Hearthpwn

Before all, I have to credit a couple of decks that inspired me to build this one: my own version of Shadowpriest deck

First, the incredible ShadowReno feat. Brann+Elise designed by Fliesnmalauk who shows me that we can build a competitive ladder list around Shadowform. Second, Noxious' Ressurect Priest designed by Noxious who shows me that Resurrect is an OP card, especially when you need to survive the mid-game.

As said in the Sacred Scripture: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." - John, 11:25.

Because I think that this build can fit other players playstyle, and because I find this deck really interesting to play in the current meta, I've decided to share it.

Before that, I want to share some thoughts and insights.

• First, this deck is a bit difficult to master. I spend hours testing and tuning it in casual play during S22 before playing it in ranked play. Despite all my efforts, I'm still learning how to play it. Every game, I learn something new.
• Also, even if some games can be really quick; most of the time you need 12+ turns to achieve victory. So, you need to like slow/grind type of deck. (quickest victory: 8 turns, longest: 28!)
• That being said, this deck is really consistent vs any deck that compose the actual metagame. No matchup is unwinnable. If you can manage to survive during the  first 5/6 turns, you will be pretty sure to win the game.
• Finally, this deck is really interesting and fun to play. At least, you have to give it a try!

I log in Heathpwn every day. So, feel free to comment, provide advice and ask questions: it will be a pleasure for me to reply them by the same.

Deck Building Notes (for myself): Always looking for a slot to include 1 golden Zombie Chow, who will embodies Lazarus! (any good idea/proposal is welcome! :)

The deck is build around 2 different class of cards: Priest and Support.

Priest Cards

Resurrect×2 - The OP Card of the deck because nearly every creature that compose the deck is a nightmare for your opponent. So much value for only 2 mana!

Shadow Word: Painx1, Shadow Word: Deathx1 - single removal spell package that helps you to manage board control. Use them wisely because you have only one copy of each.

Holy Novax1, Excavated Evil×2, Lightbomb×2 - the Priest new AoE trio. Flexible, effective, those 3 AoE spells shine with your Shadowy Hero Power.

Shadowform×2 - with Resurrect this spell embodies the real heart/spirit of this deck. Help you to achieve board control. Also one of the main victory condition when the game come to fatigue.

Vol'jinx1 - Strong presence on the board and an awesome synergy with Shadowform.

Entomb×2 - the LoE priest Staple. Awesome in every match-up. If you can destroy it, steal it!

Support Cards

The support cards come in 4 different class: Draw, Taunt, Life and Victory Enablers.

Draw

Acolyte of Pain×2 - A awesome drawer that works well with Unstable Ghoul.

Taunt

Unstable Ghoul×1 - Draw enhancer because of the obvious synergy with Acolyte of Pain best and in the same time aggro/tempo player nightmare.

Deathlord×2 - A must against aggro. So difficult for your opponent to remove especially when you are not in Shadowform. With so many board clear, you really do not care if it spawns a creature.

Sen'jin Shieldmasta×1, Sludge Belcher×2: your last line of defense. Steady and sticky.

Life

Tournament Medic×2 - this guy is just awesome. Especially when you are in Shadowform. Heal you for 2 each time you use your HP. Also is body make it really sticky on the board.

Antique Healbot×1 - the emergency healer. Get you back on track when needed.

Bolf Ramshield×1 - the second Healbot. Awesome minion in the late game when facing freeze mage or combo druid. Can ruin entire lethal plan your opponent have in mind... or, at least, give you one more turn to achieve victory.

Mind Controlx1 - If you cannot destroy it orEntomb it, Steal it [Updated]

Victory Enablers

Zombie Chow - Poor resurrect target but help you during the early game. [Updated]

Garrison Commander×1 - turn your HP in a Gatling when in Shadowform. This little guy won me games. Also, not a bad drop when facing aggro or midrange for is taunt effect. [Updated]

Nexus-Champion Saraad×1 - I ping your face for two or three HP and this guy give me a spell for free... Are you serious?

Cabal Shadow Priest×1 - This priest staple help a lot during the mid-game. An awesome add to the build. [Updated]

Kodorider×1 - As suggested by KIkadoufeur, I cut the Mind Control for a second Kodorider. This guy is just amazing. Strong body that give you another strong body on the board each time you use your HP. Priceless. Apart Shadowform, this is your main victory condition. So, drop it on board wisely. [Updated]

Yserax1 - Control Priest Staple. A must against heavy control decks. Helps a lot when you come to fatigue.

Nexus-Champion Saraad - This card is really unique. No other minions have the same effect or even nearly the same effect. That being said, you can go for a copy of Confessor Paletress or a second Kodorider [/card]. Both of those cards are good enough and fit the deck but [card]Kodorider is, by far, my preferred choice.

Bolf Ramshield - It will not have the same presence on the board nor the same strategical effect but you can replace Bolf Ramshield for a second Antique Healbot.

Early Game

• You just have to survive by minimizing damage.
• You have to play taunts.
• You have to resurrect them if needed.
• You have also to do efficient trades.
• Try to draw cards.

Mid Game

• Transition into Shadow Form is possible but is not mandatory.
• Try to always play on curve. Play high value minions. (Tournament Medic, Nexus- Champion Saraad)
• Resurrect.
• Try to be efficient with your AoE.
• Try to stabilise your life point.

Late Game

• Achieve Total Board Dominance.
• Use Shadowform to keep this dominance.
• Because, most of the time, you are in Shadowform you need to play every single turn proactively and you always have to imagine the worst case scenario for the next 2 turns to come.
• Harass your opponent. Grind him.
• Achieve victory.

Gameplay Footage (more to come)

[WIP] // 50+ upvote.

During S23 and S24, I have a recorded winrate of 70 % in ranked play with this deck by winning 77 games out of 110. The Paladin matchup, as well as Hunter, Control Priest, Warlock, Warrior, Rogue are in our favor. Tempo Mage and Combo Druid are difficult ones.

As all other version of Shadowpriest, the deck is viable and strong on the ladder and in the current meta full of secret paladin, zoolock and control deck.

That being said, I'm pretty sure there is still room for improvement.