Summary
Blizzard has released a major update forHeroes of the Stormon the Public Test Realm (PTR), featuring substantial hero adjustments, new additions to Same Hero Mode, balance updates, bug fixes, and more. Alongside these changes,Blizzardalso included bug fixes and improvements aimed at enhancing the overall game experience.
Heroes of the Stormis a MOBA gamedeveloped by Blizzard Entertainment. Players command powerful heroes from various Blizzard franchises likeWarcraft,Diablo, andStarCraft, engaging in fast-paced team-based combat across diverse battlegrounds. Each hero possesses unique abilities and roles, contributing to strategic gameplay as teams compete for objectives and aim to destroy the enemy’s core. With a focus on teamwork,Heroes of the Stormoffers an engaging experience for both casual and competitive players.

One notable change in thisHeroes of the StormPTR update is the reclassification of Varian as a Tank, emphasizing his battlefield role. Additionally, severalHeroes of the Stormcharactershave been added to Same Hero Mode, including Artanis, Hogger, Leoric (currently disabled for Normal Mode), Whitemane, and Zarya. However, Nova and Probius have been removed from Same Hero Mode. The update also brings a range of balance adjustments affecting various other heroes. For example, Arthas receives improvements in health regeneration, maximum health, and the effectiveness of abilities like Death Coil and Frozen Tempest. Similarly, Hogger undergoes adjustments to rage decay rates, talent effects, and skill cooldowns, aiming to fine-tune his gameplay experience.
Other heroes like Junkrat, Rehgar, Yrel, and Alarak receive targeted adjustments to enhance their performance and balance within the game’s ecosystem. Furthermore, similar to thepreviousHeroes of the Stormupdate released in November, this one includes bug fixes addressing issues ranging from ability interactions to visual effects and user interface improvements. These fixes contribute to a smoother and more polished gameplay experience across various aspects ofHeroes of the Storm.
Back in 2022,Blizzard announced the transition ofHeroes of the Storminto maintenance mode, discontinuing new content development and focusing solely on basic support such as bug fixes and balance changes. This decision followed earlier downsizing of theHeroes of the Stormteam and the discontinuation of esports support.
However, players can still enjoy the game and all its content. To get a firsthand experience of this new update, they can access theHeroes of the StormPTR. The developers actively encourage players to provide valuable feedback to help refine the game before the changes are rolled out to everyone.
Heroes of the Storm
WHERE TO PLAY
This free-to-play online team brawler assembles a diverse cast of characters from Blizzard’s far-flung realms of science fiction and fantasy, including the Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo universes, and challenges them to compete in epic, adrenaline-charged battles.Thrall, Kerrigan, Diablo, Arthas, Zeratul, Tyrael—they’re all here and ready to test their might in the forge of eternal combat. Who will stand with you in battle? Build and customize heroes from across every Blizzard universe to suit your play style. Team up with your friends and engage in fast-paced mayhem across battlegrounds that impact strategy and change the way you play the game.Good players win. Great ones win while dressed to kill. Distinguish yourself in battle with dozens of unique heroes, skins, and mounts, then customize your hero’s talents and choose heroic abilities.The game features an array of gameplay modes for players of every skill level, including Cooperative, in which players team up against computer-controlled opponents, and Quick Match, an accessible way to jump in and play versus others. Experienced players can also join forces against other teams of players in highly competitive, draft-style ranked play.