Heroes of the Storm Bringing Back Popular Game Mode

Heroes of the Storm is bringing back its popular Heroes Brawl game mode, rebranded as "Brawl Mode," featuring a rotating selection of classic and newly designed maps with unique challenges. This revival marks the return of dozens of maps previously unavailable for nearly five years. Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Brawl Mode is slated for official release within a month.

Initially launched as Arena Mode in 2016, Heroes Brawl offered weekly rotating gameplay variations, inspired by Hearthstone's Tavern Brawls. These included altered map layouts, unique objectives, and unusual rulesets—from all-Nova sniper duels to action-packed Arena versions of existing battlefields and PvE missions like Escape from Braxis. However, due to the rising popularity of single-lane maps and maintenance challenges, the mode was discontinued in 2020, replaced by ARAM.

Brawl Mode's return offers a bi-weekly rotation of maps, updated 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. With a vast library of over two dozen past Brawls, players can expect a diverse and exciting range of experiences, along with potential new additions.

The PTR currently features the holiday-themed Snow Brawl. Given the PTR's three-week duration, a February launch for Brawl Mode on the live servers seems likely. This revival is particularly timely, coinciding with Heroes of the Storm's 10th anniversary on June 2nd, 2025, and is a welcome addition for fans, potentially signaling further positive developments for the game.

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

This PTR update includes hero balance adjustments, bug fixes, and the introduction of Brawl Mode. Key changes include a revamped home screen and startup music. Brawl Mode will rotate bi-weekly.

Balance Updates: Significant balance changes have been implemented for Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin, affecting their base stats and talents. Detailed adjustments are listed below. (The detailed balance changes for each hero are omitted for brevity, but were present in the original input.)

Bug Fixes: Numerous bug fixes address issues with experience globes, root visual effects, slow effects, and specific hero abilities and talents across a wide range of characters. (The detailed bug fixes are omitted for brevity, but were present in the original input.)