Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Products | Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era |
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is a forthcoming turn-based strategy title created by Unfrozen and published through a collaboration between Hooded Horse and Ubisoft for the Windows platform. As a new entry in the Heroes of Might and Magic franchise, it will feature innovative role-playing elements not previously incorporated in the series. The game offers single-player, multiplayer, and cooperative gameplay modes, along with a map editor tool. Early access is scheduled for release in the summer of 2025.
Gameplay
The gameplay retains the classic formula of the series: players assume control of heroes endowed with distinct skills, assemble armies composed of mythical beasts and soldiers by gathering resources, and oversee one or more of six different town types—Temple, Necropolis, Sylvan, Dungeon, Hive, plus a yet-to-be-disclosed sixth faction. Developing towns enhances both military strength and strategic possibilities. The game includes exploration across an overworld map and turn-based battles. Heroes accumulate experience points through combat against monsters and rival heroes.
Taking place on the continent of Jadame within Enroth—the setting familiar from the first three games in the franchise—Olden Era introduces this locale into the Heroes of Might and Magic spin-off universe for the first time. Jadame was originally featured in Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer.
Development
The announcement for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era occurred at Gamescom in August 2024. Unfrozen, recognized for developing Iratus: Lord of the Dead, is leading the project under agreements with Ubisoft and Hooded Horse. The early access launch coincides with the 30th anniversary of the franchise and draws significant inspiration from Heroes of Might and Magic III.
Developers have begun unveiling upcoming factions starting with Necropolis, which was highlighted on October 31, 2024, as part of a Halloween reveal. On December 22, it was confirmed that composers Paul Romero and Cris Velasco, noted for their work on titles such as God of War, Starcraft II, and Mass Effect, will be responsible for the game's musical score. The Heroes Orchestra, acclaimed for orchestral renditions of series music, will perform the in-game soundtrack.
On March 17, 2025, Unfrozen initiated a closed beta test for a newly introduced "arena" mode designed to facilitate rapid combat encounters between players or creatures; this testing phase concluded on March 28. A cinematic story trailer was unveiled on April 10, 2025, during the Triple-i Initiative showcase, alongside confirmation that early access will commence in summer 2025.