The developers of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era from Unfrozen Studio have recently unveiled more details about the intriguing Swarm faction following its teaser reveal. This faction, rooted in the transformation of the traditional "Inferno" into the "Swarm," is set to bring a unique gameplay experience to the continent of Jadame.
The Swarm faction stands out due to its remarkable adaptability to enemy units. Some of its creatures can modify their abilities based on the level of the opposing unit, inflicting higher damage when facing weaker foes. Other creatures, such as mantises, have the flexibility to choose from three different abilities each round, adding strategic depth to battles. Moreover, creatures like worms and locusts can consume corpses on the battlefield, not only to heal but also to empower themselves—a trait that heroes within the faction can also acquire.
In Olden Era, the role traditionally occupied by demonic forces has been reimagined as an insectoid race, previously hinted at in Might & Magic 8. The developers have honored the original lore while infusing the Swarm with elements of body horror and occultism, transforming it into a cult-like entity devoted to a singular ruler. This collective is bound by a vast, shared consciousness, driven to execute the commands of their leader.
A key gameplay feature of the Swarm is its "mono-faction" mechanic. Players are encouraged to use only Swarm units, which mutually enhance each other's effectiveness. Additionally, Swarm troops have the ability to summon cocoons, the health of which scales with the size of the army. These cocoons hatch into larvae that join the fray as temporary units, allowing for dynamic battlefield adaptations.
The developers emphasized the Swarm's aggressive playstyle, centered around direct confrontations. The faction's creatures leverage their ability to devour corpses for healing and empowerment, and their unique abilities shift in response to the strength of their enemies. This approach offers players a novel and engaging combat strategy, setting the Swarm apart in the world of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era.