Summary
Hearthstonecan be quite an overwhelming game to get into. The game features a myriad of different cards, classes, abilities and a collection of seemingly complicated Keywords. Keywords are easily identifiable on cards by their bold text. However, whilst it’s clear that they’re there, it’s not always clear what they actually do.
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This can be prettyconfusing to both newcomersand returning veterans. With each Keyword having its own unique effects on the game, Hearthstone players must have a good understanding of what each one does. Luckily, players can find an explanation for all the core Keywords inHearthstonehere.
20Battlecry
Battlecry minions are incredibly common in Hearthstone, boasting a wide variety of effects. Essentially,the Battlecry is activated when the card is put onto the board. Battlecries only occur once, specifically when the card is first played. A key point to highlight is that Battlecries do not classify as spells. This means players can target cards that usually can’t be targeted by spells with a Battlecry minion instead.
19Charge
Normally, when a minion is played for the first time, that card cannot attack until the next turn. However, if a minion has the Charge keyword,it can attack on the turn it is placed on the board. It’s possible for minions to receive Charge from certain cards thatprovide the Chargeeffect. Charge minions often have a combination of high Attack but relatively low Health. This ensures that when they attack most targets, they will be defeated in the process.
18Choose One
The Choose One mechanic iscommonly used for Druidcards. Choose One cards give the player the option tochoose one of two/three effectswhen they play the card. The available options can include actions such as dealing damage to heroes, summoning minions, and providing healing.
17Combo
Combo cards can be foundcommonly in Rogue decks. Combo cards often come with two different effects. The base effect can be used when the card is played normally, and thesecond effect is unlocked once the player has used another card, often providing a better effect. Combo works most effectively if the player has lots of cheap cards in their deck, as they can make use of Combo much easier.
16Corpse
Corpses are a distinctsecondary resourceprimarily utilized by theDeath Knight classinHearthstone. As a Death Knight, each time a friendly minion dies, the Corpse counter, located under the Mana Crystals, increases by 1. These accumulated Corpses can then be spent using cards with the Corpse keyword.
15Deathrattle
The Deathrattle mechanism is activated when a card is taken out of the game as a result of dying. When used in reverse, this functions similarly to a Battlecry. Deathrattle is not activated by cards that are taken out of play by other means, such as Vanish, which simply returns the card to its owner’s hand without destroying it.
14Divine Shield
Divine Shield grants a bubble or shield to a minion,ignoring the first time that minion receives damage. The origin of the damage, whether it’s from combat as the attacker or defender, spells, Hero Powers, or other effects, doesn’t matter in determining the total damage taken. Once the damage is absorbed, the shield is removed, and the card can be damaged by other minions or the enemy Hero. Divine Shield minions arecommonly found in Paladin decks.
13Freeze
In Hearthstone, using Freeze on a minion will do pretty much what it says on the tin. The minion willbecome immobilizedduring the next turn, which prevents it from initiating any attacks.
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However, Frozen minions can still defend, so if the player Freezes one of their enemy’s minions and the player attacks it, the card that is attacking can still take damage. The Freeze effect will not be broken if the Frozen minion takes damage, but it can be undone with Silence.
12Lifesteal
Lifesteal is a special ability that allowsacard’s damage to also healthe controlling player’s hero for the same amount. Lifesteal minions on the battlefield can be identified by a broken heart symbol at the bottom of their portraits.
This card type is mostcommonly found in Priest decks, but is available to most other classes, too.
11Poisonous
Poisonous is a unique minion ability that results in thedestruction of any minion damagedby them. Poisonous minions on the battlefield can be recognized by a bubbling vial of poison symbol at the bottom of their portraits. This ability is a type of triggered destroy effect, ensuring that any minion that comes into contact with them is swiftly eliminated.
