BUILD AROUND A PLAN
Pick a core, then feed it
At each level, compare how a card changes your existing damage plan. A spell rank, extra target, cooldown reduction, area increase, or matching passive may improve the same core ability more than a new spell with no support.
- Choose a direction. Look for a class ability or talent that is already working in the current run.
- Take its support. Prefer cards that improve that ability's damage, uptime, reach, or interaction with grouped enemies.
- Cover one weakness. If you are losing health before the next boss, add a defensive pick instead of taking another small damage bonus.
- Recheck after a capstone or major talent. Some talents change the starting spell or how an ability works. Rebuild the next few picks around the effect you actually received.
Exact capstones and spell names are patch-specific. The game's talent screen is more current than any static build list.
DIAGNOSE, THEN ADJUST
Fix the reason the run is failing
| What ends the run? | Adjust next run |
|---|---|
| You get surrounded early | Choose a more forgiving class, add health or control earlier, and leave wider turns. |
| Small enemies keep accumulating | Prioritize area damage, extra targets, or faster spell uptime. |
| A boss takes too long | Concentrate on one damage synergy and gather experience before the boss timer. |
| You survive but miss key upgrades | Improve pickup range and collect wisps more consistently; try a magnet when one appears. |
| A late zone feels impossible | Return to a cleared zone for class experience and unlocks, then revisit your talent choices. |
Changing a single part of your plan each attempt makes it easier to see what actually helped.
GOLD, CACHES & OPTIONAL FIGHTS
Spend for the run you have
- Keep a reroll in reserve. Rerolls can rescue an offer that does not support your build, but using all of them early leaves no answer for a later dead-end choice.
- Check cache prices and effects. Gold may open caches with gear such as rings or trinkets. Decide whether the upgrade is worth delaying a reroll.
- Do not chase every guardian. Guardians and lairs are optional fights. If the route is unsafe or your build is behind, keep moving and return when you are stronger.
- Use magnets deliberately. A pickup magnet can collect scattered experience when a safe sweep would take too long.
Loot and economy systems can shift between updates. Check the current run options and cache prompts before spending.
A LONGER CAMPAIGN
Progress belongs to each class
Zone unlocks and talent progress are described as class-specific in the current guide sources. A win on one hero may not open the same zone for another. Runs that do not win can still contribute class experience, so an easier replay can be useful when a talent tree needs work.
For achievements or account rewards, check the in-game Rewards and progression screens. Their names, requirements, and reset rules may change, so this guide avoids fixed point totals.
Save before changing devices: use Export Save from the game, then Import Save in the browser or installation where you want to continue. Importing replaces destination progress.
ZONE LADDER
All 12 zones
The following order is reported by the linked zone guide. Each cleared zone opens the next one for that class. The in-game picker is the authority if a patch changes names or order.
| # | Zone | Final boss |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elwynn Forest | Edwin VanCleef |
| 2 | Duskwood | Morbent Fel |
| 3 | Warsong Gulch | Lord Kazzak |
| 4 | Un'Goro Crater | King Mosh |
| 5 | Arathi Basin | Lord Aliden Perenolde |
| 6 | Feralas | King Gordok |
| 7 | Gurubashi Arena | Hakkar the Soulflayer |
| 8 | Scarlet Monastery | High Inquisitor Whitemane |
| 9 | Alterac Valley | Azuregos |
| 10 | Blackrock Mountain | Nefarian |
| 11 | Gates of Ahn'Qiraj | C'Thun |
| 12 | Naxxramas | Kel'Thuzad |
How long should you plan for?
The linked detailed zone guide reports 16-minute runs in zones 1–4, 18 minutes in zones 5–8, and 20 minutes in zones 9–12. The current zone panel should settle any timing differences after an update.
Start where the run teaches you
Use Elwynn to learn how quickly your chosen build clears waves and how much space you need before the finale. Later zones can extend the timer; check each zone panel before you enter.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Strategies here are rewritten as general guidance. The linked build and tier articles are version-specific editorial recommendations, not guaranteed rankings.