Hearthstone Beginner Guide: Decks, Dust and Free Gold
Hearthstone is Blizzard's digital card game. With several modes and a large card pool, new players can feel lost — but there are plenty of ways to build a strong collection without spending much.
Last updated: Beginner guide · Oct 18, 2026 · 2 min read
Game modes
Choose the mode that suits you:
- Standard: ranked and casual play with recent card sets.
- Wild: every card ever released.
- Battlegrounds: an auto-battler mode that doesn't need a card collection.
- Arena: draft a deck from random cards for each run.
Start with a proven deck
Copying a popular, budget-friendly deck teaches you how good decks are built. Learn how it wins, then swap cards as your collection grows.
Use dust wisely
Disenchant duplicate cards for dust and craft specific cards you need. Don't disenchant cards you might use later, and craft cards that fit several decks first.
Earn free gold and packs
Daily and weekly quests and the rewards track give gold and packs. Complete quests regularly and save gold for new expansions, when packs give the most value.
Improve your play
Think about your next few turns, track what your opponent might have and don't play cards just because you can. Watching experienced players helps you spot common mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get free packs in Hearthstone?
Complete daily and weekly quests and progress the rewards track, then save gold for new expansions.
Should I disenchant my cards?
Disenchant duplicates you don't need, but keep cards you might use in future decks.
Do I need a collection for Battlegrounds?
No. Battlegrounds doesn't use your card collection.