Diablo Immortal is launching a special crossover event with Blizzard`s popular digital card game, Hearthstone. This new in-game event allows players to utilize abilities inspired by some of Hearthstone`s most recognizable cards. However, the event has drawn attention not just for its gameplay features, but also for concerns among players who suspect that artificial intelligence was used to create promotional artwork for the collaboration.
Scheduled from July 30 to August 27, the Hearthstone event in Diablo Immortal offers players the chance to unlock 18 unique abilities derived from famous Hearthstone cards such as Polymorph, Ice Block, Windfury, Flame Imp, and Holy Nova. These abilities introduce fresh mechanics into Diablo Immortal`s “Enchanted Planes” and “Trial of the Hearth” game modes. Additionally, a new Legendary item, the Manaflux Gem, mirrors Hearthstone`s core mana system. As mana accumulates over time, activating a skill will unleash powerful effects, summoning iconic Hearthstone figures like Ragnaros or Acidic Swamp Ooze to devastatingly impact enemies.
While some card abilities will require in-game purchases, Blizzard is also providing free rewards. Players can use the promo code “CARDCOLLECT” to receive a random card, along with other valuable items like gems and crests. Furthermore, any player logging into Diablo Immortal with a character of level 10 or higher during the event period will be granted an exclusive Hearthstone-themed card back.
Beyond the card-based abilities, the event introduces new pets drawn from the Warcraft universe, including Core Rager and Lil` Ragnaros. Players can also acquire character skins inspired by the iconic Warcraft duo, Malfurion Stormrage and Tyrande Whisperwind. This isn`t the first time Diablo Immortal has featured content from the Warcraft franchise; a prior event notably included the Lich King as a formidable boss encounter.
Prior to the event`s official launch, observant fans noted irregularities in the promotional artwork teasing the Diablo Immortal and Hearthstone collaboration. These observations rapidly fueled speculation and accusations that either Blizzard or its co-developer NetEase had utilized generative artificial intelligence to produce the image.
The controversial artwork depicts a Night Elf, widely assumed to be Tyrande, engaged in a card game at a tavern table. Several visual anomalies were pointed out: Tyrande`s necklace seems distorted or “melted,” the Hearthstone cards themselves appear incorrect, slices of toast are strangely positioned on the table, and the human character`s ear is visibly malformed.
Blizzard has yet to comment on the current allegations. However, this is not the first instance where the company has faced accusations of employing AI-generated art within the Hearthstone franchise. Last year, the studio investigated claims regarding a set of upcoming Hearthstone hero skins believed to be AI-produced. Although Blizzard did not confirm the use of AI, they ultimately removed the disputed skins.
In recent updates, Diablo Immortal introduced the Druid, a fresh take on a beloved Diablo class. This marks the third new class added to the free-to-play mobile ARPG since its release, following the vampiric Blood Knight and the elemental Tempest.
For players participating in Diablo Immortal`s Hearthstone event, here is a complete list of the card-inspired abilities and their effects:
Diablo Immortal Hearthstone Cards
Mage
- Polymorph (Common): Grants a chance to transform nearby enemies into Yaks, making them take increased damage.
- Ice Block (Epic): Upon receiving lethal damage, become immune, heal, and unleash an ice blast that damages and freezes nearby foes.
Warrior
- Bash (Common): When dealing damage, create a damaging area and gain a temporary shield that resists damage.
- Blade Storm (Epic): When dealing damage, a storm of blades surrounds you, harming nearby enemies and blocking incoming projectiles.
Hunter
- Explosive Trap (Common): Triggers an explosion when you take damage, harming surrounding enemies.
- Snake Trap (Rare): Upon taking damage, become immune and summon three Hellfire Deceivers that spit poison at nearby enemies.
Priest
- Holy Nova (Common): When you take damage, unleash a light blast that knocks back nearby enemies, dealing damage and healing you.
- Shadowform (Epic): Grants a chance to enter Shadow Form, increasing your Primary Attack damage and firing shadow projectiles that deal extra damage.
Warlock
- Flame Imp (Common): Grants a chance to summon an imp that throws a fireball at you and nearby enemies, dealing damage and applying Burn.
- Defile (Rare): Grants a chance to mark nearby enemies with Defile. Marked enemies take damage, and if they die while marked, Defile spreads to other unmarked nearby enemies.
Shaman
- Windfury (Common): Grants a chance to gain Windfury, significantly increasing your Primary Attack speed.
- Lightning Storm (Epic): Grants a chance to trigger a damaging lightning storm, becoming Overloaded and reducing the cooldown of all skills.
Paladin
- Blessing of Wisdom (Common): Grants a chance to gain Blessing of Wisdom, during which Primary Attacks reduce the cooldown of other card effects.
- Lay on Hands (Epic): Grants a chance to restore a significant amount of Life and instantly refresh all skill cooldowns.
Druid
- Swipe (Common): Your Primary Attack deals extra damage to the target enemy and damages other nearby enemies in an area.
- Ancient of Lore (Epic): When you take damage, heal and reduce the cooldown of other card effects.
Rogue
- Backstab (Common): Deal extra damage to enemies that are currently undamaged.
- Preparation (Epic): Grants a chance to shorten the cooldowns of all your skills for a brief period.