Hearthstone Battlegrounds Patch 29.6.1: A Comprehensive Overview

Blizzard Entertainment has recently released Patch 29.6.1 for Hearthstone, focusing on a myriad of updates, bug fixes, and improvements to enhance the gameplay experience, especially within the popular Battlegrounds mode. This server-side hotfix aims to balance hero armor, update XP mechanics, and resolve various gameplay issues. Let's dive into the key changes introduced in this latest patch.

Armor Adjustments

Armor adjustments have been a critical component of Patch 29.6.1, with several heroes experiencing changes in their armor values to ensure a balanced competitive environment. Here's a detailed look at the adjustments:

Heroes with Reduced Armor

The following heroes have had their armor decreased to create a more challenging gameplay experience:

• Yogg-Saron, Maiev Shadowsong, Cap’n Hoggarr, Doctor Holli’dae, Ini Stormcoil, Alexstrasza, Rakanishu, Queen Azshara, Chenvaala: Now have 5 Armor (2 Armor in Duos).
• Lich Baz’hial, Death Speaker Blackthorn: Now have 7 Armor (4 Armor in Duos).
• Vol’jin, Skycap’n Kragg, Elise Starseeker, The Curator, Greybough, Reno Jackson: Now have 8 Armor (5 Armor in Duos).
• Professor Putricide, A.F. Kay, Sneed, Overlord Saurfang: Now have 10 Armor (7 Armor in Duos).
• Patches the Pirate: Now has 10 Armor at higher ranks, 5 Armor at lower levels, and 7 Armor in Duos.

Heroes with Increased Armor

Conversely, some heroes have been granted additional armor to enhance their survivability:

• Trade Prince Gallywix: Now has 10 Armor (7 in Duos).
• Galewing: Now has 13 Armor (10 Armor in Duos).
• Millhouse Manastorm: Now has 15 Armor at higher ranks, 18 Armor at lower ranks, and 12 Armor in Duos.
• Master Nguyen, Murloc Holmes, Tamsin Roame: Now have 15 Armor (12 Armor in Duos).
• Xyrella: Now has 18 Armor at higher ranks, and 15 Armor at lower ranks and in Duos.
• Heistbaron Togwaggle, Mutanus the Devourer, Scabbs Cutterbutter, Al’Akir, Dancin’ Deryl: Now have 18 Armor (15 Armor in Duos).
• Varden Dawngrasp: Now has 19 Armor (16 Armor in Duos).
• Fungalmancer Flurgl, Rokara: Now have 20 Armor (17 Armor in Duos).

XP Update

In response to feedback from the community regarding the length of combat phases, Blizzard has slightly increased the maximum XP per Battlegrounds turn. This adjustment ensures players are adequately rewarded for their time and effort, even during longer matches.

Bug Fixes and Game Improvements

Patch 29.6.1 also addresses several bugs and implements various game improvements across multiple modes. Here are some of the notable fixes:

General Hearthstone Fixes

• Hero Powers and Card Upgrades: Fixed a bug where cards upgrading Hero Powers didn't work with the Boulderfist Ogre Hero Skin.
• Harth Stonebrew: Corrected the issue with Harth's iconic hand animations.
• Symphony of Sins's Movement of Envy: Now destroys cards one at a time and in order.
• Rocket Hopper: No longer triggers effects that count Overload triggers, like Jazz Bass, twice.
• Disco at the End of Time: Ensures the Secret Zone is filled properly.

Twist Mode Fixes

• Xyrella’s Hero Power: Now wins the game when max health is reached, relevant when adjusted by cards like Azerite Snake.
• Rafaam’s Discount Issues: Fixed discounts on non-collectible Legendary cards and those set to 1 mana by Jepetto Joybuzz.
• N’Zoth and Kael’thas: Addressed generation and disappearance issues with non-minions and Secrets.

Battlegrounds Fixes

• Fairy Gillmother: Can no longer generate herself.
• Goldenized Zilliax: Magnetic effect now works correctly.
• Various Buddy Fixes: Resolved issues with Elise Starseeker’s and The Nameless One’s Buddies in Duos.

Arena and Collection Fixes

• Draft Picks: Ensured the same card does not appear twice in the same draft pick.
• Golden Version Sync: Corrected the grant of Golden versions of Vicious Slitherspear in Core for those owning it in Wild.

Conclusion

Patch 29.6.1 is a significant update that addresses various aspects of Hearthstone Battlegrounds, ensuring a more balanced and bug-free experience for players. With armor adjustments, XP updates, and numerous bug fixes, Blizzard continues to refine the game, responding to community feedback and improving gameplay dynamics. Stay tuned for more updates as Hearthstone continues to evolve.