Heroes of the Storm is bringing back the beloved Heroes Brawl mode, rebranded as "Brawl Mode," introducing a rotating selection of classic and revamped maps with unique gameplay twists. After a nearly five-year hiatus, this much-requested mode returns with bi-weekly rotations and the chance to earn a special chest.

The original Heroes Brawl, initially launched as Arena Mode in 2016, featured weekly rotating maps, objectives, and rule sets, offering diverse and unpredictable gameplay experiences. From intense Arena battles to the unique PvE challenge of Escape from Braxis, the mode was a fan favorite. However, due to evolving player preferences and maintenance challenges, it was eventually replaced by ARAM in 2020.

Now, Brawl Mode makes its triumphant return, offering a refreshed take on the classic formula. The bi-weekly rotation (1st and 15th of each month), as detailed in the recent PTR patch notes, ensures consistent fresh content. Players can earn a special chest by completing three Brawl matches during its active period. The exact reward structure (one chest per Brawl or multiple per week) remains to be seen, but with a vast library of past Brawls to draw from, players can anticipate a wealth of familiar and potentially new challenges.

The current PTR features the holiday-themed Snow Brawl, serving as a preview of the mode's return. The official launch is expected within a month, potentially coinciding with the beginning of February, given the three-week PTR testing period. The timing is particularly significant, as it aligns with the 10-year anniversary of Heroes of the Storm in June 2025. This revival is a significant victory for dedicated players, sparking renewed hope for the future of the game.

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

The latest Heroes of the Storm patch, currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), includes several key updates:

• General: Updated home screen and startup music. The highly anticipated Brawl Mode has been added, with rotations scheduled for the 1st and 15th of each month.

• Balance Updates: Significant balance adjustments have been made to several heroes, impacting talents and base stats for Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin. Specific changes include damage adjustments, cooldown modifications, and mana cost alterations. Detailed hero-specific changes are listed below.

• Bug Fixes: Numerous bug fixes have been implemented across various aspects of the game, including experience globe pathing, visual effects, slow effects, and numerous hero-specific issues. A comprehensive list of bug fixes is provided below.

(Hero-specific balance changes and bug fixes are omitted for brevity, but were present in the original input.)