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 delved deeper into the details of this fascinating new castle. The team shed light on the inspirations fueling the faction's creation, the transformation from "Inferno" to "Swarm" (or vice versa), and the unfolding events on the continent of Jadame.

The Swarm's defining trait is its remarkable ability to adapt to its adversaries. Some of its creatures' abilities scale with the level of the opposing unit; the greater the disparity between the Swarm unit and its prey, the more devastating the damage. Other creatures, such as mantises, can dynamically choose from three different abilities each round, adding a layer of tactical depth. Additionally, creatures like worms and locusts have the ability to devour corpses, not only to heal but also to empower themselves—a skill that heroes within the faction can also master.

In Olden Era, the traditional demonic threat has been reimagined as an insectoid race, a concept only briefly touched upon in Might & Magic 8. Unfrozen Studio's approach to crafting the Swarm faction respects the original lore while infusing it with elements of body horror and occultism. This transforms the faction from a mere colony of insects into a devoted cult, united under a single ruler. Each follower is a component of a vast collective mind, existing solely to fulfill their master's will.

The gameplay of the Swarm faction centers around its "mono-faction" mechanic. Players who opt to field only Swarm units will experience enhanced synergy among their troops. Additionally, Swarm forces can summon cocoons, the health of which is tied to the overall size of the army. Once hatched, the larvae emerge as temporary units, allowing players to adapt dynamically to the evolving battlefield situations.

Unfrozen Studio highlighted the Swarm's distinctive playstyle, characterized by creatures that can consume corpses for healing and empowerment, and employ unique abilities that adjust based on the enemy's strength. This approach positions the Swarm as an aggressive faction, excelling in direct confrontations and offering players a novel combat strategy.