Developers of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era Reveal Details About the Swarm Faction

Unfrozen Studio, the developers behind Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, have unveiled further details about the intriguing Swarm faction, following an initial teaser. The team delved into the faction's design inspiration, tracing its evolution from the initially conceived "Inferno" to the final, chillingly unique "Swarm," and its integration into the Jadame continent's narrative.

The Swarm's defining characteristic is its remarkable adaptability. Certain creatures possess abilities directly influenced by enemy unit levels; the greater the disparity, the more devastating the damage inflicted. Others, like the mantises, boast tactical flexibility, selecting from three distinct abilities each round. A key survival mechanism—shared by creatures such as worms and locusts, and learnable by heroes—is the ability to consume corpses for healing and power boosts.

In Olden Era, the insectoid race, previously only briefly mentioned in Might & Magic 8, assumes the mantle of the demonic threat. While respecting established lore, the developers infused the Swarm with elements of body horror and occultism, transforming it from a simple insect colony into a formidable cult devoted to a singular, all-powerful leader. Each member is a component of a vast, interconnected consciousness, existing solely to execute its master's commands.

Gameplay revolves around a "mono-faction" mechanic, rewarding players who utilize an army composed entirely of Swarm units, as these units synergistically enhance one another. Furthermore, Swarm troops can summon cocoons, whose health is directly tied to the army's overall size. The resulting larvae provide temporary reinforcements, enabling dynamic battlefield adaptations.

The Swarm's aggressive playstyle is highlighted by its corpse-devouring healing and power-ups, and abilities that shift based on enemy strength. This approach fosters direct confrontations and provides players with a novel combat strategy.