Source: Blizzard Entertainment

Blizzard Entertainment's strategy card game, Hearthstone, released its new expansion, 'Escape from Violet Hold,' today (July 8, KST).

The new expansion introduces 135 cards themed around a prison break, including class-specific 'Legendary Rulebreaker' minions, the new 'Prepare' keyword, Disguised minions, and Bribe cards.

First, 'Legendary Rulebreaker' minions have been added, which subvert core Hearthstone rules in various ways. These minions build on class-specific traits to add new variables to existing playstyles and offer a wider range of strategic choices.

The new 'Prepare' keyword is also being introduced. When a Prepare card is dragged into the deck, it consumes all remaining mana upon use, and the card's cost is reduced by the amount of mana spent plus one. The card then returns to the player's hand, allowing them to use it at the right moment to execute strategic plays that catch opponents off guard.

For the first time in Hearthstone history, Disguised minions appear, which can be played on the opponent's side of the board. These minions can be used flexibly: placed on the player's own board to utilize their abilities, or on the opponent's board to disrupt their plans. Additionally, new Bribe cards offer powerful effects in exchange for providing a small reward to the opponent.

To celebrate the launch, an in-game event will run from today until July 29. Players can choose one of three prisoner characters attempting to escape from Violet Hold and complete event quests to earn various rewards, including six new expansion card packs, one catch-up pack, and a hero skin for the chosen character.

Further details on free rewards and various events commemorating the expansion launch can be found on the official Hearthstone website, and related image assets are available in the press center.