Hearthpwn

I have mixed feelings about this meta. High hype and expectation for new core set but the new mechanics watchpost and frenzy was rather lackluster and perhaps non-viable. Post rotation, power between classes greatly impacted after losing the highlander and galakrond archetypes which provides balance to power of classes in general. 

As the new mechanics did not make the cut to fill the gap, the meta falls back to basic like agro, face, rush, aim spell on face and discount mana. And playing such meta decks just felt boring, old school and perhaps cheating (Healing and removals cannot compare with minions or spells which is low in mana yet impactful/game winning when played) 

Nerf is just not enough. If there is still no new viable archetypes born from barrens, then we will have to spend the remaining months playing in this same meta with no new variation. Hope that the upcoming buffs and mini set will spice things up as promised by Bliz team.  

PS: I do wish that highlander will make it to future core set. The archetype is fair to all in general and opens up variation to deck builds and play style. 

The strength of highlander hunter lies on the cohesive use of strong standalone cards. Cards that have great influence when played ie. Subject 9, Zuljin, Siamat and Zephrys. 

Any missing card does not render the deck's playability but it does compromise on the power level of this particular deck. Because you are limited to the other strong cards which on normal circumstance can play double copies. 

If your intention is to have creative fun then you may replace those. Perhaps go for highlander agro mech version instead of the secret, subject 9, Zuljin version.

And if you have some dust to spare then Zephrys is a good craft because it fits in as an agro finisher and its more versatile to be used in other decks. As a neutral card compared to class card and the power level of this card is exceptionally high. 

That said do not expect exceptional win rate for the highlander hunter without the other core cards. It may not even compare to the quest hunter or midrange hunter which is optimised.

Good luck and have fun.