Battle.net

Updated January 31, 1:00 p.m. PST

Now that those of you with Heart of the Swarm beta access have had some time to sink your teeth into the new features that arrived with Beta Patch 2.0.3, we kindly request your assistance in testing the leveling system.

To honor your hard work and achievements during this time, we decided to create a few new rewards that you can earn through the leveling system. For each faction you manage to raise to level 30, you'll receive an exclusive character portrait specific to that race. If you'd like to unlock all three new portraits, you'll face the daunting task of reaching the maximum level with each race, for a total character level of 90.

Update: As a result of the leveling issues that several players experienced shortly after beta patch 2.0.3 was released, we have decided to lower the leveling requirement for the Feat of Strength and portraits. For each faction you manage to raise to level 5, you'll receive an exclusive character portrait specific to that race when Heart of the Swarm is released on March 12, 2013. Please note that even though these rewards are still tied to level 30 in the beta, each faction reward will be assigned to your permanent account when Swarm is released if you reach level 5, in the beta, with that faction.

Once again, thank you all for thoroughly testing the leveling system during this phase of the beta. We sincerely apologize to everyone who encountered these leveling bugs and are extremely sorry to hear that so many of you were reverted back several levels as a result of yesterday’s change. We appreciate your patience and hope to see you all on the ladder soon.

Here’s a look at what's up for grabs:

Though some of these units are no longer with us, we felt each was representative of the beta experience in its own right, and that these portraits could be a fun way to show off your dedication as a Heart of the Swarm Beta tester.

Once you’ve met the experience requirements detailed above, the level-30 portraits you’ve earned and a Feat of Strength achievement will transfer over to your permanent account when Heart of the Swarm is released on March 12, 2013. So get logged in, start up a game, and earn those rewards!

Thank you for thoroughly testing the leveling system during this phase of the beta, and continuing to provide your constructive feedback for Heart of the Swarm. If you'd like to participate in the beta, you can gain access by pre-purchasing the game digitally on Battle.net.