“Play the hero in a fast-paced, whimsical card game of cunning strategy”

Apr 17, 2014 11:35 GMT  ·  By

The deceptively-simple yet difficult to master Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft is now officially available worldwide on iPad. The game is free to download and play, but it may require additional micro-transactions inside the app for additional features.

“Pick up your cards and throw down the gauntlet! In Hearthstone, you play the hero in a fast-paced, whimsical card game of cunning strategy,” says Blizzard Entertainment, the studio behind the massively popular World of Warcraft and Starcraft franchises.

The developer promises that every player will take mere minutes to unleash “powerful cards to sling spells, summon minions, and seize control of an ever-shifting battlefield.”

“Whether it’s your first strategy game, or you’re an experienced pro, the depth and charm of Hearthstone will draw you in,” says Blizzard.

Newcomers are offered introductory missions to make a smooth transition to the world of Hearthstone, while avid players can win and craft hundreds of additional cards, with the ability to grow their collection and take it to the desktop game via Battle.net.

Blizzard also offers practice matches against computer-controlled heroes of the Warcraft universe, including Thrall, Uther, and Gul’dan, and players can “step into the Arena and duel other players for the chance to win awesome prizes,” according to the game’s description.

Requirements include iOS 5.0, iPad second generation, iPad third generation, iPad fourth generation, iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad mini with Retina display, and an Internet connection.

Supported languages include English, Français, Deutsch, Español (Latinoamérica), Español (Europa), Italiano, Português, Polski, Русский, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.