Hearthstone is getting a major update next week on 25 January 2022 with Patch 22.2, which will focus on Battlegrounds mode and add the Battleground Buddies system.

The new buddy system will give each of the 75 Battlegrounds heroes their own unique “buddy” minion, specifically designed to synergize with and enhance that hero’s unique hero power. A Buddy Meter fills up during combat, awarding you first with a copy of your Buddy and then with two more to make a triple (golden) version. However, they will take up one of the seven spots on your board.

In Hearthstone Mercenaries, the update will add a new Training Grounds space that lets your characters passively gain experience while you play with other mercs, play other Hearthstone modes, or while not playing. The update will also add five new mercs (Balinda Stonehearth, Captain Galvangar, Lokholar, Wrathion, Sinestra) and some bounty updates.

Last but not least, the Lunar New Year celebration is coming to Hearthstone again for 2022. That event will include an exclusive card back (available January 25-February 8), Lunar Blessing tavern brawl (February 2-9), and special quests (February 2-16). There will also be balance changes coming to both Standard and Wild modes.

Check out the full Hearthstone 2.22 patch notes here.