The Collection's Card Backs tab
Some of the game's card backs
Card backs are a feature which allows players to replace the standard design on the reverse of their cards with alternate designs.
Players can select which card back to display through the Card Backs pane of the Collection, with the selected design displayed in-game, visible to both the player and their opponent. Numerous different card backs are available to collect, with each offering a distinct animated design.
Players can assign a specific card back to each custom deck, as well as choosing a "favorite" card back to be used by default for any deck for which a specific card back has not been chosen, as well as in all non-match appearances, such as when opening card packs and receiving leveling rewards.
Players can earn alternate card backs through fulfilling various criteria, such as participating in a season of Ranked play, or completing certain quests. Ranked participation card backs are rewarded for reaching Rank 20 in that season, awarded at the end of the season (for more information, see here).
Card backs are purely decorative and do not affect gameplay in any way.[1]
Notes
- Different methods of acquisition have varying timings. The Legend card back, and card backs unlocked through quests, are available immediately once the requirement has been met. Card backs unlocked through attaining Rank 20 in Ranked play are granted upon the conclusion of the season. Once Rank 20 is achieved, it is not possible to drop below that rank in that season, therefore the card back unlock is guaranteed even if all subsequent games are lost.
- Currently, there is no way to acquire limited-availability card backs, such as Ranked Play season card backs, once the qualifying period has passed. However, Ben Brode has stated that it is "likely there will be some way to obtain them in the future."[2] To date, only one limited-availability card back has been made available again: the "Winter Veil Wreath" card back, awarded as part of the seasonal Gift Exchange Tavern Brawl.
- Card backs are 'deactivated' while the card is in the deck, with their full colours and animations only appearing when they enter the player's hand.[3] Limited versions of the designs' animations are shown outside of combat for some designs.
- While appearing flat, card backs are in fact fully 3D assets. However, they are almost entirely flattened, with only slight rises for the border and details. This can be seen briefly when first inspecting a card back in the collection manager, making the card back swivel for a moment. The form of each card back can be seen more fully in the video "A Closer look at Hearthstone card backs".
Designs
In order to be used, card backs must first be acquired. Some card backs are available for players to acquire on an ongoing basis, while others are only available for a limited period. Once acquired, all card backs can be used regardless of current availability.
Each card back has its own flavor text when viewed in the Collection; this is stated below the card back's requirements.
Click on any design to view a larger image. For full animated versions, see Hearthpwn's card back gallery.
Obtainable
Not yet obtainable
No longer obtainable
NB: Some of these card backs may become available again in the future.
Videos
Patch changes
Patch 5.0.0.12574 (2016-04-24): The "Galaxy Gifts" card back has been renamed "Samsung Galaxy".
Patch 4.2.0.12051 (2016-03-14): Card backs now swivel when inspected in the collection manager, highlighting their three-dimensional design.- Patch 2.7.0.9166 (2015-06-15):
- Card backs are now selected through the Collection instead of the Options menu. Card backs therefore cannot be changed without entering the Collection, meaning they cannot be changed mid-match or while in any other screen.
- A specific card back can now be assigned to each custom deck.
- Flavor text has been added for each card back, viewable in the Collection.
- Unknown patch: (Prior to October 2014) The 'Default' card back is now named 'Classic'.
- Patch 1.0.0.4944 (Open beta, 2014-03-11): The card back system is added.
References
- ↑ Dev Interview: New Heroes, Gameboards, Adventure Mode; Legends of Hearthstone BS2W2
- ↑ Ben Brode on Twitter. (2015-07-24).
- ↑ John Zwicker on Twitter. (2014-8-22).