Hearthstone: Into the Emerald Dream – 10 decks to use on Day 1

As a passionate Hearthstone gamer, today marks a significant milestone! The Year of the Pegasus has drawn to a close, making way for the eagerly anticipated Year of the Raptor. With the commencement of a new Standard season comes the arrival of Hearthstone: Into the Emerald Dream. This expansion promises 145 fresh cards tailored across all 11 game classes. Half of these classes will receive exhilarating Imbue powers, while the others will be bestowed with Dark Gifts. Can’t wait to dive in and explore the new strategies and tactics!

Today marks the launch of Into the Emerald Dream, so let’s explore some decks from Hearthstone’s most prominent pros and streamers. Recently, Shacknews played against these decks during a Theorycrafting session and, as usual, didn’t fare too well. But we did pick up on some intriguing decks to try out on the first day, and we’re eager to pass those insights along to our readers.

Without further delay, here are some decks worth trying out on day one of Into the Emerald Dream.

Theo’s Imbue Priest

  • 2x (1) Power Word: Shield
  • 2x (2) Bitterbloom Knight
  • 2x (2) Lunarwing Messenger
  • 2x (2) Thrive in the Shadows
  • 1x (3) Madame Lazul
  • 2x (3) Weaver of the Cycle
  • 2x (3) Wish of the New Moon
  • 2x (4) Flutterwing Guardian
  • 2x (4) Greater Healing Potion
  • 2x (4) Kaldorei Priestess
  • 1x (4) Narian Soothfancy
  • 1x (4) Nightmare Lord Xavius
  • 2x (4) Puppet Theatre
  • 1x (5) Spirit Guide
  • 1x (6) Lightbomb
  • 2x (7) Moonwell
  • 1x (7) Repackage
  • 1x (7) Tyrande
  • 1x (8) Malorne the Waywatcher

Deck ID

For this expansion, the Imbue effects could be incredibly potent. For a Priest character, it essentially grants them an endless supply of value through the recurring offering of discounted Priest cards each turn. Theo’s deck delves deeper into the concept of value by incorporating cards such as Puppet Theatre and Madame Lazul, while also adding substantial control elements like Lightbomb and Moonwell.

Nohandsgamer’s Dragon Taunt Warrior

  • 2x (1) Siphoning Growth
  • 2x (2) Clutch of Corruption
  • 2x (2) Quality Assurance
  • 2x (2) Shield Block
  • 2x (3) New Heights
  • 2x (3) Succumb to Madness
  • 2x (3) Tortollan Traveler
  • 2x (4) Illusory Greenwing
  • 2x (5) Brawl
  • 2x (5) Carnivorous Cubicle
  • 2x (5) Chemical Spill
  • 2x (5) Hostile Invader
  • 1x (6) Hamm, the Hungry
  • 1x (7) Ysondre
  • 1x (8) Meadowstrider
  • 2x (10) Hydration Station
  • 1x (10) Tortolla

Deck ID

The Warrior character today boasts an array of versatile resources, with Nohandsgamer skillfully utilizing numerous options. This particular deck stands out, offering several strengths. It can swiftly amass resources, it features large Taunt figures, and it provides means to resurrect many of those entities once they’ve been vanquished.

Experiment with various combinations that seem quite enjoyable. The Carnivorous Cube and Ysondre will work splendidly in tandem, particularly when the Mana limit is elevated following the casting of some New Heights spells.

Trump’s Imbue Mage

  • 2x (2) Bitterbloom Knight
  • 2x (2) Creature of Madness
  • 2x (2) Divination
  • 2x (2) Sing-Along Buddy
  • 2x (2) Spirit Gatherer
  • 2x (3) Hopeful Dryad
  • 2x (3) Rising Waves
  • 2x (3) Tide Pools
  • 2x (4) Flutterwing Guardian
  • 2x (4) Merry Moonkin
  • 1x (4) Nightmare Lord Xavius
  • 2x (4) Resplendent Dreamweaver
  • 1x (5) Ancient of Yore
  • 2x (5) Sleet Skater
  • 2x (5) Wisprider
  • 1x (7) Zilliax Deluxe 3000
    • 1x (2) Haywire Module
    • 1x (5) Perfect Module
  • 1x (8) Aessina

Deck ID

Each class’ Imbue ability has a unique strength. Be cautious not to underestimate the power of 0-Cost, 1/1 Spirit creatures; Imbue Mage is remarkably potent, and this strength increases as the Imbue ability is upgraded. Trump demonstrates this concept at its peak with cards like Wisprider.

In this (and numerous other) Imbue decks, the standout Most Valuable Player is Sing-Along Buddy, a card that activates Hero Powers twice. If the Hero Power has been enhanced sufficiently, your adversary may not be ready for the barrage of Hero Power attacks they’ll encounter.

RegisKillbin’s Starship Demon Hunter

  • 2x (1) Critter Caretaker
  • 2x (1) Tuskpiercer
  • 2x (2) Grim Harvest
  • 2x (2) Immolation Aura
  • 2x (2) Tidepool Pupil
  • 2x (3) Eye Beam
  • 2x (3) Return Policy
  • 2x (3) Warp Drive
  • 2x (3) Wyvern’s Slumber
  • 2x (4) Arkonite Defense Crystal
  • 1x (4) Nightmare Lord Xavius
  • 1x (4) The Black Knight
  • 2x (5) Ancient of Yore
  • 2x (5) Ravenous Felhunter
  • 2x (7) Ferocious Felbat
  • 1x (7) The Exodar
  • 1x (100) The Ceaseless Expanse

Deck ID

It wasn’t intended for situations like this to arise with the Demon Hunter. The role of a tank wasn’t designed for it. However, it seems that circumstances have led us to this point.

The main focus of this deck is the Arkonite Defense Crystal from the last expansion. Once you’ve used it to acquire Armor, the strategy is to play the newly introduced Ravenous Felhunter to revive not one, but two copies of that minion. Following this, the Ferocious Felbat will reanimate the Ravenous Felhunters, which subsequently resurrect the Arkonite Defense Crystals. This sequence results in an incredibly high Armor total.

After reaching that substantial Armor level, The Exodar deals devastating damage to the enemy by striking them for an equivalent of their current Armor value. Witnessing this spectacle is awe-inspiring, and even more so when it’s executed by a Demon Hunter. It’s nothing short of amazing!

Christian’s Imbue Shaman

  • 2x (1) Murloc Growfin
  • 2x (1) Plucky Podling
  • 2x (2) Aspect’s Embrace
  • 2x (2) Bitterbloom Knight
  • 2x (2) Emerald Bounty
  • 2x (2) Malted Magma
  • 2x (3) Bloodthistle Illusionist
  • 2x (3) Fairy Tale Forest
  • 2x (3) Living Garden
  • 2x (4) Flutterwing Guardian
  • 1x (4) Gorgonzormu
  • 2x (4) Resplendent Dreamweaver
  • 2x (6) Glowroot Lure
  • 1x (6) Merithra
  • 1x (6) Shudderblock
  • 2x (7) Eredar Brute
  • 1x (8) Malorne the Waywatcher

Deck ID

The effectiveness of this deck hinges on activating and maximizing the Shaman’s Imbue ability. Once enhanced, Imbue can prove exceptionally potent as the hits greatly exceed the misses. Consistently boost the Shaman’s Hero Power to transform a 1-Cost Murloc Growfin into a more valuable 4 or 5-Cost card, while still reaping the benefits from the base minion.

If you manage to fill the board and keep your opponent from gaining dominance, this deck is remarkably powerful and has been less noticed during brainstorming discussions. Take a peek at it and explore ways to make the most of it.

Warshack’s Imbue Druid

  • 2x (0) Innervate
  • 2x (1) Living Roots
  • 2x (1) Witchwood Apple
  • 2x (2) Bitterbloom Knight
  • 2x (2) Horn of Plenty
  • 2x (2) Reforestation
  • 2x (2) Sing-Along Buddy
  • 2x (2) Trail Mix
  • 2x (2) Wrath
  • 2x (3) Dreambound Disciple
  • 2x (3) Overgrown Beanstalk
  • 2x (5) Ancient of Yore
  • 1x (5) Greybough
  • 2x (5) Grove Shaper
  • 1x (5) Hamuul Runetotem
  • 1x (8) Malorne the Waywatcher
  • 1x (100) The Ceaseless Expanse

Deck ID

Eventually, Day9’s “ever-growing man” rant evolved from a popular Hearthstone joke into a guiding principle for the Hearthstone development team. Indeed, the Imbue Hero Power for Druids is primarily focused on creating larger and larger creatures. Hamuul Runetotem is crucial to this approach, so if you don’t have him in your deck, it might not be worth pursuing this strategy.

Players will find it straightforward to cast increasingly powerful Druid spells that can even generate additional spells of their own. For instance, Horn of Plenty essentially functions as a double spell to boost the Imbue ability. Similarly, Sing-Along Buddy becomes a formidable threat, activating the Hero Power twice and consequently creating two massive adversaries for opponents to handle.

Clark HELLSCREAM’s Ursol Paladin

  • 2x (1) Gnawing Greenfin
  • 2x (1) Space Pirate
  • 2x (2) Braingill
  • 2x (2) Drink Server
  • 2x (2) Mark of Ursol
  • 2x (2) Petty Theft
  • 2x (2) Redscale Dragontamer
  • 1x (3) Fae Trickster
  • 2x (3) Metal Detector
  • 1x (3) Robocaller
  • 2x (4) Flash Sale
  • 2x (4) Ursine Maul
  • 1x (5) Puppetmaster Dorian
  • 1x (5) Sunsapper Lynessa
  • 1x (5) The Curator
  • 1x (5) Treasure Hunter Eudora
  • 1x (7) Anachronos
  • 2x (7) Renewing Flames
  • 1x (8) Ursol

Deck ID

Clark HELLSCREAM might have deciphered the current Paladin strategy effectively, as he seems to have found a potential approach using the new Paladin legendary card, Ursol. At first glance, it may appear somewhat ordinary, but upon closer inspection, there could be a unique combination worth exploring.

In terms of spells that can be transformed into Auras in Paladin, there aren’t too many high-cost options that stand out. Nevertheless, one particular pairing is worth keeping an eye on: turning Renewing Flames into an Aura and following it up with Anachronos to clear the opponent’s board the next turn. This combo could potentially deal at least 10 damage directly to the opponent’s face.

Intriguingly, Ursol’s most captivating application lies with Treasure Hunter Eudora, included in the Tourist bundle within the Rogue. By completing her sidequest, you can obtain an exceptional spell that’s definitely worth transforming into a continuous Aura – similar to the Book of the Dead or Embers of Ragnaros. These powerful spells have the potential to decisively shift the game and are certainly worthy of seeking during your treasure-hunting adventure.

Lynnee’s Big Beast Hunter

  • 2x (1) Rangari Scout
  • 2x (1) Tracking
  • 2x (2) Birdwatching
  • 2x (2) Bitterbloom Knight
  • 2x (2) Detailed Notes
  • 2x (2) Exotic Houndmaster
  • 2x (2) Terrorscale Stalker
  • 2x (4) Flutterwing Guardian
  • 2x (4) Mystery Egg
  • 2x (4) Umbraclaw
  • 2x (5) Alien Encounters
  • 1x (5) Verdant Dreamsaber
  • 1x (7) Sasquawk
  • 1x (7) Toyrannosaurus
  • 1x (8) Malorne the Waywatcher
  • 1x (9) Goldrinn
  • 1x (9) King Plush
  • 1x (9) Zilliax Deluxe 3000
    • 1x (4) Virus Module
    • 1x (5) Perfect Module
  • 1x (100) The Ceaseless Expanse

Deck ID

Today’s stream was absolutely thrilling with all that Theorycrafting! 💛
I can hardly wait for the upcoming expansion – the anticipation is killing me!
By far, my Hunter cook deck was the star of the show. If anyone fancies giving it a go, it’s a blast to play with.

— Lynnee 🦖 🏹 (@Lynneesays) March 13, 2025

Let’s delve into the thrilling realm of esports once more to examine another sensational deck, focusing on Lynnee’s Hunter build. The Hunter’s Imbue Hero Power allows for discounted Beast cards, making it easier for players to deploy affordable King Plushes and Malorne the Waywatcher, a recent addition. Previous set favorites like Birdwatching and Sasquawk will prolong the onslaught of damage across several rounds. However, this deck’s success hinges on swift attacks as it isn’t recognized for its extensive resources.

Brigitteous’ Aggro Rogue

  • 2x (0) Shadowstep
  • 2x (1) Dreambound Raptor
  • 2x (1) Spacerock Collector
  • 2x (1) Twisted Webweaver
  • 2x (2) Defias Ringleader
  • 2x (2) Eredar Skulker
  • 2x (2) Eviscerate
  • 2x (2) Foxy Fraud
  • 2x (2) Harbinger of the Blighted
  • 2x (2) Web of Deception
  • 2x (3) Bargain Bin Buccaneer
  • 2x (3) Hopeful Dryad
  • 2x (3) SI:7 Agent
  • 2x (4) Dubious Purchase
  • 2x (4) Waggle Pick

Deck ID

Focus on the initial stages of the game rather than late-game strategies, as winning within five turns is often the key. It’s time to adopt an aggressive approach, and Brigitteous could be one of the top choices for early expansion aggro decks. Cards like Harbinger of the Blighted and Web of Deception can swiftly populate your board, while updated Core cards such as SI:7 Agent and Defias Ringleader have received significant boosts in power.

This Rogue deck lacks subtlety; it’s more about swift and powerful strikes. Interestingly, it doesn’t require a hefty investment to construct.

Ozzie’s Leech Death Knight

  • 2x (1) Monstrous Mosquito
  • 2x (1) Morbid Swarm
  • 2x (1) Rite of Atrocity
  • 2x (2) Hematurge
  • 2x (2) Infested Breath
  • 2x (2) Necrotic Mortician
  • 2x (3) Asphyxiate
  • 2x (3) Hopeful Dryad
  • 2x (4) Death Strike
  • 1x (4) Griftah, Trusted Vendor
  • 1x (4) Nightmare Lord Xavius
  • 2x (4) Sanguine Infestation
  • 2x (4) Treacherous Tormentor
  • 1x (6) Bob the Bartender
  • 2x (6) Hideous Husk
  • 1x (6) The Headless Horseman
  • 1x (9) Ursoc
  • 1x (9) Zilliax Deluxe 3000
    • 1x (4) Virus Module
    • 1x (5) Perfect Module

Deck ID

In this new Death Knight build, leeches have become ubiquitous. Cards such as Infested Breath and Sanguine Infestation will spawn Health-draining leeches on the character with the least health. The advantage is that if these leeches attack the opponent directly, their health cannot be restored. Hideous Husk is a key card, enabling leeches to steal even more health as long as it’s in play. However, there aren’t many Leech cards available, but with a bit of luck, you could draw another one through a Discover effect from a card like Hematurge.

Here are a few decks suggested for immediate use when you start playing Hearthstone: Into the Emerald Dream, as it launches today. We’d love to hear which decks you’re considering to try out! Share your thoughts below and let’s discuss.

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2025-03-25 18:31