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Hero Power screenshot

Hero SkinsAnduin Wrynn with the basic priest Hero Power LegacyLesser Heal

A Hero Power is a special ability displayed to the right of each hero's portrait. Usually Hero Powers can be used once per turn and cost 2 mana (or 1 mana for the Demon Hunter), but some effects can modify the mana cost of Hero Powers or allow the use of a Hero Power multiple times per turn.

Each class has its own unique Hero Power, which tends to epitomize its character and playstyle. However, some effects (such as LegacyShadowform or The Grand TournamentCharged Hammer) are able to replace a Hero Power with a new one, while others modify the rules for some specific Hero Powers.

Hero Powers may have a variety of effects, such as summoning a minion or dealing damage to a target character. Using a Hero Power will activate related triggered effects, most notably friendly Inspire effects.

Overview[]

Hero Power exhausted screenshot

An exhausted Hero Power

The icon for the Hero Power in the game interface is face up when that Hero Power is available to the player, and flips over to a grayish empty space after being used. At the beginning of the player's turn, it flips back up to indicate it is usable once more. Regardless of whether it is face up or down, the Hero Power of the player or the opponent can be hovered over at any time to read its details.

You can not use your Hero Power if:

  • it is flipped over;
  • you cannot pay its mana cost;
  • it would summon a minion but your board is full;
  • it is targeted but there is no valid target.
  • your hero power is LegacyTotemic Call and you have all 4 basic totems.
Example: LegacyLesser Heal is a targeted Hero Power but, since it does not require a damaged character, it can be used on a full-Health minion too: although having no healing effect, this still counts as a use for Hero Power-related effects.

Usually you can only use each Hero Power once per turn. Your Hero Power flips back up (resetting the "number of times you have used your Hero Power this turn" counter) at the start of your turn and when replaced with a new one: the new Hero Power can thus be used on that same turn if mana allows (even if it is the "same" Hero Power as the replaced one).

Example: A hunter could use LegacySteady Shot, trade Blackrock MountainMajordomo Executus into an enemy minion, then use Ragnaros's replacement Hero Power Blackrock MountainDIE, INSECT! in a single turn.
Example: A player already using the Ragnaros hero could use DIE, INSECT!, sacrifice another Majordomo Executus to become a new copy of Ragnaros with his Hero Power, and then use the "new" DIE, INSECT! once again. With additional copies of Majordomo Executus, this is possible even more times.[1]

In addition, some effects can refresh a Hero Power, allowing more then one use of it each turn, such as these cards:

Advanced rules[]

Click 'Expand' to view section

Hero Power Sequence[]

"Use a Hero Power" is one of the Player Actions that a player can actively do during their turn (the others are: "Play a card", "Attack", "End the turn" and "Concede"), and as such it starts its own Sequence.

To use a Hero Power a player must click on it and, if required, select a target.

  • After clicking on a targeted Hero Power (such as LegacyFireblast and LegacyLesser Heal) a red arrow appears, going from the Hero Power to the player's mouse pointer. It disappears after the player clicks on the chosen target.
  • While Mean Streets of GadgetzanMayor Noggenfogger's effect is active, the red targeting arrow is replaced with a question mark.
  • While choosing a target the player can cancel the action by clicking on the Hero Power again. This is only possible for targeted Hero Powers: Hero Powers that are auto-targeted (such as LegacySteady Shot) or randomly targeted (such as Blackrock MountainDIE, INSECT!) or that do not require a target at all (such as LegacyReinforce) cannot be undone this way.

Then the following Hero Power Sequence takes place, in order:

  • Hero Power Phase
    • The mana cost of the Hero Power is paid.
    • If the Hero Power requires a target and there is a Mean Streets of GadgetzanMayor Noggenfogger in play since the last Aura Update (Other) Step, its effect triggers and randomly selects a valid target; multiple Mayor Noggenfoggers stack.
    • The Hero Power takes effect.
    • The Hero Power is exhausted and flipped over (the Hero Power visually seems to flip over before Mayor Noggenfogger triggers, but in the log file it is exhausted after having taken effect).[2]
    • The "number of times you have used your Hero Power this turn" and the "number of times you have used a Hero Power this game" counters are increased by 1.
      • The "number of times you have used your Hero Power this turn" counter is reset at the start of your turn and whenever your Hero Power is replaced with a new one.
      • The "number of times you have used a Hero Power this game" counter (which is for example used for the cost reduction of The Grand TournamentFrost Giant) never resets, regardless of your Hero Power being replaced, upgraded or otherwise modified.
  • Inspire Phase
    • Hero Power-related triggers (listed in the following table) queue and resolve. Most of them have the Inspire keyword, which denotes triggered effects that activate each time the controlling player uses a Hero Power.
  • Hearthstone checks for win/loss/draw.
NameClassTypeRarityCostAtkHP/Dur.ArmorDescription
Brave Archer Hunter Minion Common 121Inspire: If your hand is empty, deal 2 damage to the enemy hero.
Lowly Squire Neutral Minion Common 112Inspire: Gain +1 Attack.
Argent Watchman Neutral Minion Rare 224Can't attack. Inspire: Can attack as normal this turn.
Boneguard Lieutenant Neutral Minion - Undead Common 232Inspire: Gain +1 Health.
Transfer Student Neutral Minion Epic 222Inspire: Draw a card.
Coliseum Manager Neutral Minion Rare 325Inspire: Return this minion to your hand.
Dragonhawk Rider Neutral Minion Common 333Inspire: Gain Windfury this turn.
Orgrimmar Aspirant Warrior Minion Common 333Inspire: Give your weapon +1 Attack.
Silver Hand Regent Neutral Minion Common 333Inspire: Summon a 1/1 Silver Hand Recruit.
Dalaran Aspirant Mage Minion Common 435Inspire: Gain Spell Damage +1.
Dalaran Aspirant Mage Minion Common 435
Murloc Knight Paladin Minion - Murloc Common 434Inspire: Summon a random Murloc.
Savage Combatant Druid Minion - Beast Rare 454Inspire: Give your hero +2 Attack this turn.
Spawn of Shadows Priest Minion - Undead Rare 454Inspire: Deal 4 damage to each hero.
Tournament Medic Neutral Minion Common 418Inspire: Restore 2 Health to your hero.
Kvaldir Raider Neutral Minion - Undead Common 544Inspire: Gain +2/+2.
Mukla's Champion Neutral Minion - Beast Common 543Inspire: Give your other minions +1/+1.
Mukla's Champion Neutral Minion - Beast Common 553
Nexus-Champion Saraad Neutral Minion Legendary 545Inspire: Add a random spell to your hand.
Recruiter Neutral Minion Epic 554Inspire: Add a 2/2 Squire to your hand.
Spawn of Shadows Priest Minion - Undead Rare 555
Thunder Bluff Valiant Shaman Minion Rare 536
Thunder Bluff Valiant Shaman Minion Rare 536Inspire: Give your Totems +2 Attack.
Kodorider Neutral Minion Epic 635Inspire: Summon a 3/5 War Kodo.
Void Crusher Warlock Minion - Demon Rare 654Inspire: Destroy a random minion for each player.
Confessor Paletress Priest Minion Legendary 754
Confessor Paletress Priest Minion Legendary 754Inspire: Summon a random Legendary minion.
NameClassTypeRarityCostAtkHP/Dur.ArmorDescription
Idol's Adoration Priest Weapon Common 12Your Hero Power costs (0). After you use it, lose 1 Durability.
Dart Trap Hunter Spell Common 2Secret: After an opposing Hero Power is used, deal 5 damage to a random enemy.
Phase Stalker Hunter Minion - Beast Rare 223After you use your Hero Power, cast a Secret from your deck.
Poisoned Blade Rogue Weapon Epic 213
Dragonbane Hunter Minion - Mech Legendary 435After you use your Hero Power, deal 5 damage to a random enemy.
Dragonbane Hunter Minion - Mech Legendary 435After you use your Hero Power, deal 5 damage to a random enemy.
Poisoned Blade Rogue Weapon Epic 413Your Hero Power gives this weapon +1 Attack instead of replacing it.

Player Hero Powers[]

Players start each match with the basic Hero Power of their class (sometimes also referred to as that class' starting Hero Power).

  • Alternate heroes use cosmetically altered versions of the basic Hero Powers: although there is no functional difference, the appearance and casting animations vary from those used by the standard heroes.

Over the course of the match certain effects can replace a player's Hero Power with another one, regardless of that player's class or hero:

  • Whispers of the Old GodsRenounce Darkness replaces your current Hero Power with the basic Hero Power of a random non-warlock class.
  • The League of ExplorersSir Finley Mrrgglton lets you Discover another basic Hero Power. More precisely, this minion's Battlecry forces you to replace your Hero Power with one among three randomly selected basic Hero Powers, with the exception of the basic Hero Power corresponding to your current Hero Power's class (see the table below).
Example: If you are a priest with the LegacyMind Spike Hero Power, Sir Finley Mrrgglton's Battlecry can not offer you LegacyLesser Heal (since it is the basic Hero Power of the Mind Spike's class), but it can still offer you the mage basic Hero Power LegacyFireblast.
Click 'Expand' to view all Hero Powers in play mode
Class Basic Hero Power Upgraded Hero Power Death Knight Hero Power Mercenary Hero Power Other Hero Cards Quest Hero Power Alternative Hero Powers
Icon DeathKnight 48
Death Knight
Ghoul Charge
Ghoul Frenzy
- - - - -
Icon Demon Hunter 48
Demon Hunter
Demon Claws
Demon's Bite
-
Ashfallen's Fury

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyKurtrus, Demon-Render
- -
Demonic Blast
Demonic Blast

Source: Ashes of OutlandMetamorphosis
Icon Druid 48
Druid
Shapeshift
Dire Shapeshift
Plague Lord

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneMalfurion the Pestilent
Nurture

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyWildheart Guff
-
Ossirian Tear

Source: Saviors of UldumUntapped Potential
-
Icon Hunter 48
Hunter
Steady Shot
Ballista Shot
Build-A-Beast

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneDeathstalker Rexxar
Summon Pet

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyBeaststalker Tavish
Berserker Throw

Source: Rastakhan's RumbleZul'jin
Pharaoh's Warmask

Source: Saviors of UldumUnseal the Vault
Dinomancy

Source: Journey to Un'GoroDinomancy
Icon Mage 48
Mage
Fireblast
Fireblast Rank 2
Icy Touch

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneFrost Lich Jaina
Arcane Burst

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyMagister Dawngrasp
What Does This Do?

Source: Galakrond's AwakeningThe Amazing Reno
Ascendant Scroll

Source: Saviors of UldumRaid the Sky Temple
-
Icon Paladin 48
Paladin
Reinforce
The Silver Hand
The Four Horsemen

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneUther of the Ebon Blade
Blessing of Queens

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyLightforged Cariel
-
Emperor Wraps

Source: Saviors of UldumMaking Mummies
The Tidal Hand

Source: Whispers of the Old GodsVilefin Inquisitor
Icon Priest 48
Priest
Lesser Heal
Heal
Voidform

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneShadowreaper Anduin
Holy Touch

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyXyrella, the Devout
Galakrond's Wit

Source: Descent of DragonsGalakrond, the Unspeakable
Obelisk's Eye

Source: Saviors of UldumActivate the Obelisk
Mind Spike

Source: LegacyShadowform
Mind Shatter

Source: ClassicShadowform
Icon Rogue 48
Rogue
Dagger Mastery
Poisoned Daggers
Death's Shadow

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneValeera the Hollow
Sleight of Hand

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyShadowcrafter Scabbs
Galakrond's Guile

Source: Descent of DragonsGalakrond, the Nightmare
Ancient Blades

Source: Saviors of UldumBazaar Burglary
-
Icon Shaman 48
Shaman
Totemic Call
Totemic Slam
Transmute Spirit

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneThrall, Deathseer
Elemental Mastery

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyBru'kan of the Elements
Bewitch

Source: The WitchwoodHagatha the Witch
Galakrond's Fury

Source: Descent of DragonsGalakrond, the Tempest
Card not found
Source: Al'Akir, the Winds of Time
Heart of Vir'naal

Source: Saviors of UldumCorrupt the Waters
Lightning Jolt

Source: The Grand TournamentCharged Hammer
Icon Warlock 48
Warlock
Life Tap
Soul Tap
Siphon Life

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneBloodreaver Gul'dan
Chains of Dread

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyDreadlich Tamsin
INFERNO!

Source: LegacyLord Jaraxxus
Galakrond's Malice

Source: Descent of DragonsGalakrond, the Wretched
-
Tome of Origination

Source: Saviors of UldumSupreme Archaeology
Icon Warrior 48
Warrior
Armor Up!
Tank Up!
Bladestorm

Source: Knights of the Frozen ThroneScourgelord Garrosh
Grand Slam

Source: Fractured in Alterac ValleyRokara, the Valorous
Big Red Button

Source: The Boomsday ProjectDr. Boom, Mad Genius
Galakrond's Might

Source: Descent of DragonsGalakrond, the Unbreakable
-
Anraphet's Core

Source: Saviors of UldumHack the System
DIE, INSECT!

Source: Journey to Un'GoroSulfuras (Journey to Un'GoroFire Plume's Heart)
Neutral - - - - - -
DIE, INSECT!

Source: Blackrock MountainMajordomo Executus
Algalon's Vision

Source: TITANSAlgalon the Observer

Related cards[]

For Wild format listings, see Hero Power/Wild format

The following cards generate, modify, respond to or otherwise relate to Hero Powers and their use.


Swipe left or right to see the cards.
ETC 382
ETC 312
CORE SCH 312
ETC 385
JAM 026b
JAM 026
JAM 026a
TTN 717
CORE DRG 256
CORE BT 429
CORE SW 448
CORE EX1 323

Cards that replace Hero Powers[]

The following cards have effects that replace a Hero Power with a new, refreshed one.


Swipe left or right to see the cards.
BT 429p2
BT 429p
TTN 717
CORE BT 429
CORE SW 448
CORE EX1 323

Cards that modify Hero Powers[]

The following cards have effects that modify the effects of some Hero Powers.


Swipe left or right to see the cards.
ETC 382
ETC 312
CORE SCH 312
ETC 385
JAM 026b
JAM 026

Modify cost[]

The following cards have effects that modify the mana cost of Hero Powers.


Swipe left or right to see the cards.
ETC 312
CORE SCH 312
JAM 026b
JAM 026

Refresh[]

The following cards have effects that refresh Hero Powers.


Swipe left or right to see the cards.
JAM 026
JAM 026a

Cards with Inspire Phase triggers[]

The following cards have effects that trigger when a Hero Power is used.


Swipe left or right to see the cards.
ETC 312
CORE DRG 256

Boss Hero Powers[]

Most non-playable bosses have their own Hero Power. Adventure bosses have both Normal and Heroic versions, with the latter usually featuring enhanced versions of their Hero Powers. Some bosses gain different Hero Powers over the course of the encounter due to cards or the Hero Powers themselves.

Boss Hero Powers vary in cost and may cost anywhere from 0 to 8 mana. Some boss Hero Powers are "auto-cast" automatically as the boss's first action each turn, assuming it has enough mana. This means that the boss is not able to choose the best time to make use of the Hero Power, or to forgo using it on any given turn. Auto-cast Hero Powers have a special ongoing visual effect. Typically auto-cast Hero Powers are cheap, including the majority of those that cost 0 mana. Other boss Hero Powers are passive, causing a free ongoing or triggered effect rather than being used at one particular time.

For full lists of boss Hero Powers, see Boss card.

Examples
Flames of Azzinoth
Polarity Shift
Mad Science
Dismount
Twister
Getting Hungry

Battlegrounds Hero Powers[]

Main article: Battlegrounds

Each hero in Battlegrounds has their own Hero Power, which entirely defines how they play. Active Hero Powers can be used during the Recruit Phase, and generally have a Gold cost.

There are a wide variety of Hero Powers available in Battlegrounds, including a large number of Passive effects and effects that can only be used a limited number of times per game. Since there are no decks in Battlegrounds, the unique Hero Powers give each hero their own specific play style. Non-passive Hero Powers typically cost between 1 and 2 Gold, although some can be as high as 3, or cost 0 and have other restrictions. Because of the higher complexity and often greater amount of text, the bolded words "Hero Power" are omitted from Battlegrounds Hero Powers.

For a full list of Battlegrounds Hero Powers, see Battlegrounds hero power list.

Examples
I'll Take That!
Smart Savings
Arcane Alteration
Embrace Your Rage
Three Wishes
Wingmen
Prize Wall

Strategy[]

Available each and every turn, Hero Powers can allow players to gain card advantage by taking actions without expending cards. Players can choose to use a Hero Power instead of playing a card, sacrificing some tempo in exchange for a larger hand. Hero Powers can also be used often in order to keep pace while holding back cards to build toward a combo, or to fill gaps when no other strong play is available. Hero Powers should generally be used whenever there is sufficient spare mana.

Basic Hero Powers are designed to offer a reliable but underpowered effect. For almost all basic Hero Powers, it is possible to identify cards that accomplish more for less mana, and cards that do significantly more for 2-3 mana. This mana inefficiency prevents Hero Powers from being directly superior to cards in most cases, making them reliable secondary options rather than first choices each turn. Generally speaking, Hero Powers are effects at the value of a 0-Cost card, as evident by comparing the paladin Hero Power LegacyReinforce with the minion card LegacyWisp, or the mage Hero Power LegacyFireblast with the spell card LegacyMoonfire. The extra 2 mana is effectively a surcharge for gaining the effect without consuming a card.

Here are some examples for illustration:

Hero Power Cheaper card analogue Stronger card analogue
LegacyArmor Up! Journey to Un'GoroIron Hide LegacyShield Block
LegacyDagger Mastery LegacyLight's Justice LegacyFiery War Axe
LegacyDemon Claws Rastakhan's RumblePounce LegacyShadowhoof Slayer
LegacyFireblast LegacyMoonfire Goblins vs GnomesDarkbomb
BasicGhoul Charge LegacyStonetusk Boar LegacyBluegill Warrior
LegacyLesser Heal Rastakhan's RumbleRegenerate LegacyHealing Touch
LegacyLife Tap Kobolds & CatacombsKobold Librarian LegacyNovice Engineer
LegacyReinforce LegacyWisp LegacyBloodfen Raptor
LegacyShapeshift LegacyClaw LegacyBite
LegacySteady Shot LegacySinister Strike LegacyMind Blast
LegacyTotemic Call Murder at Castle NathriaTotemic Evidence Kobolds & CatacombsKobold Hermit

Note that the LegacyTotemic Call's randomness itself also makes the Hero Power comparatively weaker than a well-chosen equivalent in the hand. Still, each Totem other than LegacyHealing Totem can be compared unfavorably to cards, just as with other Powers:

Totem Cheaper card analogue Stronger card analogue
LegacySearing Totem LegacyWisp LegacyBloodfen Raptor
LegacyStoneclaw Totem Goblins vs GnomesTarget Dummy LegacyFrostwolf Grunt
LegacyStrength Totem N/A LegacyMaster Swordsmith

LegacyHealing Totem's effect is unique so it cannot be said to be strictly worse than examples like the LegacyDarkscale Healer or LegacyLightwell. But again, due to the randomness of Totemic Call and situational usefulness of the summoned Totems, it is clear that it shares other basic Hero Powers' weaknesses with respect to tempo.

Achievements[]

CategoryNameDescriptionRewards
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 62 logoGameplay - Core (Gryphon) - ClassesKiller HeadacheDeal 100 damage with your Hero Power while in Shadowform.10 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 62 logoGameplay - Core (Gryphon) - ClassesKiller HeadacheDeal 300 damage with your Hero Power while in Shadowform.20 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 63 logoGameplay - Barrens - MageIt's Not "Spamming", It's ArtDeal 75 damage with your Hero Power as Mage.10 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 63 logoGameplay - Barrens - MageIt's Not "Spamming", It's ArtDeal 150 damage with your Hero Power as Mage.10 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 63 logoGameplay - Barrens - MageIt's Not "Spamming", It's ArtDeal 300 damage with your Hero Power as Mage.20 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 63 logoGameplay - Barrens - RogueIdentity Theft Is Not a JokeYoink! all 10 Hero Powers.20 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 149 logoGameplay - Stormwind - HunterHow Many Arrows Do You Have?!Deal 12 damage with your Hero Power in one turn as Hunter.20 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 149 logoGameplay - Stormwind - PriestJoin the Dark SideDeal 45 damage with your Hero Power as Priest.10 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 149 logoGameplay - Stormwind - PriestJoin the Dark SideDeal 90 damage with your Hero Power as Priest.10 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 149 logoGameplay - Stormwind - PriestJoin the Dark SideDeal 180 damage with your Hero Power as Priest.20 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 157 logoGameplay - Alterac Valley - Demon HunterSmash that Fury ButtonUse your Hero Power 7 times in one turn as Kurtrus, Demon-Render.20 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 157 logoGameplay - Alterac Valley - MageHONORABLY DIE, INSECT!Deal 8 damage in a single use of your Hero Power as Mage.20 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 157 logoGameplay - Alterac Valley - Shaman1-800-ELE-MENTCall upon the Elements 100 times with Bru'kan and his Hero Power.20 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 4Achievement SubCategory 24 logoAdventures - Books - Book of HeroesSuperb SalvagerConstruct a 20/20 Salvage Bot using any rank of the Salvage Hero Power.10 Achievement Point
Achievement Category 2Achievement SubCategory 169 logoGameplay - Lich King - NeutralMark of Destined DeathDestroy the enemy hero while empowered by Bonelord Frostwhisper.20 Achievement Point

History[]

Hearthstone has included the basic Hero Powers for its nine classes since the very beginning. Although these "starting Hero Powers" have not changed, the variety and availability of Hero Power-related effects has increased over the years, including effects that replace the starting Hero Powers completely.

The Classic set included the priest's LegacyAuchenai Soulpriest, LegacyShadowform and LegacyProphet Velen, as well as the warlock's LegacyLord Jaraxxus - two cards that replaced Hero Powers, and two cards that affected all healing and/or damage effects including Hero Powers, all class-specific. Goblins vs GnomesSteamwheedle Sniper in Goblins vs Gnomes introduced the first dramatic change to the way an existing Hero Power worked, although again it was limited to one class and its Hero Powers. Blackrock Mountain's Blackrock MountainMajordomo Executus provided the first neutral Hero Power-related card, with an effect very similar to LegacyLord Jaraxxus'.

The Grand Tournament expansion had a particular focus on Hero Powers, increasing the number of Hero-Power related cards by a factor of 6 with a multitude of effects and interactions, most notably the Inspire ability. Since then, adventures and expansions have slowly continued expanding on Hero Powers with 2 cards from The League of Explorers, 3 from Whispers of the Old Gods, 2 from Mean Streets of Gadgetzan, 2 from Journey to Un'Goro, and one for each class in Knights of the Frozen Throne via Hero cards.

Blizzard has consistently introduced new effects that replace Hero Powers through new card sets, with almost half of Hero Power-related cards outside of The Grand Tournament including such effects. On the other hand, Inspire has not been on any cards since the expansion in which it was introduced.

Gallery[]

Frames

See also[]

Patch changes[]

  • MoLK LogoPatch 25.0.0.158725 (2022-11-29):
    • Removed the text "Hero Power" from all hero powers except the basic hero powers and their upgraded versions.
    • The text "Passive Hero Power" has been changed to "Passive" on all hero powers.

References[]

 
  1. Crypt (2015-05-10). Majordomo OTK Combo
  2. Tested by User:Elekim, 2017-04-04
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