View source for Heroes of the Storm

{{Short description|2015 video game}}
{{About|the video game|the tabletop role-playing game formerly titled Heroes of the Storm|Age of the Tempest}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Infobox video game
| title      = Heroes of the Storm
| image      = Heroes of the Storm BlizzHeroes 2017 logo.png
| caption    =
| developer  = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]
| publisher  = Blizzard Entertainment
| series     =
| engine     =
| platforms  = {{ubl|[[macOS]]|[[Windows]]}}
| released   = June 2, 2015
| genre      = [[MOBA]]
| modes      = [[Multiplayer]]
| director   = {{ubl|Dustin Browder|Alan Dabiri}}
| producer   = Kaéo Milker
| designer   =
| programmer =
| artist     =
| writer     =
| composer   = {{ubl|Glenn Stafford|Jason Hayes}}
}}

'''''Heroes of the Storm''''' is a [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] [[multiplayer online battle arena]] video game developed and published by [[Blizzard Entertainment]]. Announced at [[BlizzCon 2010]], it was released on June 2, 2015 for [[macOS]] and [[Windows]].<ref name="release">{{cite press release | url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150420005352/en/Blizzard%E2%80%99s-Worlds-Collide-Heroes-Storm%E2%84%A2-Launches-June#.VTUx_1VVhBe | title=Blizzard's Worlds Collide When Heroes of the Storm Launches June 2 - Everyone's invited to join the battle for the Nexus when open beta testing begins on May 19 | date=April 20, 2015 | access-date=April 20, 2015 | archive-date=April 23, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423214341/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150420005352/en/Blizzard%E2%80%99s-Worlds-Collide-Heroes-Storm%E2%84%A2-Launches-June#.VTUx_1VVhBe | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/18816|title=Heroes of the Storm System Requirements|website=Blizzard Support|language=en-us|access-date=2019-09-22|archive-date=December 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214021915/https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/18816|url-status=live}}</ref> The game features various characters from [[List of Blizzard Entertainment games|Blizzard's franchises]] as playable heroes, as well as different battlegrounds based on ''[[Warcraft]]'', ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]'', ''[[StarCraft]]'', and ''[[Overwatch]]'' universes.

Players form into five-player teams and fight against another team in 5-versus-5 matches, with an average game duration of roughly 20 minutes. The first team to destroy opponents' main structure, known as the "King's Core", wins the match. Each themed battleground has a different [[metagame]] and secondary objectives to secure, whose completion gives your team massive advantages, typically through pushing power. Every player controls a single character, known as a "hero", with a set of distinctive abilities and differing styles of play. Heroes become more powerful over the course of a match by collecting [[experience point]]s and unlocking "talents" that offer new abilities or augment existing ones, contributing to the team's overall strategy.

''Heroes of the Storm'' is inspired by ''[[Defense of the Ancients]]'', a community-created [[Mod (video gaming)|mod]] based on ''[[Warcraft III]]'', another video game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The game is [[free-to-play]] and is supported by [[microtransaction]]s which can be used to purchase heroes, visual alterations for the heroes in the game, mounts, and other cosmetic elements.<ref name="eurogamer-20130122">{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-21-blizzard-actively-working-on-blizzard-all-stars-so-whats-the-hold-up | title=Blizzard "actively working" on Blizzard All-Stars, so what's the hold up? | publisher=Eurogamer.net | date=January 22, 2013 | last=Yin-Poole | first=Wesley | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506043102/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-21-blizzard-actively-working-on-blizzard-all-stars-so-whats-the-hold-up | archive-date=May 6, 2013}}</ref><ref name="mlg-anaheim2012">{{cite interview | url=http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1160-dustin-browder-interview-mlg-anaheim-2012 | title=Dustin Browder Interview - MLG Anaheim 2012 | date=June 15, 2012 | last=Browder | first=Dustin | interviewer=StarCraft: Legacy - KDraconis | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013203349/http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1160-dustin-browder-interview-mlg-anaheim-2012 | archive-date=October 13, 2012}}</ref> Blizzard originally referred to the game as a "hero brawler",<ref>{{cite web |last=Gaston |first=Martin |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-explains-why-it-doesn-t-call-heroes-of-the-storm-a-moba/1100-6416084/ |title=Blizzard explains why it doesn't call Heroes of the Storm a MOBA |publisher=GameSpot |date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=November 17, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116030735/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-explains-why-it-doesn-t-call-heroes-of-the-storm-a-moba/1100-6416084/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but later started using the more common term for the genre — "multiplayer online battle arena" (MOBA).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the Nexus: Getting started in Heroes of the Storm |url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23822201/welcome-to-the-nexus-getting-started-in-heroes-of-the-storm |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=news.blizzard.com |language=en}}</ref>

As of July 2022, Blizzard had ended major development of the game and entered it into maintenance mode.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Heroes of the storm fight to capture temple.jpg|thumb|right|Captured temple fires laser beam on red team's forts on Sky Temple map.|265x265px]]
''Heroes of the Storm'' revolves around online 5-versus-5 matches, operated through [[Online game|online gaming]] service [[Battle.net]], with an average game duration of roughly 20 minutes.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/04/heroes-of-the-storm-2-0/|title=Heroes of the Storm: 2,490 matches later, here's why I can't stop playing|last=Mendelsohn|first=Tom|date=2017-04-25|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|access-date=2019-09-22|archive-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922060053/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/04/heroes-of-the-storm-2-0/|url-status=live}}</ref> In every match, players work together as a team to achieve the ultimate victory condition of destroying the opposing team's main structure, the "Core", before enemy team does the same. To reach the Core, at least one line of defensive structures, known as "forts" and "keeps", needs to be destroyed. Players can use the assistance of mercenary camps'','' battleground [[Boss (video gaming)|bosses]], and a small group of computer-controlled units, called "minions"'','' to assault the enemy more efficiently. Minions periodically [[Spawning (gaming)|spawn]] throughout the game in groups, marching along the lanes toward the enemy base. There are currently 15 battlegrounds available to play, each of which has different [[Metagaming|metagame]] and secondary objectives to secure.<ref name=":0">
{{cite web|title=Battlegrounds|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/battlegrounds/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827181149/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/battlegrounds/|archive-date=August 27, 2014|access-date=February 6, 2016|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.}}
</ref> Completing these secondary objectives can give your team massive advantages, typically through pushing power.

In all game modes, each player controls one of the 90 [[Player character|playable characters]] (as of November 2020),<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Heroes|url=https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/heroes/|access-date=2019-09-20|website=Heroes of the Storm|language=en|archive-date=October 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008213340/https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/heroes/|url-status=live}}</ref> called "heroes", with each having a unique design, strengths, and weaknesses. Heroes are divided into six separate roles: tank, bruiser, ranged assassin, melee assassin, healer, and support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/blog/22921910/|title=Hero role expansion|website=Heroes of the Storm|language=en|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=September 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902105824/https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/blog/22921910/|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, no heroes are permanently available for use; however, players may choose from a list of heroes that are free to use from a weekly rotation. By using the [[Virtual economy|in-game currency]], called "Gold", or through microtransactions, they can gain permanent access to a hero.

Each individual hero comes with a set of distinctive abilities. Ability kit is generally composed of three basic abilities usable right from level 1, a passive or active trait, and a powerful "heroic ability". Upon reaching level 10, players can choose between two "heroics"<ref name=":3" /> which often have a devastating effect and a long [[cooldown]]. Heroics are usually the strongest tools in an arsenal that define a hero's strengths and playstyle. A hero can only gain one type of heroic per match. If a hero [[Life (gaming)|runs out of health points]] and dies, they are removed from active play until a [[Spawning (video games)|respawn]] timer counts down to zero, after which they subsequently respawn at the rear of their team's base, known as the "Hall of Storms". Furthermore, the Hall of Storms allows heroes to quickly restore their health and [[Magic (game terminology)|mana]] over time as long as they are within the Hall.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Math of the Storm: Basic mechanics deep dive|url=https://tempostorm.com/articles/math-of-the-storm-basic-mechanics-deep-dive|access-date=September 4, 2020|website=Tempo Storm|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705053207/https://tempostorm.com/articles/math-of-the-storm-basic-mechanics-deep-dive|url-status=live}}</ref> The Hall also offers protection from enemy damage and effects, and enemy players are repelled outward a slight distance in a sudden fashion upon entering an opposing team's Hall.

[[Experience point]]s, which players can gain by gathering experience globes from fallen minions, are shared across the entire team. This is uncommon for the MOBA genre, in which most games employ a system of separate, per-player experience and leveling. In addition, certain enemy structures, such as towers, forts and keeps, will provide experience to the team who destroys them, as well as captured mercenary camps.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/22556628/heroes-of-the-storm-2019-gameplay-updates|title=Heroes of the Storm: 2019 Gameplay Updates|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-23|archive-date=September 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923161720/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/22556628/heroes-of-the-storm-2019-gameplay-updates|url-status=live}}</ref> When a team during the course of the match reaches a certain experience point threshold, every hero on that team levels up, acquiring slightly amplified powers, up to a maximum level of 30. Every few levels, players may select a "talent" which offers a new ability or augments an existing one. Two significant power spikes are at level 10 and level 20, where heroes gain access to some of the most powerful talents in the game, referred to as "heroic" and "storm talents", respectively. This leveling system emphasizes the importance of teamwork and planning since a player's action can affect the whole team.

In addition to the talent system, each player is able to use a "Hearthstone", an ability that allows heroes to teleport back to their base from anywhere on the battleground after a few seconds of channeling without receiving damage, using abilities, or attacking.<ref name=":4" /> Players can also utilize various mounts, such as animals, bikes, and clouds, to increase their movement speed, automatically dismounting when attacking, receiving damage or using most abilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wowhead.com/news=223449/heroes-of-the-storm-what-we-know|title=Heroes of the Storm: What We Know|last=Ashelia|website=Wowhead|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920054240/https://www.wowhead.com/news%3D223449/heroes-of-the-storm-what-we-know|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Game modes===
''Heroes of the Storm'' includes several game modes from which players can choose, including the option to play either against computer-controlled Heroes or other players.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heroesofthestorm.com/en/game/|title=Game Modes - Heroes of the Storm|website=heroesofthestorm.com|language=en-us|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095001/https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/game/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Tutorials''' - The tutorials are composed of three scripted 'levels' that are aimed at new players with the intent of teaching movement, use of abilities and other basic controls. The player controls [[Jim Raynor]], who is teleported from the ''StarCraft'' universe into the Nexus, receiving instructions from Uther Lightbringer from the ''Warcraft'' series.
* '''Training''' - A reduced experience mode where a player teams up with four AI teammates against five AI opponents set at the Beginner difficulty.
* '''Versus A.I.''' - Players face off against five [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] opponents. Before starting the match, the player can choose to have human-controlled or AI allies. The difficulty setting of the AI can also be chosen prior to initiating a match.
* '''Quick Match''' - Players choose their heroes before entering the match without knowing what map they are playing, or what heroes they will be matched with and against. This mode sets two teams of five human-controlled heroes against each other on a random map in [[player versus player]] (PvP) style combat. These teams are selected based on the player's past performance to create an even playing field, as well as the roles of heroes chosen. For example, if a player queues without other party members as a Support, they are extremely unlikely to be matched with four other Support teammates.
* '''Unranked Draft''' - Before the start of an Unranked Draft game, opposing teams must engage in a "draft", alternating in choosing characters for each team's respective composition of 5 Heroes. As this draft progresses, each team is aware of the choices of the other, as well as the battleground the game on which the game will be played. This invites a higher level of skill in which players must wisely choose their characters according to the compositions of each team and their knowledge of how the various battlegrounds differ. Throughout the draft, each team may ban a total of 3 Heroes, prohibiting either team from picking these Heroes for the remainder of the draft. Unranked Draft is often seen as a mode to introduce players to a system more similar to the ranked Storm League mode than Quick Match, but without the risk of a player potentially altering their MMR.
* '''Storm League''' - Storm League uses a draft phase before gameplay which functions identically to the draft system used in Unranked Draft; however, players are chosen to play with and against each other based on rankings established through their past Storm League performance. Players are ranked in leagues from Bronze (lowest) to Grand Master (highest) based on their in-game performance. Each league below Master (the second-highest league) is divided into 5 subcategories, referred to as divisions. These divisions number 1-5, with 1 being the highest-ranked and 5 being the lowest-ranked. Within Master, divisions are not used. Instead, players are sorted directly by their MMR points, and the top 100 Master-ranked players who have won at least 35 games in the current season are considered Grand Masters. An online leaderboard maintained by Blizzard shows the list of current Grand Master players in each major region, updated nightly.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Heroes of the Storm|url=https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/leaderboards/storm/19/americas/|access-date=2021-12-05|website=Heroes of the Storm|language=en}}</ref> Players who choose to play competitively as an individual or as part of a team of up to 5 players can play in a Storm League match to be matched with other players in the region of their choice. In order to play in Storm League, players must have access to 16 heroes at hero-level 5 or higher{{efn|name=chogall|Excluding Cho'Gall, a unique combination-focused Hero that is controlled by 2 players simultaneously}} and have an account-level of 50 or higher. Heroes that the player does not ''technically'' own but has unlocked through the weekly rotation of free Heroes count toward the requisite 16 Heroes. As players compete in these matches, they will be awarded rank points which will alter their rank and be used to match them against other players of similar rankings. Player rank is expressed in the form of League Tiers and Divisions, and this rank is assigned separately for each individual player. Rank is determined by the player's MMR directly and adjusted by penalties, such as Leaver Penalty. The first official Ranked Play season began on June 14, 2016, and ended on September 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20142851/ranked-season-1-roll-and-rewards-6-13-2016|title=Ranked Season 1 Roll and Rewards|access-date=August 9, 2016|archive-date=September 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915053005/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20142851/ranked-season-1-roll-and-rewards-6-13-2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Each Ranked Play season is set to last for approximately 3–4 months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-gb/heroes-of-the-storm/22821339/2019-ranked-season-1-dates-and-rewards|title=2019 Ranked Season 1 Dates and Rewards|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920054238/https://news.blizzard.com/en-gb/heroes-of-the-storm/22821339/2019-ranked-season-1-dates-and-rewards|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23013883/2019-season-3-changes-and-updates|title=2019 Season 3 – Changes and Updates|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=July 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705183318/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23013883/2019-season-3-changes-and-updates|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Heroes Brawl'''{{efn|name=brawl|"Heroes Brawl" has been replaced with "ARAM" on September 8, 2020.}} - Added on October 18, 2016, this game mode had three different subcategories with varying rules. Completing 3 games of Heroes Brawl each week would earn the player a reward of one loot box. Heroes Brawl was removed as an available game mode on September 8, 2020, and replaced with ARAM. While the game mode was active, the rules of Heroes Brawl would change every week, including the following variations:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/heroes-of-the-storm-is-getting-its-own-weekly-brawl-mode/|title=Heroes of the Storm is getting its own weekly brawl mode|last=Chalk|first=Andy|date=2016-10-04|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920054239/https://www.pcgamer.com/heroes-of-the-storm-is-getting-its-own-weekly-brawl-mode/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heroesofthestorm.com/en/game/heroes-brawl/|title=Heroes Brawl - Heroes of the Storm|website=heroesofthestorm.com|language=en-us|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095002/https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/game/|url-status=live}}</ref>
** '''Arenas''' - Players pick one of three (mostly) randomly selected Heroes and try to complete the objective. The first team to complete the objective will claim victory. The first to win two rounds wins the match. There are multiple arena maps exclusively designed for this mode. The Hero options given to the players are not entirely random, as certain characters are banned from the game mode, and certain precautions have been made to ensure team balance. For example, if one team is offered the choice of a healer-role Hero, the other team will be offered a healer as well.
** '''Mutators''' - Unique mechanics change the way you play on existing Battlegrounds. For example, one version allowed players to play the game using only "mages", or Heroes who primarily focus on dealing damage via magic rather than supporting their allies or dealing damage through more physical means.
** '''Single-Lanes''' - One-lane Battlegrounds with no objectives other than the destruction of the enemy's structures. Heroes are chosen using the same "choose from three" method employed in the Arenas subcategory of Heroes Brawl. Usage of the "Hearthstone" to teleport to the Hall of Storms is disabled, and the Hall of Storms provides no healing or mana restoration, although it will still grant immunity damage and disabling effects to players within its area. Due to the altered geography of a single-lane battleground drastically changing the strategy necessary to win the game and subsequently the game's balance between characters, certain Heroes have been restricted from the pool of available characters to choose at the start of the game.
*'''ARAM''' - Added on September 8, 2020, ARAM (All Random, All Mid) is functionally identical to the aforementioned Single-Lanes game mode of Heroes Brawl.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes - September 8, 2020|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23513939/heroes-of-the-storm-live-patch-notes-september-8-2020|access-date=2021-12-05|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en}}</ref> Thus, the shift from Heroes Brawl to ARAM amounted to an effective removal of the Arenas and Mutator subcategories of Heroes Brawl.
* '''Custom Games''' - Often used for tournament play, players can create a lobby and make a predetermined match-up of up to five players versus five players, with the ability to choose the map, whether to enable draft mode, and whether to add AI-controlled heroes and/or allow up to six observers.

===Matchmaking===
Matchmaking is based on the [[Elo rating system]] with proprietary adjustments.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/29/8934592/heroes-of-the-storm-update-qhira-storm-league-ranked|title=Heroes of the Storm is getting a new hero and ranked queue system|last=Marshall|first=Cass|date=2019-07-29|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=October 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014081315/https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/29/8934592/heroes-of-the-storm-update-qhira-storm-league-ranked|url-status=live}}</ref> MMR (matchmaking rating) is calculated individually for each player, and it is tracked separately for every game mode.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/heroes-storm-team-talks-blizzcon-new-hero-qhira-and-future|title=Adam Jackson, Live Designer: Each game mode has a separate MMR for each player.|date=2019-07-30|website=Windows Central|language=en|access-date=2019-09-22|archive-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922074255/https://www.windowscentral.com/heroes-storm-team-talks-blizzcon-new-hero-qhira-and-future|url-status=live}}</ref> In ranked mode matchmaker tries to place players with similar ratings together,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dignitas.gg/articles/blogs/Heroes-Of-The-Storm/13600/on-storm-league-and-the-evolution-of-ranked-play-in-hots|title=You can no longer queue together with players that are more than two Leagues apart from your own rank.|website=dignitas.gg|date=April 23, 2019|access-date=2019-09-22|archive-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922065547/http://dignitas.gg/articles/blogs/Heroes-Of-The-Storm/13600/on-storm-league-and-the-evolution-of-ranked-play-in-hots|url-status=live}}</ref> while generally attempts to balance both teams based on each player's MMR to find and create even games.

==Business model==
''Heroes of the Storm'' is [[free-to-play]], based on the [[freemium]] business model, and is supported by [[micropayments]] using three in-game currencies: "Gems", "Gold", and "Shards". Gold is [[Virtual economy|in-game currency]] that can be earned by playing the game, completing daily, seasonal and event quests, and leveling up ([[Loot box|Loot Chests]] can be acquired in the same way). Gold can be used to buy heroes, gold-only mounts, hero mastery rings,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/blog/23185580/|title=New Feature: Mastery Rings|website=Heroes of the Storm|language=en|access-date=2019-11-29|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095040/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23185580|url-status=live}}</ref> Loot Chests and Shards. Gems can be earned in-game or purchased with real money, and Shards are acquired from duplicate items from Loot Chests or purchased with Gold. Players can use either Gems or Shards to buy skins, mounts and other cosmetic elements, such as banners, sprays, announcers, voice lines, emojis, and portraits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/blog/22887055/heroes-of-the-storm-live-patch-notes-february-12-2019-2019-2-12/|title=All Skins and most Mounts in the collection are now available for purchase with Gems or crafting with Shards|website=Heroes of the Storm|language=en|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920064513/https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/blog/22887055/heroes-of-the-storm-live-patch-notes-february-12-2019-2019-2-12/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/blog/22933132/heroes-of-the-storm-live-patch-notes-march-26-2019-2019-3-26/|title=Loot chests are no longer available for Gem purchase|website=Heroes of the Storm|language=en|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920064515/https://heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/blog/22933132/heroes-of-the-storm-live-patch-notes-march-26-2019-2019-3-26/|url-status=live}}</ref> Heroes, as the only category in Collection with a material effect on gameplay, may be purchased by either Gems or Gold.

Gem-only items in Collection are "bundles" (dynamic groups of ''Heroes of the Storm'' content), and "boosts" (formerly called "stimpacks") which increase Gold and account experience earned per match.

==Development==
{{multiple image
 | width = 150
 | image1 = Dustin Browder at BlizzCon 2009 (cropped).jpg
 | image2 = Alan Dabiri playing with L80ETC at BlizzCon 2009 (cropped).jpg
 | footer = Directors Dustin Browder (left) and Alan Dabiri (right)
}}
As a part of the arcade feature for ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]'', a custom map called "Blizzard DOTA" was announced alongside several other [[Mod (video gaming)|mods]] of Blizzard Entertainment at BlizzCon 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/104641-BlizzCon-2010-Hands-On-Blizzard-DotA-Left-2-Die-Starjeweled | title=BlizzCon 2010: Hands-On Blizzard DotA, Left 2 Die, Starjeweled | publisher=The Escapist Magazine | date=October 22, 2010 |last=Funk |first=John |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026014811/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/104641-BlizzCon-2010-Hands-On-Blizzard-DotA-Left-2-Die-Starjeweled |archive-date=October 26, 2010 }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Kuchera|first=Ben|date=2014-05-21|title=Blizzard set out to make a StarCraft mod, and instead reinvented gaming's most popular genre|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/21/5723572/heroes-of-the-storm-making-of-blizzard|access-date=2020-06-07|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|language=en|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807090059/https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/21/5723572/heroes-of-the-storm-making-of-blizzard|url-status=live}}</ref> At that time, the map was developed to showcase the modding abilities that were to be added to ''StarCraft II''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAgUx0nmgRc | title=Blizzard DotA - BlizzCon 2010 - Matt Gotcher, StarCraft II Level Designer | publisher=YouTube.com | date=October 23, 2010 | access-date=March 2, 2013 | archive-date=October 22, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022184345/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAgUx0nmgRc | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, however, development of ''Blizzard DOTA'' was rebooted and demoed at [[BlizzCon 2011]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-22-blizzard-dota-completely-rebooted | title=Blizzard DOTA "completely rebooted" | publisher=Eurogamer.net | date=August 22, 2011 | access-date=March 2, 2013 | last=Yin-Poole | first=Wesley | archive-date=February 22, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222011451/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-22-blizzard-dota-completely-rebooted | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/3768746/StarCraft_II_%E2%80%93_Blizzard_All_Stars__Mod_Tools_Panel-10_22_2011 | title=StarCraft II – Blizzard All Stars & Mod Tools Panel | publisher=Blizzard Entertainment | date=October 22, 2011 | access-date=March 2, 2013 | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210126/http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/3768746/StarCraft_II_%E2%80%93_Blizzard_All_Stars__Mod_Tools_Panel-10_22_2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> In comparison to the previous iteration previewed at BlizzCon 2010, the gameplay was described as "fast" and "streamlined."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/hands-on-with-blizzard-dota-tweaking-the-genre-blizzard-created/ | title=Hands-on with Blizzard DOTA: Tweaking the genre it created | publisher=Joystiq.com | date=October 21, 2011 | access-date=March 2, 2013 | last=McCurley | first=Mathew | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208162620/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/hands-on-with-blizzard-dota-tweaking-the-genre-blizzard-created/ | archive-date=February 8, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/blizzard-dota/1210509p1.html | title=BlizzCon 2011: Blizzard DOTA Impressions | publisher=GameSpy | date=October 23, 2011 | access-date=March 2, 2013 | last=Johnson | first=Leif | archive-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218174756/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/blizzard-dota/1210509p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

Following the announcement of ''[[Dota 2]]'' by [[Valve Corporation|Valve]], [[Rob Pardo]], the [[Director (business)|executive vice president]] of Blizzard Entertainment, expressed concern at Valve using and trademarking a name that originated from within the ''Warcraft III'' community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-10-blizzard-legally-opposes-valves-dota-trademark-application|title=Blizzard legally opposes Valve's Dota trademark application|last=Purchese|first=Robert|date=2012-02-10|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=2019-09-22|archive-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922065548/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-10-blizzard-legally-opposes-valves-dota-trademark-application|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a failed trademark injunction on the part of [[Riot Games]], Blizzard acquired Riot's subsidiary, DotA-Allstars, LLC., the original company that represented the servicing of ''[[Defense of the Ancients]].''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/decoding-blizzarde28099s-trademark-dispute-who-really-owns-dota/2/|title=Who really owns DOTA?|last=Edwards|first=Tim|date=2012-02-16|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-22|archive-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922065548/https://www.pcgamer.com/decoding-blizzarde28099s-trademark-dispute-who-really-owns-dota/2/|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, Blizzard filed an opposition against Valve for claiming the ''DotA'' trademark.<ref>{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |url=http://kotaku.com/5883938/blizzard-and-valve-go-to-war-over-dota-name |title=Blizzard and Valve go to War Over DOTA Name |date=February 10, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku |archive-date=June 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604075718/http://kotaku.com/5883938/blizzard-and-valve-go-to-war-over-dota-name}}</ref> On May 11, 2012, Blizzard and Valve announced that the dispute had been settled, with Valve retaining the commercial franchising rights to the term ''"Dota"'', while Blizzard would change the name of ''Blizzard DOTA'' to ''Blizzard All-Stars''. Blizzard, however, will retain the right to use DOTA name non-commercially. This includes promoting DOTA-style maps made for Blizzard games by the community.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Jim |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/05/11/valve-blizzard-reach-dota-trademark-agreement.aspx |title=Valve, Blizzard Reach DOTA Trademark Agreement |date=May 11, 2012 |publisher=[[Game Informer]] |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724090129/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/05/11/valve-blizzard-reach-dota-trademark-agreement.aspx }}</ref>

In June 2012, [[Dustin Browder]], the director of ''StarCraft II'', stated that ''Blizzard All-Stars'' did not have a release date, but that it would definitely be after the release of ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''.<ref name="mlg-anaheim2012" /> In February 2013, the [[Activision Blizzard]] fourth quarter 2012 earnings report listed ''Blizzard All-Stars'' as one of the areas of continued investment for Blizzard throughout 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://diablo.somepage.com/news/1489-activision-blizzard-q4-2012-earnings-report | title=Activision Blizzard Q4 2012 Earnings Report | publisher=diablo.somepage.com | date=February 7, 2013 | access-date=March 2, 2013 | last=Bramblet | first=Matthew | archive-date=November 26, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126190752/https://diablo.somepage.com/news/1489-activision-blizzard-q4-2012-earnings-report | url-status=live }}</ref> Browder commented in March 2013 that a few artists had transitioned from the ''StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm'' team, to work on ''Blizzard All-Stars'' for the time being along with the few designers on the team.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/8983614/Reddit_AMA_Full_Transcript-3_6_2013 | title=Reddit AMA Full Transcript - Dustin Browder, Alan Dabiri, David Kim | publisher=Blizzard Entertainment | date=March 6, 2013 | access-date=March 17, 2013 | archive-date=December 15, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215122428/http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/8983614/Reddit_AMA_Full_Transcript-3_6_2013 | url-status=live }}</ref>  One challenge faced by art team, according to the senior art director [[Samwise Didier]], was bringing in three different art styles and themes from ''Warcraft'', ''StarCraft'', and ''Diablo'' in line to make the art style for the game.<ref name=":6" />''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Heroes of the Storm designer: 'I'd change every single hero in the game'|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/heroes-of-the-storm-designer-id-change-every-single-hero-in-the-game/|date=2015-06-01|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-01|archive-date=April 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426035046/https://venturebeat.com/2015/06/01/heroes-of-the-storm-designer-id-change-every-single-hero-in-the-game/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2013 the game went into wider internal testing. Blizzard president [[Mike Morhaime]] described it as Blizzard's version of an "action real-time strategy" game. The ''Blizzard All-Stars'' team was expanded in May 2013, from some of the resources who were reallocated when Blizzard's ''[[Titan (Blizzard Entertainment project)|Titan]]'' project was rebooted and the team downsized.<ref name="atvi-q2-2013">{{cite web |url=http://diablo.somepage.com/news/1603-diablo-iii-announcement-coming-at-gamescon |title=Diablo III Announcement Coming at Gamescon - Activision Blizzard Q2 2013 earnings report details the Blizzard All-Star progress and 'Project Titan' revamp |publisher=Diablo Somepage |date=August 1, 2013 |access-date=September 22, 2013 |last=Bramblet |first=Matthew |archive-date=August 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809012024/http://diablo.somepage.com/news/1603-diablo-iii-announcement-coming-at-gamescon |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 17, 2013, the name of the game was changed to ''Heroes of the Storm''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-s-diablo-starcraft-wow-crossover-has-a-new-nam-1447238984 | title=Blizzard's Diablo/Starcraft/WoW Crossover Has a New Name | publisher=Kotaku | date=October 17, 2013 | last=Narcisse | first=Evan | access-date=October 17, 2013 | archive-date=October 20, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020114040/http://kotaku.com/blizzard-s-diablo-starcraft-wow-crossover-has-a-new-nam-1447238984 | url-status=live }}</ref>

''Heroes of the Storm'' entered a technical alpha testing phase on March 13, 2014,<ref name="tech-alpha">{{cite web | url=http://www.heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/news/13290651/the-heroes-of-the-storm-technical-alpha-is-now-live | title=The Heroes of the Storm Technical Alpha is Now LIVE! | publisher=Blizzard Entertainment | date=March 13, 2014 | access-date=March 14, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525185554/http://www.heroesofthestorm.com/en-us/news/13290651/the-heroes-of-the-storm-technical-alpha-is-now-live | archive-date=May 25, 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> which went offline on September 22, 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/15951562/final-phase-of-technical-alpha-coming-9-19-2014 | title=Final Phase of Technical Alpha Coming | publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]] | date=September 9, 2014 | access-date=February 10, 2015 | archive-date=February 16, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216012417/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/15951562/final-phase-of-technical-alpha-coming-9-19-2014 | url-status=live }}</ref> The technical alpha went back online on October 7, 2014, for North America, Latin America, South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The servers for Europe, Korea, China, and [[Taiwan]] went online in the following weeks.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/16204865/technical-alpha-is-back-online-10-7-2014 | title=Technical Alpha is Back Online! | publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]] | date=October 7, 2014 | access-date=April 14, 2015 | archive-date=April 14, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414125022/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/16204865/technical-alpha-is-back-online-10-7-2014 | url-status=live }}</ref> The technical alpha continued until the beginning of the closed beta. Closed beta testing started on January 13, 2015.<ref name="beta-blizzcon2014">{{cite web | url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/16508708/heroes-closed-beta-announced-at-blizzcon-2014-11-7-2014 | title=Heroes Closed Beta Announced at BlizzCon 2014 | publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]] | date=November 11, 2014 | access-date=November 16, 2014 | archive-date=November 9, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109230607/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/16508708/heroes-closed-beta-announced-at-blizzcon-2014-11-7-2014 | url-status=live }}</ref> As of February 2015, over 9 million players had signed up for eligibility to receive an invite to beta testing.<ref name="atvi-q4-2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestreet.com/print/story/13038379.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150211065735/http://www.thestreet.com/print/story/13038379.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 11, 2015 |title=Activision Blizzard (ATVI) Earnings Report: Q4 2014 Conference Call Transcript |publisher=[[TheStreet.com]] |date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=February 10, 2015 }}</ref> The open beta of the game began on May 19, 2015, and the full version of the game was released on June 2, 2015.<ref name="release"/><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=From Warcraft III to Heroes of the Storm, Talking Art and Blizzard's Long History with Samwise Didier - AusGamers.com|url=https://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3564332|access-date=2019-11-24|website=www.ausgamers.com|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806100904/https://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3564332|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Post-release===
====Promotions====
While the game was in Alpha testing, Blizzard ran a promotion as part of the pre-order for ''[[Diablo III: Reaper of Souls]]'' which unlocked Valla as a free hero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/13032539/reaper-of-souls%E2%84%A2-pre-order-loot-revealed-2-24-2014|title=Reaper of Souls - Pre-order loot revealed|access-date=July 21, 2015|archive-date=May 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531033718/http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/13032539/reaper-of-souls%E2%84%A2-pre-order-loot-revealed-2-24-2014|url-status=live}}</ref> To mark the release of ''Heroes of the Storm'', Blizzard had crossovers implemented between Blizzard games. Players who reached account level 12 in ''Heroes of the Storm'' received the ''Heroes of the Storm'' themed card back in ''[[Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft|Hearthstone]]'' and after winning 100 play mode matches in ''Hearthstone'' received the Hearthstone Card mount in ''Heroes of the Storm''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hearthpwn.com/news/893-new-heroes-of-the-storm-themed-card-back|title=New Heroes of the StormThemed Card Back, Hearthstone Mount in Heroes of the Storm|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=May 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510012325/http://www.hearthpwn.com/news/893-new-heroes-of-the-storm-themed-card-back|url-status=live}}</ref> Players who reached account level 20 in ''Heroes of the Storm'' received a Grave Golem battle pet in ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' and after reaching level 100 in ''World of Warcraft'' received an Ironside Dire Wolf mount in ''Heroes of the Storm''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/19529833/heroes-of-the-storm-patch-notes-june-2-2015-6-2-2015|title=Heroes of the Storm Patch Notes|date=June 2, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=June 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605233509/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/19529833/heroes-of-the-storm-patch-notes-june-2-2015-6-2-2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After the Diablo hero patch, any player who purchased ''Diablo III'' was given the Diablo hero (Al'Diabolos) free for a limited time; players who reach level 12 in ''Heroes of the Storm'' will receive a unique pennant and portrait frame in ''Diablo III'' and reaching level 70 Season 4 and beyond receive Malthael's Phantom mount in ''Heroes of the Storm''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/19867266/play-diablo-iii-and-reap-the-benefits-in-the-nexus-8-17-2015|title=Play Diablo III And Reap The Benefits In The Nexus!|date=August 7, 2015|access-date=August 29, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905060630/http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/19867266/play-diablo-iii-and-reap-the-benefits-in-the-nexus-8-17-2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Players who purchase the ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]'' deluxe or collector's editions receive a Void Seeker mount in ''Heroes of the Storm'' and purchasing any edition of ''Legacy of the Void'' unlocks the Artanis hero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blizzard.gamespress.com/en-CA/PRE-PURCHASE-STARCRAFT-II-LEGACY-OF-THE-VOID-AND-PLAY-THE-WHISPERS-OF-|title=Pre-purchase Starcraft II: Legacy of the Void and play the "Whispers Of Oblivion" prologue today|access-date=July 15, 2015|archive-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716084508/http://blizzard.gamespress.com/en-CA/PRE-PURCHASE-STARCRAFT-II-LEGACY-OF-THE-VOID-AND-PLAY-THE-WHISPERS-OF-|url-status=live}}</ref> Players who purchase the Origins Edition of [[Overwatch (video game)|''Overwatch'']] unlock [[Tracer (Overwatch)|Tracer]] as a free hero.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/06/overwatch-origins-edition-release-date-set-for-spring-2016|title=Blizzcon 2015: Overwatch: Origins Edition Release Date Set For Spring 2016|last1=Dyer|first1=Mitch|website=[[IGN]]|date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=February 1, 2016|archive-date=August 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819214336/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/06/overwatch-origins-edition-release-date-set-for-spring-2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the ''Nexus Challenge'' event (November 15, 2016 – January 4, 2017), each player who completed 15 games of ''Heroes of the Storm'' together with a friend received the Oni Genji skin, Oni Genji Portrait and Oni Genji Spray in ''Overwatch'', and [[Zarya (Overwatch)|Zarya]] as a free hero in ''Heroes of the Storm''. After completing 30 games with a friend, players unlocked four additional heroes (Auriel, Greymane, [[Sarah Kerrigan|Kerrigan]], and Li-Ming), the Orochi Hovercycle mount, and a 30-Day stimpack in ''Heroes of the Storm''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20327397/take-the-nexus-challenge-11-15-2016|title=Take the Nexus Challenge|access-date=November 24, 2016|archive-date=November 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124221412/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20327397/take-the-nexus-challenge-11-15-2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the ''For Azeroth!'' event (February 14, 2017 – March 14, 2017, then extended for March 17, 2017 – March 26, 2017), each player who completed 15 games of ''Heroes of the Storm'' together with a friend while playing as a ''Warcraft'' character, received a Flames of Judgement Charger mount and a 10-day stimpack to use in-game. They also received a Primal Flamesaber mount for ''World of Warcraft''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20532383/for-azeroth-2-6-2017|title=For Azeroth!|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075200/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20532383/for-azeroth-2-6-2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the ''Nexus Challenge 2.0'' event (April 24, 2017 – May 22, 2017), all players could choose to permanently unlock 1 of 4 Mega Bundles; Assassin, Flex, Support & Specialist, and Tanks & Bruisers. For each of the 4 weeks of the event, players who completed 5 matches with a friend could unlock various Overwatch-themed rewards for the players' ''Heroes of the Storm'' and ''Overwatch'' accounts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20721900/heroes-of-the-storm-20-launch-notes-april-25-2017-4-25-2017|title=Heroes of the Storm 2.0 Launch Notes - April 25, 2017|access-date=2017-05-25|language=en-US|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426003445/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20721900/heroes-of-the-storm-20-launch-notes-april-25-2017-4-25-2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

====''Heroes of the Storm 2.0''====
On March 29, 2017, game director Alan Dabiri announced ''Heroes of the Storm 2.0'', described as "a culmination of all the ways Blizzard transformed the Nexus since launch, plus plenty of radical additions on their way".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes20/|title=Heroes 2.0|access-date=March 29, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329161334/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes20/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Heroes2.0Announce">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpNkFA7gAHI|title=Developer Update: Heroes of the Storm 2.0|date=March 29, 2017 |via=www.youtube.com|access-date=March 29, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329154928/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpNkFA7gAHI&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> A major feature of the patch was a revamp of the player and hero progression systems. The level caps (40 for players in general, and 20 for individual heroes) were removed, and the uneven experience curve for leveling heroes was smoothed out. Another feature was the introduction of [[Loot box|Loot Chests]] which contain cosmetic rewards, similar to the system used in ''Overwatch''. In addition to heroes, skins, and mounts, the chests can also include new portraits, banners, emojis, custom announcer voices (similar to ''StarCraft II''), hero voice lines, and graffiti sprays (both similar to ''Overwatch''). Loot Chests can be acquired by leveling up or purchased with Gold.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/03/24/heroes-of-the-storm-will-remove-the-ability-to-buy-loot-boxes-with-real-money/|title=Heroes Of The Storm will remove the ability to buy loot boxes with real money|last=Castello|first=Jay|date=2019-03-24|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=November 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115093110/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/03/24/heroes-of-the-storm-will-remove-the-ability-to-buy-loot-boxes-with-real-money/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icy-veins.com/forums/topic/42575-upcoming-changes-to-shards-loot-boxes-in-heroes-of-the-storm/|title=Upcoming Changes to Shards & Loot Boxes in Heroes of the Storm|website=Icy Veins Forums|date=March 20, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920112928/https://www.icy-veins.com/forums/topic/42575-upcoming-changes-to-shards-loot-boxes-in-heroes-of-the-storm/|url-status=live}}</ref> The in-game shop was remodeled and retitled "Collection", and two new currencies, "Gems" and "Shards", were added in addition to the existing "Gold" which was the only in-game currency before ''Heroes 2.0'' update. A loadout system for cosmetic additions was also included. As part of the announcement, a new ''Diablo'' hero, the Amazon Cassia, was highlighted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes/cassia/|title=Cassia - Heroes of the Storm|access-date=March 29, 2017|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330050444/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes/cassia/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Heroes 2.0'' went into beta testing on March 29, and was released on April 25.<ref>{{cite web|title=Heroes of the Storm 2.0 Launch Notes - April 25, 2017|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20721900/heroes-of-the-storm-20-launch-notes-april-25-2017-4-25-2017|website=Heroes of the Storm|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426003445/http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/20721900/heroes-of-the-storm-20-launch-notes-april-25-2017-4-25-2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Downsizing====
On December 13, 2018, Blizzard President J. Allen Brack and Blizzard Chief Development Officer Ray Gresko jointly announced that some developers from ''Heroes of the Storm'' would be moving to other projects, and that the game would be transitioning to a long-term support phase. Blizzard also announced the cancellation of their esports tournaments, Heroes Global Championship and Heroes of the Dorm.<ref>{{cite web |title=Heroes of the Storm News . . . |url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/blizzard/22833558/heroes-of-the-storm-news |work=[[Blizzard.com]] |access-date=14 December 2018 |date=13 December 2018 |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309103825/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/blizzard/22833558/heroes-of-the-storm-news |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/12/blizzard-shifts-developers-away-from-heroes-of-the-storm/ |title=Blizzard shifts developers away from Heroes of the Storm |first=Kyle |last=Orland |date=14 December 2018 |access-date=4 March 2019 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214190101/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/12/blizzard-shifts-developers-away-from-heroes-of-the-storm/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/blizzard-abruptly-kills-heroes-of-the-storm-esports-le-1831103023 |title=Blizzard Abruptly Kills Heroes of the Storm Esports, Leaving Players And Casters Fuming |first=Jason |last=Schreier |date=14 December 2018 |access-date=4 March 2019 |work=[[Kotaku.com]] |publisher=[[Gizmodo Media Group]] |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214221022/https://kotaku.com/blizzard-abruptly-kills-heroes-of-the-storm-esports-le-1831103023 |url-status=live }}</ref> Members of the esports community around ''Heroes'' stated they were caught off guard by the announcement and had been told as recently as BlizzCon 2018 that HGC would continue.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/14/18141331/heroes-of-the-storm-canceled-hgc-blizzard-community |title=Heroes of the Storm pros vent sadness, anger after Blizzard kills game's esports future |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=14 December 2018 |access-date=4 March 2019 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media, Inc.]] |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215032545/https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/14/18141331/heroes-of-the-storm-canceled-hgc-blizzard-community |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/heroes-of-the-storm-esports-players-furious-after-blizzards-decision-to-discontinue-hgc/ |title=Heroes of the Storm pros furious over Blizzard's decision to discontinue HGC |first=Tyler |last=Wilde |date=14 December 2018 |access-date=4 March 2019 |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future US, Inc.]] |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215065634/https://www.pcgamer.com/heroes-of-the-storm-esports-players-furious-after-blizzards-decision-to-discontinue-hgc/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a message posted on the game's official forums, production director Kaéo Milker confirmed the game would continue receiving updates and new content, though at a slower pace than before.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/heroes/t/a-message-from-kaeo-milker/10022|title=A Message from Kaéo Milker|last=Milker|first=Kaéo|date=December 14, 2018|work=[[Blizzard.com]]|access-date=4 March 2019|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216163446/https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/heroes/t/a-message-from-kaeo-milker/10022|url-status=live}}</ref>

Blizzard officially stated in July 2022 that ''Heroes of the Storm'' would no longer see any major updates, with those remaining on the development team to support the game in a [[maintenance mode]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesradar.com/heroes-of-the-storm-is-officially-dead-as-blizzard-shifts-into-permanent-maintenance-mode/ | title = Heroes of the Storm is officially dead as Blizzard shifts into permanent maintenance mode | first=Dustin | last =Bailey | date = July 8, 2022 | accessdate = July 8, 2022 | work = [[GamesRadar]] }}</ref>

==== Nexus Anomalies ====
Nexus Anomalies were seasonal gameplay changes that directly affected all game modes in ''Heroes of the Storm''. These events lasted for entire ranked seasons, allowing the developers time to receive feedback on them. Depending on this evaluation, some of the new [[game mechanics]] became permanent additions to the game, while others were discarded after some time. Experience Globes were the first Nexus Anomaly, being introduced in the Deathwing patch of December 2019. As a result of this Nexus Anomaly, players no longer receive experience from simply being near enemy minion deaths, but instead need to gather an Experience Globe dropped by dying Minions, similar to the Regeneration Globes already present in the game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23227977/introducing-experience-globes-the-first-seasonal-nexus-anomaly|title=Introducing Experience Globes, the first seasonal Nexus Anomaly|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-03|archive-date=December 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203195452/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23227977/introducing-experience-globes-the-first-seasonal-nexus-anomaly|url-status=live}}</ref> Before the introduction of the Nexus Anomalies, major gameplay updates were typically announced once a year, toward the end of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/21295033/2018-gameplay-update-a-more-meaningful-early-game|title=2018 Gameplay Update: A More Meaningful Early Game|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-03|archive-date=December 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203195450/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/21295033/2018-gameplay-update-a-more-meaningful-early-game|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/22556628/heroes-of-the-storm-2019-gameplay-updates|title=Heroes of the Storm: 2019 Gameplay Updates|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-03|archive-date=September 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923161720/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/22556628/heroes-of-the-storm-2019-gameplay-updates|url-status=live}}</ref> The introduction of any new Nexus Anomalies was ended on December 1, 2020, with Blizzard promising to continue attempting to improve the game in other ways.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes - December 1, 2020|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23572859/heroes-of-the-storm-live-patch-notes-december-1-2020|access-date=2021-12-04|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Setting and plot ==
''Heroes of the Storm'' takes place in the Nexus, a strange limbo of clashing [[universe]]s which collide from across space, time, and [[Parallel universes in fiction|dimensions]]. The Nexus exists in the center of a trans-dimensional cosmic storm and is connected to other universes. The storm of the Nexus, which has incomprehensible amounts of energy, can rip worlds and universes in and out of existence, and it can also pull worlds into stability. Some of the central realms in the Nexus, such as Raven Court, King's Crest, and Luxoria, are examples of these points of stability. Every Realm within the Nexus has one stone called "Singularity", and only the one who achieves it through conquest can become the Realm Lord.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icy-veins.com/forums/topic/38019-secrets-of-the-storm-comic/|title=Secrets of the Storm Comic|website=Icy Veins Forums|date=June 25, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-29|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929200703/https://www.icy-veins.com/forums/topic/38019-secrets-of-the-storm-comic/|url-status=live}}</ref> A singularity stone grants to its possessor an almost [[Demigod|demigod-like]] status, but not [[immortality]]. Many powerful warriors have been sucked into the Nexus, including combatants from [[Warcraft#Setting|Azeroth]], [[Diablo (series)#Setting and plot|Sanctuary]], and the [[StarCraft#Story|Koprulu sector]]. New combatants are constantly arriving, some of them are chosen after they died in their original [[reality]]. A hero called Qhira, came into the Nexus after her world Iresia and its singularity stone were destroyed,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23059442/introducing-our-newest-hero-qhira|title=Introducing our Newest Hero: Qhira|website=news.blizzard.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-29|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929200700/https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes-of-the-storm/23059442/introducing-our-newest-hero-qhira|url-status=live}}</ref> holding only a singularity shard from Iresia, and calling it the "mother crystal".

Numerous worlds exist within the [[multiverse]] of the Nexus which are referred to as "realms". While many of these worlds are nexus-generated, some are mirrored versions of those found within Blizzard's franchises, but they can contain alternate universe versions of various heroes, indicated by hero skins in the game.

==Music==
''Heroes of the Storm's'' playlist combines an original [[Video game music|soundtrack]]<ref>{{Citation|title=Original Heroes of the Storm Soundtrack| date=May 30, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC3bQTOqtrE&list=PL9WtwA1r0_Tbj_0SA__dt5gwQ4hjKCwbs|language=en|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612024913/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC3bQTOqtrE&list=PL9WtwA1r0_Tbj_0SA__dt5gwQ4hjKCwbs|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundtrack.net/album/heroes-of-the-storm/|title=Heroes of the Storm Soundtrack (2015)|website=www.soundtrack.net|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921233957/https://www.soundtrack.net/album/heroes-of-the-storm/|url-status=live}}</ref> with soundtracks from Blizzard's other franchises. The original soundtrack for ''Heroes of the Storm'' was composed by Blizzard Entertainment's composers, Glenn Stafford, and Jason Hayes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://us.battle.net/forums/en/wow/topic/6933956493|title=Blizzard on Social Media - Updated 1/8/2016 - World of Warcraft Forums|website=us.battle.net|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921233954/https://us.battle.net/forums/en/wow/topic/6933956493|url-status=live}}</ref> Other music in the game is present as background music, or represents specific universes with connections to the various Heroes within ''Heroes of the Storm''. Also present within the game's playlist are soundtracks from ''[[StarCraft (video game)|Starcraft]]'', such as ''Terran'' and ''Zerg Theme''; various soundtracks from ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', such as ''Obsidian Sanctum'' from ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King|Wrath of the Lich King]]'', and ''The Wandering Isle'' from ''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria|Mists of Pandaria]];'' soundtracks from ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]'', such as ''Jungle'' from ''[[Diablo II]] (''Act III), and ''Reaper of Souls'' from ''[[Diablo III: Reaper of Souls|Diablo III]]''; as well as soundtracks from ''[[Overwatch]]'', such as ''Overture'' and ''Hanamura'' theme;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/games/music/|title=Blizzard Music|website=www.blizzard.com|language=en-us|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=October 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008232703/https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/games/music/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''Smugglers Cove'' from ''[[The Lost Vikings 2]]''.

''The Battle Begins'' by Glenn Stafford is the main theme of ''Heroes of the Storm''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blizzardwatch.com/tag/heroes-of-the-storm-music/|title=heroes of the storm music Archives|last=September 14|first=Anna Bell on|website=Blizzard Watch|language=en|access-date=2019-11-26|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015062401/https://blizzardwatch.com/tag/heroes-of-the-storm-music/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|MC = 86/100<ref name=MCPC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/heroes-of-the-storm/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Heroes of the Storm |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 5, 2015 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118080359/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/heroes-of-the-storm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|Destruct=9.5/10<ref name="Destr">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-heroes-of-the-storm-292749.phtml|title=Review: Heroes of the Storm|work=[[Destructoid]]|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=June 2, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212090421/https://www.destructoid.com/review-heroes-of-the-storm-292749.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
|GSpot = 9/10<ref name="Gamespot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/heroes-of-the-storm-review/1900-6416165/|title=Heroes of the Storm Review|last=Hicks|first=Tyler|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=June 8, 2015|access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-date=February 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205060242/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/heroes-of-the-storm-review/1900-6416165/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|GameRev = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="GameRev">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/heroes-of-the-storm|title=Heroes of the Storm Review|last=Leack|first=Jonathan|work=[[Game Revolution]]|date=June 2, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116132220/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/heroes-of-the-storm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="GRadar">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/heroes-storm-review/|title=Heroes of the Storm Review|last=Sullivan|work=[[GamesRadar]]|first=Lucas|date=June 3, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=June 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606160356/http://www.gamesradar.com/heroes-storm-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|IGN = 8/10<ref name="IGN_Re">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/20/heroes-of-the-storm-review-2018|title=Heroes of the Storm Review|last=Nowakowski|first=Ian|work=[[IGN]]|date=March 19, 2018|access-date=March 20, 2018|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320062901/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/20/heroes-of-the-storm-review-2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|PCGUS = 84/100<ref name="PCGUS">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/heroes-of-the-storm-review/|title=Heroes of the Storm|last=Thursten|first=Chris|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=June 3, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309001342/https://www.pcgamer.com/heroes-of-the-storm-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Poly = 7.5/10<ref name="Poly">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/2/8714203/heroes-of-the-storm-review-into-the-breach|title=Heroes of the Storm Review: Into The Breach|last=Gies|first=Arthur|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 2, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206211320/https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/2/8714203/heroes-of-the-storm-review-into-the-breach|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''
|rev1Score={{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Escapist">{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/14009-Heroes-of-the-Storm-Review.4|title=Heroes of the Storm Review - Totally Not A MOBA|last=Miozzi|first=CJ|work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|date=June 2, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=October 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013094529/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/14009-Heroes-of-the-Storm-Review.4|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Heroes of the Storm'' received generally favorable reviews upon release. [[Metacritic]] calculated an average score of 86 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews", based on 57 reviews.<ref name=MCPC />

[[GameSpot]] awarded it 9 out of 10, summarizing "A fantastic casual-competitive game that offers untold hours of enjoyment."<ref name="Gamespot" /> Positive reviews praised its objective-based gameplay and greater accessibility than its competitors, with [[Destructoid]]'s Chris Carter giving it a 9.5 out of 10 and calling it "A hallmark of excellence."<ref name="Destr"/> In a review for [[PC Gamer]], Chris Thursten focused on the game's accessibility, giving it a score of 84 out of 100 and concluding "The most any studio has done to open up a complex genre to a new audience. Inviting, entertaining, and deceptively deep."

[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'s CJ Miozzi stated that while its improved accessibility would make it interesting to players normally not interested in the genre, it could be less attractive to experienced players. Giving it 4 out of 5 stars, he summarized that "At the very least, it's a game that all gamers should try."<ref name="Escapist"/> [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'s Arthur Gies approved of the title's accessibility but expressed worry that "sometimes something [felt] lost along the way," scoring it at 7.5 out of 10.<ref name="Poly"/>

On release, [[IGN]]'s Mitch Dyer gave the game a mixed review and concluded, "''Heroes of the Storm'' is a flawed, varied MOBA with terrific team fighting and poor objectives," awarding it a 6.5 out of 10.<ref name="IGN_Ori">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/02/heroes-of-the-storm-review|title=Heroes of the Storm Review - 2015 - IGN|date=June 2, 2015 |via=www.ign.com|access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716150301/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/02/heroes-of-the-storm-review|url-status=live}}</ref> This review prompted an initially negative reaction from the game's community that turned the score into an [[internet meme]], eventually being recognized by Blizzard themselves in a humorous promotional video for an update to the game.<ref name="6.5PSGN">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/heroes-of-the-storm/blizzard-havent-forgotten-igns-6510-heroes-of-the-storm-review|title=Blizzard haven't forgotten IGN's 6.5/10 Heroes of the Storm review|website=PCGamesN|date=November 9, 2015 |access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716151805/https://www.pcgamesn.com/heroes-of-the-storm/blizzard-havent-forgotten-igns-6510-heroes-of-the-storm-review|url-status=live}}</ref> [[IGN]]'s re-review by Ian Nowakowski awarded it 8 out of 10 in March 2018, saying the game "packs a ton of variety and excellent characters. Some of this MOBA's modes work better than others, but it's a safe bet that it'll deliver a fun match."<ref name="IGN_Re"/>

During the [[19th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] awarded ''Heroes of the Storm'' with "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year|Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2016&idGameAwardType=129 |title=2016 Awards Category Details Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref> The game was nominated for "Choice Video Game" at the [[2017 Teen Choice Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/teen-choice-awards-2017-tcas-fox-winners-list-riverdale-fifth-harmony-1202526197/|title=Teen Choice Awards 2017: 'Riverdale,' Fifth Harmony Shut Out Competition|last1=Rubin|first1=Rebecca|last2=Knapp|first2=JD|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=August 13, 2017|access-date=March 25, 2018|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170814094055/http://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/teen-choice-awards-2017-tcas-fox-winners-list-riverdale-fifth-harmony-1202526197/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/}}
* {{IMDb title|5435312}}

{{Blizzard}}
{{Professional Heroes of the Storm competition}}
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