Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East
| Company type | Video game expansion pack |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Predecessor | Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Nival Interactive |
| Headquarters | Russia |
Area served | Global |
| Products | Turn-based strategy video game expansion |
| Owner | Ubisoft |
| Parent | Nival Interactive (developer), Ubisoft (publisher) |
| Website | www |
Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East () represents the second expansion and the first stand-alone add-on for the fifth installment of the turn-based strategy series Heroes of Might and Magic V. Developed by Nival Interactive and released by Ubisoft in 2007, this expansion enhances previous content with additional features and gameplay refinements.
Features overview
Tribes of the East resolves outstanding bugs and refines gameplay elements unresolved since Hammers of Fate, emphasizing several critical updates relevant to strategic gameplay:
- A new faction, the Stronghold, is introduced, broadening tactical possibilities. Each creature dwelling gains an extra upgrade path, enabling players to choose between two alternate enhancements for every creature type at a nominal cost, thereby increasing army customization.
- The storyline extends from Hammers of Fate through three interconnected campaigns featuring factions such as Necropolis (with antagonist Arantir from Dark Messiah of Might and Magic), Stronghold (led by Orc chieftains Gotai and Kujin), and Academy (wizards Zehir and allies opposing Inferno forces). An introductory mission sets the stage with the Orcs.
- The combat interface receives a redesign to facilitate easier access to spells, including Rune Magic and Might abilities. New spells adjust combat balance and enrich strategic options. The interface also adds creature health bars and life indicators for improved player clarity.
- The map editor is enhanced to allow campaign creation, maintain compatibility with earlier game maps, and includes expanded terrain types and textures. Additionally, a separate model editor is optionally provided at launch.
- Items are categorized into sets that confer extra bonuses when worn together; these effects carry over between campaign missions if the hero returns. Some bonuses are exclusive to certain heroes, while others apply more generally.
- Racial abilities receive significant revision, particularly Necromancy: Necromancers can now raise any Necropolis unit by spending Dark Energy along with appropriate corpses (for example, Bone Dragons can be raised from fallen Dragons). Dark Energy replenishes on a weekly basis.
These improvements aim to enhance strategic depth, elevate user engagement, and broaden appeal within the turn-based strategy market.
Rage of the Tribes
After a Griffin Empire raid captures numerous Orcs, Orc leader Quroq seizes control of the Haven city Voron Peak, prompting intervention from the false Queen Isabel. She sends Archbishop Alaric to counter the Orc assault. Although Quroq is ultimately slain by Alaric, intervening events remain largely unexplained.
The Will of Asha
Guided by the Goddess Asha, Necromancer Arantir fights against demonic corruption within Haven cities. Accompanied by Ornella, a former Dark Knight turned novice Necromancer, he defeats the demon Orlando in Flammschrein and liberates a fragment of the true Queen Isabel’s soul. This revelation unmasks the succubus impersonating the queen, who then attempts to seize the capital through force. Learning of the Demon Messiah prophecy, Arantir departs to confront this threat—an event leading into Dark Messiah of Might and Magic—though he does not appear in the final campaign.
To Commemorate Our Ancestors
Orc chieftain Gotai strives to overcome the demonic threat by uniting the clans through Kujin, who organizes an Orcish army. Paying tribute to the spirit of Orc hero Kunyak at his tomb, Gotai avenges Quroq’s demise by slaying Alaric. Upon exposing Biara as the impostor queen and revealing Alaric’s descent into insanity, Gotai offers him a dignified death, which Alaric declines. Kujin discovers that Biara tainted the Griffin Heart relic by murdering the Griffin Empire’s heir, transforming it from a demon deterrent into a device that summons demons.
Aerial Reinforcements
Gotai and Kujin form an alliance with Zehir, who initially seeks Raelag regarding Queen Isabel but ends up joining forces with Ylaya against the rebellious Soulscar clan. Zehir supports Duncan and Freyda in combating demonic infiltration within Griffin duchies by conducting a ritual that exposes demons disguised among the populace. This causes supporters of the false queen to defect to Zehir’s side. Subsequently, Duncan and Freyda pledge their backing for Zehir’s decisive confrontation.
Within dwarven mines, Zehir requests assistance from Wulfstan; despite ongoing rivalries among dwarves, Wulfstan consents on the condition that Zehir locates Arkath, their fire deity. Zehir triumphs over Rolf, Wulfstan’s brother, in a contest for leadership. Arkath anoints Wulfstan as king and mediates conflicts with spiritual leader Hangvul. The dwarves then mobilize to purge demons from the Griffin Empire.
Zehir advances toward Talonguard, the demon-infested capital of the Griffin Empire. While allies dismantle nearby Inferno settlements and lay siege to Biara—who has repeatedly evaded capture—Zehir confronts her in a climactic battle involving all heroes. The true Queen Isabel emerges to eliminate Biara. Despite suffering severe damage, the Empire’s campaign inflicts heavy demon casualties throughout its lands and allied territories such as Silver Cities and Ygg-Chall. Isabel abdicates in favor of Freyda, signaling the conclusion of the Griffin Empire and the dawn of the Unicorn Empire.
Demo
Beginning September 27, 2007, a new playable demo was released for download on Fileplanet. It featured two single-player custom missions: Father Sky's Fury and Agrael's Trial (the latter unlockable after completing the former), both derived from the final closed beta test client version set for master recording in early October. These missions officially introduced the Stronghold (Orc faction), highlighting new creatures, town structures, and musical themes.
Reception
The title garnered above-average scores on the review aggregator Metacritic, indicating a range of mixed to favorable evaluations from prominent gaming publications.