Heroes of the Storm 2.0 introduces Loot Chests, adds a hero from Diablo II, changes player levelling system and in-game shop
Blizzard has announced an overhaul of Heroes of the Storm that will bring the game to version 2.0. The update will introduce a host of changes, including Loot Chests, a new player levelling system, gems to replace the real world currency, and a new hero in the form of Diablo II’s Amazon.
Players will be able to open Loot Chests to receive four items randomly drawn from the game’s reward pool. This could include anything from Heroes to Loot Chest-exclusive items. Loot Chests will be available as a reward for progressing in-game, or via purchase.
There will be different tiers of rarity for Loot Chests, with rarer ones guaranteeing at least one item of that same rarity level. Gold can be used to unlock new Heroes and reroll Loot Chests.
Heroes of the Storm 2.0 also introduces the new hero Cassia, a tribute to Diablo II’s Amazon. The ranged Assassin wields the power of lightning and a shield, using her javelin to attack enemies.
Her Q skill is Lightning Fury, in which she throws her javelin to deal damage. Upon hitting an enemy, the weapon splits into two lightning bolts that deal further damage to any enemies in their paths.
Her W skill is Blinding Light, which after a half-second delay Blinds enemies in the targeted area for two seconds, causing them to miss basic attacks. Cassia does 15 percent more damage to Blinded enemies.
Fend is her E skill, letting her charge an enemy and damage any opponents in front of her for 1.5 seconds via a channelled skill. It does 50 percent less damage to non-Heroes.
Finally, Cassia has two ultimate options: Ball Lightning and Valkyrie. The former functions like it sounds. The Amazon throws a ball of lightning at an enemy Hero that can bounce up to six times between enemy Heroes and Cassia herself, dealing damage with each bounce.
The Valkyrie ult summons a Valkyrie in the targeted spot to rush to Cassia, pulling and damaging the first enemy Hero it hits. It deals a 0.5 second stun to the enemy at the end of the pull and knocks back all other enemy Heroes caught in its path.
The 2.0 update will change the player progression system by making each level require fewer points to progress and removing the level cap. Each level will reward players with a Basic Loot Chest, while milestone levels will reward the player with something bigger.
New cosmetic customizations include a variety of announcers, voice lines, emojis, banners, sprays, and portraits. The game’s in-game shop will be replaced by the Collection, where players will be able craft cosmetics and set their individual loadouts.
Gems will be brought in as a new currency to replace real world money. They can be used to buy Heroes or items. Players earn gems are they progress through the game.
Heroes of Storm 2.0 will launch in “late April.”
