Heroes of the Storm Returns with Beloved Mode

Heroes of the Storm: Brawl Mode Returns!

The beloved Heroes Brawl game mode is making a comeback as "Brawl Mode" in Heroes of the Storm! This exciting update brings back dozens of previously unavailable maps, each with unique challenges and twists. Get ready for a fresh take on classic Heroes of the Storm gameplay.

What's New in Brawl Mode?

• Rotating Brawls: Experience a new Brawl every two weeks, on the 1st and 15th of each month.
• Exclusive Rewards: Complete three Brawl matches to earn a special chest filled with goodies.
• Map Variety: Rediscover fan-favorite maps and challenges, with the potential for brand new Brawls in the future.

A Blast from the Past (and a Look to the Future)

Originally launched in 2016 (as Arena Mode), Heroes Brawl offered weekly rotating game modes with unique map layouts, objectives, and rules. While discontinued in 2020 due to evolving player preferences and maintenance complexities, its return is a significant event for the Heroes of the Storm community.

The current Public Test Realm (PTR) features "Snow Brawl," a holiday-themed Brawl, giving players a sneak peek at what's to come. The official launch is expected approximately one month after the PTR ends (likely early February, given the PTR's three-week duration).

Coinciding with a Milestone

The return of Brawl Mode is particularly fitting, arriving just ahead of Heroes of the Storm's 10th anniversary on June 2nd, 2025. This nostalgic addition fuels speculation about a potential broader revival of the game.

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

The recent PTR patch includes the following:

General:

• 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. Specific changes are detailed in the full patch notes (see below).

Bug Fixes: Numerous bug fixes across various aspects of the game, including experience globes, visual effects, slows, and specific hero issues. A complete list of bug fixes is detailed in the full patch notes (see below).

(Full Patch Notes - Abbreviated for Brevity):

The full patch notes contain detailed balance changes for Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin, along with a comprehensive list of bug fixes affecting various heroes (Alexstrasza, Azmodan, Brightwing, Chen, Cho'Gall, Dehaka, E.T.C., Falstad, Fenix, Johanna, Kharazim, Lúcio, Lunara, Maiev, Mei, Muradin, Probius, Rehgar, Samuro, Sgt. Hammer, Stukov, Sylvanas, The Butcher, The Lost Vikings, and Zagara). These notes also include general bug fixes related to experience globes, visual effects, and slows.