Patch 24.0.3 brought several changes to the Hearthstone metagame. But none is of the magnitude of that of Edwin, Caïd Defias. Descendant of Edwin, Van Cleef, the card has never managed to live in the same light as his grandfather until now. With her going from a 4|4 for four mana points, to a 3|3 for three mana points, things might have changed.
Since Tuesday evening, the map has become the target of much criticism in the community and few players hide their misunderstanding about this change.
In this exclusive interview for the JudgeHype network, our special correspondent went to meet the new rising star of the current metagame, and was able to speak with Edwin. His relationship with his ancestor, the decks he plans to make more powerful or his fear of seeing his buff being canceled quickly. We cover all the topics surrounding Edwin, Caïd Defias and his recent dominance in Hearthstone.
1. How did you feel when you learned about your change in the patch?
Edwin : You know, we often have information in advance, generally thanks to datamining. This time, Blizzard had deployed the patch by mistake on the Asian server, so the news didn’t surprise many people, I had time to prepare myself in the best conditions.
Some may think that losing a mana point is something easy, but in reality, training is difficult to successfully retain all its power, but at a lower cost. The developers supported me well, I had a program adapted to my needs, I am very satisfied with the way things went.
As for the change itself, I’m happy about it, I must admit. As a card that straddles rhythm and combos, my mana cost is key to contributing to the success of my decks. I try to keep my feet on the ground and think of a set of 30 cards, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling amazing right now.
2. As a strong card of the Rogue class now, do you think of other decks than just Graveyard Rogue?
Edwin : This kind of decision, Valeera takes care of it. Unfortunately, all I can do as a card is be ready for anything. Of course I feel like I can be powerful in all rogue archetypes now, but it’s not up to me to decide.
It’s a philosophy that I take from my coach and predecessor, Edwin Van Cleef. He managed to last five years without suffering a single nerf. Yet he trembled with fear with each patch note. He always told me: “Take every opportunity to become a 15|15 that life gives you, it can stop at any moment”, so I try to follow his advice.
As for the Graveyard Thief, I feel very good about it and I’ll be happy to help the deck perform as well as possible. My change has already sparked the deck, and the other cards are very happy with my work. If other archetypes, like Sea Mines or Secrets need my help, I’d be happy to go of course.
Look, we took a selfie with Drakka last night at the cemetery, not bad, right?
3. Speaking of your ancestor, Edwin Van Cleef, what role does he play in your new life?
Edwin : The old is capital to this new success. He lived it for years. He’s the first one I thought of when I knew I was going to cost three mana points, he’s an iconic number in the family. As soon as we heard the news, we immediately knew what it meant. He warned me about the waves of hate from the community. Thanks to him, I knew exactly what to expect.
Our ways of playing are a little different, he preferred to arrive at the end of the round, directly in his final form. He said he wanted to create a shock to the adversary, immediately cut him off from any desire to fight. For my part, I would say that I am more in construction, I like to feel despair taking hold of the other by dint of seeing me grow and draw cards, there is a very satisfying side to that.
Despite our different gameplay, I am extremely proud to be able to continue the family tradition he started seven years ago now. Since the Mr. Punishment nerf, it wasn’t so easy for the Edwin clan anymore, I was having trouble really settling in and we were afraid that our name would disappear. Thanks to the extension, and now to this buff, our clan will be able to dominate again!
4. Are you worried about a potential rollback from the devs on your mana cost?
Edwin : When you make a start as thunderous as mine after a patch, obviously you expect to be analyzed from every angle. But I think I highlighted the power of the Graveyard Rogue deck as a whole, not just that I was a good card that was missing a little something.
If we look at the history, I think I have a little time in front of me to take advantage of my situation. I mean, they took five years to modify the old one! *laugh*
5. A word of conclusion, about your future perhaps?
Edwin : I would of course like to thank the Hearthstone development team for giving me this opportunity to shine. I intend to take Valeera as high as possible in the ladder or in tournaments, I make it a family affair!
As far as decks go, I’m at my best in Graveyard Rogue right now, but I think I can help any archetype in the class progress. Thus, I encourage all deck designers to integrate me into their 30 cards, whatever the other 29, if possible at low cost all the same…
And finally, I would like to reassure all those who do not play the Rogue class, there is no shame in conceding against a 17|17 on turn 4. A whole generation of players did it before you against my ancestor , they didn’t die.
Finally, outside the game, their hero… *laughs loudly*