Blizzard Releases Balance Patch for Heroes of the Storm – What’s New?

Blizzard released a balance and bug fix patch for Heroes of the Storm on May 11, 2026. The update introduces technical adjustments to map scaling and specific hero attributes, aimed at refining the competitive balance of the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title.

The update includes modifications to the Haunted Mines map, focusing on how objective scaling functions over the course of a match. Specifically, the scaling for Skulls has been increased from 5% to 7%. The scaling for Golems was adjusted to be lower before the five-minute mark, while scaling later in the game has been significantly increased.

A significant portion of the patch focuses on the hero Arthas, with changes to base statistics, abilities, and talent logic. Base health for Arthas was increased from 2,625 to 2,750, and the healing provided by the Death Coil [Q] ability was raised from 262 to 275.

The Frostmourne Hungers [D] ability saw a reduction in attack damage per quest stack, moving from 1 to 0.75, though the damage bonus on charged attacks was increased from 1 to 3. The slow benefit duration for Death Coil was extended from 0.75 seconds to 1.25 seconds.

Technical changes were also applied to Arthas’ talents. The Level 1 Frost Presence now allows targets to be hit by both the line and the final area upon unlocking the line damage. The Level 7 Icebound Fortitude now removes roots and slows upon activation.

The Level 20 Path of Frost talent underwent a logic change regarding movement speed. Instead of providing a flat +40% Movement Speed bonus, it now increases the minimum Movement Speed to 140%.

Now increases minimum Movement Speed to 140%, rather than providing +40% Movement Speed.

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Other heroes also received tuning to their kits. Chen’s Flying Kick [Q] damage increased from 120 to 130, and the shields provided per tick by Fortifying Brew [D] rose from 90 to 95. The delay before Chen is able to interrupt with Fortifying Brew was also slightly decreased. For Chen’s Level 1 Accumulating Flame talent, the initial hit now provides a quest stack, and the stack requirements were increased from 20/75 to 25/80.

Deathwing received a slight increase to Molten Flame damage per tick, moving from 19 to 20. However, the duration of the Level 20 Destroyers Rampage talent was reduced from six seconds to four seconds.

Gazlowe’s Rock-it Turret damage was increased from 37 to 43, and the damage bonus for the Level 1 One Man Wrecking Crew talent was raised from 60% to 75%.

Mal’Ganis saw several adjustments to talent and stack generation. The Level 1 Will of Tichondrius damage bonus per stack was reduced from 0.5 to 0.25, though the required damage to unlock the quest reward was decreased from 40 to 20. Stack generation for Winged Guard was improved, changing from once every six seconds to once every five seconds.

Further changes for Mal’Ganis include an increase in the movement speed bonus for the Level 13 Deep Sleep talent, which rose from 10% to 15%. The Level 20 Wrath of Nathreza talent saw its transferred damage increase from 75% to 85%.

While these updates provide necessary technical maintenance and balance for the current player base, they have sparked renewed discussion within the community. Some players have interpreted the continued release of balance patches as a sign of a potential broader return or relaunch for the game, although Blizzard has not officially confirmed any such plans.