Images courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment
If you’re tired of the repetitive Standard metagame or seeing the same archetype dominate Wild season after season, then the Hearthstone Twist format might be your new best friend. In this guide, we’ll cover how Twist actually works, what to expect from the mode, and it’s unique approach to balance.
And in case you’ve been away from Hearthstone for a while — no worries! This format often invites older sets back into the game, so you might even find yourself building brand-new combos around favorites from expansions long gone – or just experience some nostalgic “Naxx out” vibes.
What Is Hearthstone Twist Format?
Hearthstone’s Twist format is a rotating game mode that refreshes its card pool and rules each month. That said, it’s definitely a great alternative to the more predictable nature of Standard and Wild.
Instead of strictly limiting or fully allowing every card ever printed, Hearthstone Twist applies a curated pool of expansions and adventures, often combined with a unique “twist” (yup), such as:
- Banning expansions or card types
- Limiting class choices
- XL Deck sizes
- Allowing only pre-built decks (such as Whizbang)
- Allowing only alternative heroes with unique availabilities (see image below)
Each new Twist “season” selects a set of expansions and adventures that form a unique card pool. A rotation might feature certain expansions from specific Hearthstone years, or blend together completely different eras of the game. Over time, Twist sets come and go; sometimes reappearing with the exact same rules, other times returning with an all-new spin.
Twist basically replaced the old Hearthstone Classic format, carrying on the idea of an alternative Hearthstone ladder — only this time, it pivots around variety rather than nostalgia alone. Moreover, it’s important to note that Twist follows the same Hearthstone ranked system as other game modes, so you can still grind for that Legend rank and better season rewards.
What Happens to My Cards After Hearthstone Twist Rotation?
Your cards always remain part of your overall collection, even if they’re excluded from the next Twist rotation. Once a season ends and a new one begins, some sets or rule variants may be removed, causing decks that were viable in the previous season to become invalid in Twist. However, these cards will still remain fully playable in Wild, Tavern Brawls, Adventures, and other modes where they’re still “legal.”
It’s also worth noting that the flip side of this rotation is a chance to revisit older expansions or synergies in future seasons. Cards that are off-limits for one Twist rotation might regain their place when the format switches again. However, if you really want to access what Twist has to offer, it’s clear that you simply need to follow every rule of Hearthstone’s economy, especially if you’re a new player. Because, well, if you are a veteran, it’s pretty difficult to try all the playable decks in the season without some credit card swipes.
How Do You Access the Hearthstone Twist Format?
If you’ve completed Hearthstone’s initial Apprentice track (or played long enough to remember Force of Nature & Savage Roar combo), you should already see Twist as an available format. All you need to do is:
- Head to the “Play” screen (Hearthstone button in the main menu)
- Click the Format button (above your rank and rewards chest)
- Among all available formats, click Twist’s icon
However, it’s worth noting that Hearthstone Twist isn’t always online. Developers occasionally pause the mode between seasons, during which you won’t see the Twist button at all. Once the next rotation goes live, just revisit the Play mode screen when it goes live to dive back in.
Why would they do this? Well, it gives them a chance to work on upcoming rules, plus it ensures that whenever the format reactivates, it actually provides an alternative to what’s going on on other ladders.
Balance Philosophy in Twist
Balancing Twist involves a way lighter touch than what you might see in Standard. Because Twist rotations typically last only a few weeks at a time, the developers often opt for quick card bans or temporary restrictions.
Even if Blizzard decides to implement significant nerfs (as they did with alternative heroes in the past), these adjustments are usually made quickly – like, within just a few days of introducing the season. Honestly, I would say that it’s more of a “hotfix” rather than a full-fledged balance change.
Hearthstone Twist mode can feel a little too crazy sometimes; maybe even more than Wild. But… so what? It’s only there for a month anyway!
Looking for an even bigger “twist” in your CCG lineup? Check out Daniel’s Beginners Guide to Drafting in Star Wars Unlimited! He covers synergy picks, sealed pack battles, and how to build super unstoppable combos. Check it out and go show off your new drafting skills in a galaxy far, far away.
