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

Following the intriguing teaser reveal of the Swarm faction, the developers at Unfrozen Studio have delved deeper into the world of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era. They shared fascinating insights into the inspiration behind the faction's creation, the transformation from "Inferno" to "Swarm" (or vice versa), and the gripping events unfolding on the continent of Jadame.

The defining trait of the Swarm is its remarkable adaptability to the enemy. Some of its creatures possess abilities that scale with the level of the opposing unit, inflicting higher damage the greater the difference between the Swarm unit and its prey. Meanwhile, other creatures, such as mantises, have the flexibility to choose from three abilities each round. Additionally, certain creatures like worms and locusts can devour corpses to heal and empower themselves—a skill that your heroes can also master.

In Olden Era, the demonic threat is embodied by an insectoid race, previously only hinted at in Might & Magic 8. The developers have approached the Swarm's creation with a deep respect for the original lore, yet they've infused it with elements of body horror and occultism, elevating the faction beyond a mere insect colony. It's now portrayed as a cult devoted to a singular ruler, where each follower is part of a vast collective mind, existing solely to fulfill its master’s will.

The gameplay mechanics of the Swarm are centered around its "mono-faction" concept—players will reap significant benefits by employing only Swarm units, as these enhance each other's capabilities. Moreover, Swarm troops have the unique ability to summon cocoons, whose health is directly tied to the army's overall size. Once hatched, the larvae join the fray as temporary units, providing strategic flexibility in various battlefield scenarios.

The developers have emphasized the Swarm's aggressive playstyle. Its creatures can devour corpses not only for healing but also for empowerment, and they can utilize unique abilities that adapt based on the enemy's strength. This dynamic approach positions the Swarm as a faction that thrives on direct confrontations, offering players a novel and aggressive combat strategy.