Heroes of the Storm Revives Brawl Mode: A Nostalgic Return to Unique Map Challenges

Heroes of the Storm is bringing back its popular Heroes Brawl game mode, rebranded as Brawl Mode. This exciting update, currently available on the Public Test Realm (PTR), reintroduces dozens of discontinued maps and unique gameplay challenges after a five-year hiatus. The official launch is expected within a month.

Originally launched in 2016 (as Arena Mode), Heroes Brawl offered weekly rotating challenges with unconventional map layouts, objectives, and rulesets. These creative variations, inspired by Hearthstone's Tavern Brawls, ranged from all-Nova sniper duels to action-packed Arena versions of existing battlefields and even PvE missions like Escape from Braxis. However, due to the rising popularity of single-lane maps and the maintenance challenges, the mode was eventually replaced by ARAM in 2020.

Brawl Mode's return marks a significant event for Heroes of the Storm fans. The bi-weekly rotation (1st and 15th of each month), as detailed in the PTR patch notes, offers players the chance to earn a special chest after completing three matches within the active Brawl period. The exact reward structure (single reward per Brawl or weekly rewards) is yet to be confirmed. With a vast library of past Brawls, players can anticipate a diverse selection of returning favorites and potentially new additions.

The initial Brawl Mode iteration, the festive Snow Brawl, is currently live on the PTR for testing. The three-week PTR testing period suggests a February launch for Brawl Mode, aligning perfectly with Heroes of the Storm's 10th anniversary on June 2nd, 2025. This revival is a major victory for the game's community and fuels speculation about a potential full-scale resurgence of Heroes of the Storm.

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

This latest patch introduces several key changes, including updated home screen and startup music, alongside the new Brawl Mode. Significant hero balance adjustments have also been implemented, affecting Auriel, Chromie, Johanna, Tracer, and Zul'jin. These adjustments include talent changes, mana cost modifications, and alterations to base abilities and damage outputs. Furthermore, numerous bug fixes address issues related to experience globes, visual effects, slows, and specific hero abilities and interactions. The full list of balance updates and bug fixes is detailed below.

General:

• Updated Homescreen and Startup Music.
• NEW: Brawl Mode added! Brawls will rotate on the 1st and 15th of every month.

(Hero Balance Updates and Bug Fixes – A detailed list omitted for brevity. Refer to the original patch notes for complete information.)