The Ashes of Outland expansion has finally arrived in Hearthstone bringing the Demon Hunter — the first new class added to the game in six years of existence!
Obviously, the introduction of this new class shook the meta upside down — especially since Ashes of Outland also introduces two new keywords, as well as a new type of cards: Primes.
With this in mind, we drafted this guide based on Jon "Orange" Westberg's decklist to help you understand how to play it properly.
OTK decks are among the oldest archetypes in Hearthstone. It was obvious that with a new hero, a new OTK deck would arrive, and it did not fail. With the legendary Kael'Thas Sunstrider as a cornerstone, you can do at least 20 damage in one turn. But, let's see how to get there.
The Demon Hunter cards are pretty good for procrastinating and drawing. Until your combo is set up, they will allow you to survive and recycle your deck. So, during mulligan, keep in priority Crimson Sigil Runner, Aldrachi Warblades, Eye Ray or Immolation Aura. You absolutely have to be able to manage your opponent's first threats. From the decklist, it seems pretty obvious that you are not going to be dangerous on the board. Most of the time, to lower the life points of your opponent and put him within range of the OTK, you will strike him yourself with your weapons and your heroic power.
If you are dealing with a Control deck, do not hesitate to keep a Skullof Gul'dan in the starting hand. It is important to be able to take advantage of the Outcast effect. And you will have a better chance of enjoying it if it is immediately to your left during the mulligan. If he's not there, make sure he can get there before turn 6.
Now that the game has started, we will have to manage the opposing board first. To do this, Immolation Aura, Altruis the Outcast and Consume Magic will help you. However, be careful not to swing your Consume Magic just to draw. It is frustrating to see an opposing taunt ruining your plans at the end of the game. Then you have to draw. For that, you have what to do: Novice Engineer, Bloodmage Thalnos, Spectral Sight. You can empty your deck in record time. Finally, lower the hit points of the opposing hero. You will have at your disposal Metamorphosis and Kayn Sunfury. The latter is to be used with caution. If you face an opponent who has many taunt minions, it would be better to draw the legendary minion with a Skull of Gul'dan. Thus, it can perfectly enter the combo and leave you free field to attack. Very useful against the Big Druid and the Resurrection Priest, your worst matchups.
Your finisher plays around the mechanics offered by Kael'Thas Sunstrider. After casting 2 spells, the 3rd is free. And this can be done again and again! That is, if you cast a 5th spell, the 6th will be free and so on. This is why it is important to keep your Twin Slice for so long. Once played, the spell gives you Second Slice, also playable for 0 mana. This makes 4 spells at 0 mana. Use the 2 spells at zero and the Inner Demon spell will also cost you 0 mana. Repeat the action in this order and your hero will have 20 attack points.
The ideal conditions must be met to perform the combo. The opponent has 20 life points, no obstacle in your way and no Ice barrier waiting for you behind a shameful secret. But the combo costs only 6 mana, in total. Depending on the situation, you will have three mana that could be useful. This is where Zephrys the Great justifies its spot in the deck. In particular to find a Silence, a Flare or a Soulfire
