Hearthpwn

Just look at the meta now.

Hunter is pretty high tier and can be used in very cheap versions.

Same goes for many other decks - even Tempo Rogue, for instance, can be adapted to cheap versions. 

There have always been cheap but performing decks, and Blizz will improve new player experience.

The trick as F2P is being fast enough and definitive in choosing a couple of classes you like, to focus crafting, while scavenging the others.

Swapping cards you don't have for others of the same mana cost or same purpose won't help you. You need to build a similar deck, not just patch the missing links. For example, if you want to play a f2p Evolve Shaman and you don't have Patches you don't replace him with an Argent Squire and leave those 1/2 pirates in the deck any more. You cut the whole pirate package and replace it by argent squires + 1 extra card. I'll build you a f2p version of the shaman just so you know what I mean:

http://www.hearthstonetopdecks.com/decks/f2p-evolve-shaman/   (f2p list)

http://www.hearthstonetopdecks.com/decks/evolve-token-shaman-deck-list-guide/   (original list)

Depends on what goals do you have in ranked, how satisfied you are with the game and especially how much time do you have. 

I’m also new to the game (3 weeks) and I can tell you my experience so far. I spent about 20 bucks and got the welcome pack and some packs to get the free legendaries and discounted ones. I built this Hunter deck http://www.hearthpwn.com/decks/939638-free-to-play-rank-23-to-legend-in-3-days-day-80, just changed a Deadly Shot for a Dire Wolf Alpha. With 3 days left of last season I reached level 11. Right now I’m at 12.

But honestly? For me it’s not really satisfying. I’m missing the variety and this is because I didn’t spend lots of money into the game and I’m not willing to do so. I also have family and can’t play every day multiple hours to get free gold or play in general. I got DK Gul’dan and Malfurion though. Maybe I’m gonna build something around one of them with free packs and daily quests in a long run.

Truth is, you need a deck in ranked and I think Hunter is currently the only competitive deck you can afford on a tight budget. This makes you limited and I get a little bit bored about it. Actually, I had the most fun yesterday in Tavern Brawl. So much fun to play Priest and control the board. thoughtsteal and mind control your opponent or getting great value out of Cleric, heal your board etc. I also tried the arena. Not sure about it. I got 0, 3 and 4 wins in my three runs.

To sum it up, either you grind with Hunter in ranked, have the time to grind free gold and reduce the time of making progress for your collection and options, or you spend money on the game. Just my opinion :)

You could choose to struggle for months ... or you could just try one of the many other options under the sun

HS doesn't need f2p players floating around so they don't treat them the same as the real small indie companies that are scraping for every player they can get to boost popularity and numbers

Thanks for the replies and information folks. I have a better outlook about being F2P now and expect the tough matches are going to come more and more. One last thing, any other sites that have good decks or deck helpers?

Quote from Legacee >>

Thanks for the replies and information folks. I have a better outlook about being F2P now and expect the tough matches are going to come more and more. One last thing, any other sites that have good decks or deck helpers?

Quote from Legacee >>

I find that once i get passed rank 16 or so every deck out values mine and i end up losing. Every deck on this site (apart from hunter) are too expensive. That leaves me to think i either play hunter or have to buy expansions to even make it close to higher ranks, which makes me not want to play the game at all. Is that the general idea? am i wrong?

The higher rank you achieve the more rewards you get at the end of the season..so yeah,if you are f2p I think it's worth trying to get as far as you can!Hunter is a good choice for f2p or new players exactly because Hunter decks tend to be budget decks,while doing pretty well in ladder.However having more cards definitely gives you the opportunity to make more/better decks and have the tools to counter more stuff.My suggestion would be to spend a little money to get the "Welcome bundle"(it's a good deal),play the free adventure to get some packs and a free DK (if you haven't already),play daily to do your quests and get gold,always win 1 brawl to get your free pack and don't be afraid to disenchant/craft cards..just ask for advice here if you are not sure!Also you don't have to play a deck exactly the way you see it here,you can substitute expensive cards with cheaper ones you have,you can ask for advice in the comment section of the deck if you are not sure what card to add...Last but not least enjoy the game,relax,play casual and practice,watch streams/videos to get a better understanding of the game and you will get to higher ranks sooner or later!Just don't stress yourself,high ranks will come in time,as you get better and expand your collection! :)