Blizzard announced a slew of nerfs to Hearthstones current most powerful cards today. These changes (slated to go live after HCT Playoffs are complete) either increase the mana cost or lessen the effect of cards that, in their current state, have created a polarizing meta that makes anything but the most powerful decks noticeably underpowered.

Paladin, Warlock, and Rogue are the only classes hit hardest by these nerfs, however, Druid also takes a big hit in the form of the nerf to the neutral card, Spiteful Summoner. It was commonly combined with the 10 mana spell, Ultimate Infestation to create very swingy turn 6 plays.

The nerfs to Warlock are easy enough to understand -- mana cost increase and less healing makes Warlock decks utilizing these cards weaker to aggressive strategies and more vulnerable to its own hero power and other self-damaging cards.  Call to Arms is a huge nerf to the popular "even" Paladin deck, as its now odd mana cost prevents it from being played.

And don't worry about "odd" Paladin rising in power: It can't play two mana minions, making Call to Arms nearly unplayable.

A wild change

Although it primarily affects the Wild format, one of the largest card changes was to Naga Sea Witch, now costing a whopping 3 more mana. For those unaware, Naga Sea Witch enabled a powerful synergy with the cycle of 8/8 giant cards that are able to have their mana cost reduced. In combination with Naga Sea Witch, they are able to be played for 0 mana under the right circumstances and could flood the board as early as turn 5.

However, an 8 Mana Naga Sea Witch is a completely different story and it is likely that the deck will no longer compete in with other wild decks when its signature combo operates three turns slower.

For a full explanation of changes, see the official Blizzard post:

- Naga Sea Witch – Will cost 8 mana. (Up from 5)
- Spiteful Summoner – Will cost 7 mana. (Up from 6)
- Dark Pact – Will restore 4 Health. (Down from 8)
- Possessed Lackey – Will cost 6 mana. (Up from 5)
- Call to Arms – Will cost 5 mana. (Up from 4)
- The Caverns Below – The quest reward, Crystal Core, will read: For the rest of the game, your minions are 4/4. (Down from 5/5)

These changes are positive ones to the game and, hopefully, will allow more The Witchwood cards to see the light of competitive play.