.6 introduces 12 brand-new Buddies, each with unique abilities tailored to their heroes. These new additions bring fresh strategies and excitement to the game. For instance, Cap’n Hoggarr’s Buddy, Shining Sailor, gains +1/+1 and adds a Pirate to the Tavern after purchasing a Pirate, providing a significant advantage in Pirate-centric strategies. Similarly, Thorim, Stormlord’s Buddy, Veranus, Stormlord’s Mount, can transform a minion into a higher-tier one, offering incredible potential for power boosts.

Buddies in Battlegrounds Duos

For the first time, Buddies are now available in the new Battlegrounds Duos mode, adding another layer of strategy. To help players get used to this new feature, all turn-timers in Duos have been extended by 10 seconds. This extra time is crucial for players to plan and execute their strategies effectively, making the most of their Buddies in cooperation with their partners.

Updated Buddies and Hero Adjustments

In addition to new Buddies, several existing ones have been updated to align with the current game dynamics. Overlord Saurfang’s Buddy, Dranosh Saurfang, now gains the stats of any minion purchased, enhancing its utility. Ragnaros the Firelord’s Buddy, Lucifron, triggers end-of-turn effects an extra time, offering a significant advantage in late-game scenarios.

Moreover, heroes themselves have received updates to their abilities. Alexstrasza’s Queen of Dragons now allows players to discover a Dragon at the start of their turn once they reach Tier 4, enhancing dragon-focused strategies. Tae’thelan Bloodwatcher’s Reliquary Research has been adjusted to make every fourth Tavern Spell free, providing new opportunities for strategic play.

Changes to the Minion Pool

Patch 29.6 also brings significant changes to the minion pool, with some minions being removed and others reintroduced. New minions have been added to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. Notable additions include the Barrens Brawler, which offers a random Deathrattle minion as a Battlecry, and the Arid Atrocity, a Tier 6 minion that summons a powerful Golem based on friendly minion types that died during combat.

Conclusion

Hearthstone Battlegrounds Patch 29.6 is a monumental update that reinvigorates the game with the return of Buddies, the introduction of Battlegrounds Duos, and a host of new and updated heroes and minions. The strategic depth and variety introduced by these changes promise to enhance the gameplay experience, making this patch a must-play for all Hearthstone fans. Get ready to explore new strategies and make the most of your Buddies as you dominate the Tavern in Patch 29.6!

Check out all of the details on the Hearthstone News Page.