Source: Blizzard Entertainment

Blizzard Entertainment's strategy card game, Hearthstone, will officially launch its next expansion, 'Escape from the Violet Hold,' on July 8, featuring unprecedented rule-breaking mechanics and a daring prison break. Pre-purchase bundles, packed with cards and a variety of cosmetic items, are now available.

The expansion is set in the aftermath of Maiev Shadowsong sealing off the Violet Hold and transforming it into a shifting arcane maze to prevent the most notorious prisoners in Azeroth from escaping the high-security prison in Dalaran. The narrative follows Vanessa VanCleef as she gathers a motley crew of outlaws to pull off an impossible escape.

Escape from the Violet Hold' introduces 135 new cards, including a new keyword, 'Prepare,' essential for a successful breakout. Notably, the introduction of the Legendary minion 'Rulebreaker' allows players to rewrite the game's rules—such as playing duplicate Legendary cards or unlocking a second Hero Power—to devise the perfect escape strategy.

A variety of new events and quests will lead up to the expansion's launch. The 'Breakout Event,' running until June 17, follows Vanessa VanCleef as she coordinates several transfers to gather her team from high-security prisons across Azeroth, all while evading Maiev's watchful eye. Players who assist Vanessa can earn 'contraband' rewards.

Following this, the 'Lockdown Event' will run from June 17 to July 8, during which Maiev imposes a strict lockdown on the entire Violet Hold. Players must complete event missions with extra caution, and those who assist in the final preparations for Vanessa VanCleef's grand plan will receive special rewards. Additionally, a new Legendary quest chain will allow players to plan their escape early; by playing Standard mode from the release of Patch 35.6 until the expansion launches on July 8, players can earn a wealth of loot.

Meanwhile, 'Anomalies'—effects that alter the Tavern—are returning to Hearthstone Battlegrounds. This system, which applies to all players at the start of each game, adds 7 new Anomalies, brings back 17, and introduces 5 updated ones. Furthermore, major updates to minions, Tavern spells, and accessories are planned to revitalize the meta in the latter half of Season 13. Detailed information regarding 'Escape from the Violet Hold' can be found on the official Hearthstone blog.