In Hearthstone, the mechanics surrounding card draws and deck depletion play a critical role in gameplay strategy. When you exhaust all the cards in your deck, you no longer have any cards to draw, which triggers a special condition known as fatigue damage. This damage operates incrementally: the first time you attempt to draw from an empty deck, you take 1 damage; the second time, you take 2 damage; the third time, 3 damage, and so forth. This cumulative damage can quickly escalate, potentially leading to a loss if the game extends beyond a few turns without a resolution.

Certain cards can circumvent these standard rules. A notable example is Kil’jaeden from the Great Dark Beyond set, which allows for an infinite supply of cards, thus preventing fatigue damage. With such a card in play, players can continue drawing without the risk of running out of cards, providing a significant advantage and a unique longevity in the match.

Another scenario where fatigue damage becomes a non-factor is through specific combos, such as with Mecha’thun. This legendary minion has a unique win condition: if you have no cards remaining in your deck, hand, or on the board at the same time, you can win the game automatically. This is distinct from general gameplay mechanics and relies entirely on the synergy of specific cards, showcasing how certain strategies can pivot away from standard rules.

However, for the vast majority of players and situations, the fundamental rule remains: Once your deck is empty, subsequent attempts to draw cards will lead to increasing fatigue damage against your hero. This mechanic not only adds tension to the endgame but also encourages strategic thinking and resource management, as players must find ways to either deplete their opponent’s resources, eliminate them before the fatigue damage becomes overwhelming, or leverage special cards and combos to gain an edge without succumbing to the inevitability of fatigue. Hence, understanding and navigating the implications of deck depletion is essential for success in Hearthstone matches.