Swarm Faction Details Unveiled by Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era Developers

Following the teaser reveal of the Swarm faction, the developers of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era from Unfrozen Studio have provided an in-depth look at this intriguing new castle. They've shared insights into their inspirations, the transformation of "Inferno" into the "Swarm" (and vice versa), and the unfolding narrative on the continent of Jadame.

The Swarm's unique trait is its remarkable adaptability to the enemy. The abilities of some creatures scale with the level difference between themselves and their opponents—the larger the gap, the greater the damage inflicted. Other units, such as mantises, have the flexibility to choose from three distinct abilities each round. Additionally, creatures like worms and locusts possess the ability to consume corpses, which not only heals them but also enhances their power—a skill that heroes can also master.

In Olden Era, the traditional role of the demonic threat has been reimagined as an insectoid race, which was only hinted at in Might & Magic 8. The developers have honored the original lore while introducing elements of body horror and occultism, transforming the Swarm into a cult-like society devoted to a singular ruler. Each member is part of a collective mind, dedicated entirely to executing their master’s commands.

The gameplay mechanics of the Swarm revolve around its "mono-faction" strategy—players will gain significant advantages by exclusively deploying Swarm units, which synergize to enhance each other's capabilities. Moreover, Swarm troops can create cocoons, the health of which scales with the size of the army. Once hatched, these cocoons release larvae that join the fray as temporary units, enabling players to dynamically adapt to evolving battlefield conditions.

The developers have also emphasized the Swarm's aggressive playstyle. Its creatures can consume fallen foes to heal and bolster their strength, and their unique abilities adjust based on the enemy's power level. This approach positions the Swarm as a formidable force in direct confrontations, offering players a novel and engaging combat strategy.