Heroes of the Storm gets first new hero after supposed death and 6 year wait

Heroes of the Storm, a long-running MOBA, received its first new hero in years after a period of minimal updates. At BlizzCon 2024’s opening ceremony, Blizzard revealed Xal’atath, the Harbinger of the Void, as the game’s newest addition. The hero marks the first substantial update since 2022, following years of maintenance-mode status with only balance patches and bug fixes. Players familiar with World of Warcraft’s Legion expansion will recognize Xal’atath as a character tied to Shadow Priest lore.

Xal’atath’s introduction follows a six-year gap since the last new hero, Hogger, launched in 2020. The game’s live-service model had effectively stalled, with only light updates since Blizzard shifted focus. The announcement signals a renewed commitment to the title, though details about future heroes remain sparse. Another new hero is expected to be revealed at a later date, according to Blizzard.

Xal’atath will first appear on Heroes of the Storm’s Public Test Realm (PTR) this Monday, allowing players to test the hero before its full release. The full launch is scheduled for September 28, giving the community time to provide feedback. This marks the first major content update since 2022, ending a prolonged period of stagnation for the game.

Blizzard’s announcement comes during BlizzCon 2024, where the company outlined its plans for Heroes of the Storm. The game’s revival follows years of reduced support, with Xal’atath serving as a bridge to potential future updates. Players can expect additional details about the hero’s abilities and role in the coming weeks.