Hearthstone Ashes of Outland meta has stabilized a little after the quick Demon Hunter nerfs, and there are now enough statistics available to look into what decks can most effectively and reliably get you to Legend.
These are not the only Legend-viable decks, mind you. There are plenty of decks that have around 52% winrates over large sample sizes, which makes them completely viable for climbing, but not as effective as these proven contenders.
In this early Ashes of Outland edition, there are only four top decks for climbing. As we may get more balance patches in the near future, and as counters to the top decks are developed, I expect we will see more variety in the future.
If you prefer to listen to the top list, you can find it as a video on my Youtube channel:
#4 Spell Druid
Deck code: AAECAZICBv0C5gXTnAPinwOxrAOuugMM/gHTA/cDxAa5lAPbpQP5tQPlugPougPsugPuugPvugMA
Coming in at number four is Spell Druid. It is not bad against Demon Hunter, which is a great feature for a deck, and it also counters the main Demon Hunter counter Galakrond Warlock.
The deck is almost mindless to play, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on your desire to reach Legend and how much you want to pay attention while doing so. Mulligan for Fungal Fortunes, Overgrowth, Kael’thas Sunstrider, and Glowfly Swarm, and win games.
#3 Resurrect Priest
Deck code: AAECAa0GBNaZA5ObA8i+A8jAAw3JBoKUA5mbA6GhA6+lA/KlA5mpA5+pA9msA/KsA/2wA5O6A9jCAwA=
The 200 IQ option is to play Resurrect Priest. So, people want to counter Demon Hunter by playing Spell Druid and Galakrond Warlock? Let’s kill those people – with boredom – and make them pay for their attempt to save the world.
Unfortunately, Demon Hunter are a bit fast for Resurrect Priests, but even that matchup is not an impossible one.
#2 Galakrond Warlock
Deck code: AAECAf0GBsUE/KMD068DkbED47QD8b8DDKMBxAidqQPlrAPorAPqrAPrrAPsrAP+rgOqrwP9sAPpvgMA
Galakrond Warlock is the best counter to Demon Hunter in the game. Unfortunately, while you’re trying to save the world, other people will start playing decks that counter you. Galakrond Warlock is still good despite those attempts, though.
#1 Tempo Demon Hunter
Deck code: AAECAea5AwTMugPDvAPWvgPaxgMNurYDi7oD17sDxLwD4LwDjb0DusYDx8YD2cYD1cgD98gD+cgD/sgDAA==
While other people try to counter, Demon Hunter kills.
Tempo Demon Hunter is still the best deck in the game. The nerfs just forced people to make it faster and better.
Some people still play the Raging Felscreamer + Priestess of Fury package, and it is a fine option, but the statistically best version does not bother with anything that slow. Other bands play, Demon Hunter kills.
But my favorite deck is not here!
Yeah, tough luck.
That does not mean that your favorite deck is bad. There are several decks that look viable, even old favorites such as Galakrond Rogue, Dragon Hunter, and Highlander Mage. Their performance has just fallen behind the absolute top tier.
There are also some up-and-coming archetypes that might become a thing, such as Discard Zoo and Totem Shaman. They are not established yet and their stats are not so good that I could confidently place them among the top decks. Maybe by the next version, they will be in.