Heroes of the Storm Bringing Back Popular Game Mode

Heroes of the Storm: Brawl Mode Returns!

Heroes of the Storm is bringing back its popular Heroes Brawl game mode, rebranded as "Brawl Mode," featuring a rotating selection of unique map challenges. This highly anticipated return offers players a chance to revisit dozens of discontinued maps and experience fresh gameplay twists, absent for nearly five years. Currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Brawl Mode is slated for official release within a month.

The original Heroes Brawl, initially launched as Arena Mode in 2016, offered weekly rotating challenges with diverse map layouts, objectives, and rule sets. Examples include the all-Nova Ghost Protocol sniper duel and various Arena versions of existing battlefields. However, due to the rising popularity of single-lane maps and maintenance complexities, it was replaced by ARAM in 2020.

Brawl Mode's revival introduces a bi-weekly rotation (1st and 15th of each month), offering players a special chest reward after completing three matches within the active Brawl period. The exact reward frequency (per Brawl or per week) remains to be confirmed. Given the extensive library of past Heroes Brawls (over two dozen), players can anticipate a substantial rotation of favorites and potentially new Brawls in the future.

The PTR currently features the holiday-themed "Snow Brawl." With a three-week PTR testing phase indicated in-game, the official launch of Brawl Mode is likely timed for early February, coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of Heroes of the Storm on June 2nd, 2025. This marks a significant event for the game's community, and many hope it signals a broader resurgence for Heroes of the Storm.

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

The latest Heroes of the Storm PTR patch includes several updates:

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 Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin. Detailed changes to their talents and base stats are listed in the original patch notes.)

Bug Fixes: (Numerous bug fixes across various aspects of the game, including experience globes, visual effects, slows, and specific hero issues. Refer to the original patch notes for a comprehensive list.)