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

Following the exciting teaser reveal of the Swarm faction, the developers of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era at Unfrozen Studio have delved deeper into the intricacies of this fascinating castle. They've shared insights into their creative process, detailing how the "Inferno" faction evolved into the "Swarm," and the dramatic events unfolding on the continent of Jadame.

The Swarm faction stands out due to its remarkable adaptability to enemies. Certain creatures within the Swarm have abilities that scale with the level of opposing units—the larger the disparity between the Swarm unit and its adversary, the more devastating the damage. Moreover, versatile units like mantises can select from three different abilities each round, offering tactical flexibility. Meanwhile, creatures such as worms and locusts possess the unique ability to consume corpses, not only to heal but also to bolster their own power—a skill that heroes can also master.

In Olden Era, the traditional demonic threat is reimagined as 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. This transforms the faction from a mere colony of insects into a devoted cult under the sway of a singular ruler. Each member of the Swarm operates as part of a vast collective consciousness, united in their purpose to serve their master's will.

A key gameplay feature of the Swarm is its "mono-faction" mechanic, which rewards players for fielding an army composed solely of Swarm units. These units synergize to enhance one another's effectiveness. Additionally, Swarm troops have the ability to summon cocoons, whose health scales with the size of the army. Once hatched, these cocoons release larvae that join the battle as temporary reinforcements, allowing players to dynamically adapt to shifting combat scenarios.

Unfrozen Studio has emphasized the Swarm's aggressive playstyle. Its creatures can consume fallen foes to heal and gain strength, and they possess unique abilities that adjust based on the strength of their enemies. This approach positions the Swarm as a faction that thrives in direct confrontations, providing players with a novel and engaging combat strategy.