Following the teaser reveal of the Swarm faction, the developers of Heroes of Might Magic: Olden Era from Unfrozen Studio have shared more details about this unique castle. The team explained their inspirations behind the faction’s creation, how "Inferno" transformed into the "Swarm" (or rather, the other way around), and the events unfolding on the continent of Jadame.

The Swarm’s defining trait is its ability to adapt to the enemy: the abilities of some creatures depend on the level of the opposing unit (the greater the difference between the Swarm unit and its prey, the higher the damage), while others—such as mantises—can choose one of three abilities to use each round. Some creatures, like worms and locusts, can devour corpses to heal and empower themselves—a skill that your heroes can also learn.

In Olden Era, the role of the demonic threat has been assigned to an insectoid race, whose existence was only briefly mentioned in Might Magic 8. The developers approached the creation of the Swarm with respect for the original lore but added elements of body horror and occultism, turning the faction into more than just a colony of insects—it’s a cult devoted to a single ruler. Each follower is part of a vast collective mind, existing solely to fulfill its master’s will.

The gameplay feature of the Swarm lies in its "mono-faction" mechanic—players will benefit from using exclusively Swarm units, as they enhance each other. Additionally, Swarm troops can summon cocoons, whose health depends on the overall size of the army. The hatched larvae join the battle as temporary units, allowing players to adapt to various battlefield situations.

The developers also highlighted the Swarm’s playstyle: its creatures can devour corpses for healing and empowerment, as well as utilize unique abilities that change depending on the enemy’s strength. This approach makes the faction aggressive and focused on direct confrontations, offering players a fresh combat strategy. 

Main image: steamcommunity.com

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