Hearthstone's Year of the Raptor takes flight with the release of its first expansion, Into the Emerald Dream.  This 145-card set immerses players in the iconic Warcraft world, pitting the forces of nature against the corrupting influence of the Nightmare.

Central to this expansion are the new keywords, Imbue and Dark Gifts.  Imbue empowers specific classes (Druid, Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, and Shaman) by transforming and enhancing their Hero Powers.  Meanwhile, the remaining classes (Death Knight, Demon Hunter, Rogue, Warlock, and Warrior) embrace the shadowy power of Dark Gifts – 10 unique effects randomly paired with Discovered minions.

Each class also gains a Legendary Wild God minion. Some, like the Priest's Aviana, Elune’s Chosen, champion the Emerald Dream. Others, like the Death Knight’s Ursoc, have succumbed to the Nightmare’s corruption.  Beyond the Wild Gods, players will encounter other Legendary minions, such as the neutral Malorne the Waywatcher and Naralex, Herald of the Flights, as well as class-specific cards like Merithra, the Green Aspect from World of Warcraft, who brings a potent resurrection effect to the Shaman class.

Players can obtain select cards ahead of the official March 25th release.  Logging into Hearthstone grants players Ysera, Emerald Aspect, a neutral Legendary minion that boosts both players' maximum mana.  Two copies of the common card, Creature of Madness, are also available for free in the shop.  Furthermore, from March 4th until the expansion launch, players can earn the Raptor Herald card through the 'Release the Raptor' in-game event.