Info about Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era:

Official game description:
This newest entry in the renowned Heroes of Might and Magic series brings strategic empire building, epic turn-based tactical battles, and in-depth RPG mechanics to a world of fantastical beasts, formidable spellcasters, and fierce champions. Explore a vibrant world full of secrets and dangers as you play through an epic narrative campaign that heralds impending doom, or conquer both procedurally generated and hand-crafted maps, building magnificent cities and raising massive armies of mythical creatures to vanquish your foes.
Made for series veterans and newcomers alike, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is built on the familiar foundations of some of the most critically acclaimed strategy games of all time, introducing multiple classic and new game modes whether playing solo or with friends online.
Choose from six powerful factions to lead in a fantastical world where stalwart heroes command armies of mighty warriors and magical creatures in battle. From the armored knights of the Temple and the elemental spirits of the Grove, to the fire-breathing dragons of the Dungeon and the animated corpses of the Necropolis, each of the factions wields its own unique selection of units and heroes on the battlefield.
*   Each faction in Olden Era has a great variety of unique units with which to forge your own playstyle and match your tactical preferences. Will you choose to lead armies of deadly but fragile vampires and liches, able to sap the enemy’s strength with every strike and drain life to raise fallen warriors? Or do you prefer more robust combatants like the noble griffins and their ability to counterattack multiple times, or honorable knights that lead devastating charges? Use varied active and passive abilities to teleport troops further than their movement range would typically allow, summon additional forces to the field, hamper your opponent’s ability to cast spells or use abilities of their own, or otherwise turn the tide of battle.
*   Build the appropriate structures in your cities to recruit and upgrade your units into more formidable variants, or seek out dwellings across the strategic map to bring creatures from other factions into your armies, unlocking new opportunities and synergies to overcome your foes.
*   Recruit powerful heroes to lead your armies, each exerting their own effects on your empire and its warriors as they grow more experienced over time. Where one might help their army move more quickly across the world, another may increase the initiative of all units within their army, favour the recruitment of a particular unit, or generate essential resources to bolster your economy. With over a hundred unique heroes each bringing their own starting armies, skills, and spells with them, there are a great variety of strategies to employ.
Whether fighting for supremacy on procedurally generated worlds or playing on handcrafted maps built by the developers or community members on the in-game map editor, Heroes of Might and Magic will always take you to an unknown world awaiting exploration. Send forth your armies to pull back the veil and reveal great opportunities and dark threats, racing against your enemies to capture points of interest and secure the foundations of a strong economy. Navigate the treacherous terrain and varied biomes as you do, and seek out the mountain passes, chokepoints, and alternate pathways guarded by fearsome creatures and deadly armies.
*   Start with a single town where you can construct buildings, recruit and upgrade units, and hire additional heroes. Then venture forth and seek out structures in the world beyond that can generate vital resources, provide you with arcane power, or aid in your defense. With limited movement points per turn, every fork in the road becomes a strategic decision – will you rush to a well and replenish a hero’s mana, betting that the enemy lies in wait just beyond what your eyes can see? Or perhaps the glittering of a treasure hoard and its offer of great reward is more pressing?
*   Valuable landmarks will often be guarded by powerful armies, and the first to overcome this force will reap rewards that can hold the secret to success. With valuable artifacts ranging from weapons and armour to magical rings and trinkets, heroes carrying the right equipment can strengthen what first appears to be a weak army, or otherwise unlock surprising combinations and synergies.
*   Capture additional towns to gain access to reinforcements closer to the ever-shifting frontlines of war, and secure your grip with garrisons stationed at their walls. Develop each town in different ways to gain access to the specific needs of a certain front as you face off against your enemies.
The battlefields of Olden Era put warriors and spellcasters to the test as humble footsoldiers stand shoulder-to-shoulder with and against hydras and phoenixes and minotaurs and more. Powerful magic courses overhead as heroes conjure the arcane to strike enemies down or reinvigorate allies, drawing from four different schools of magic to turn the tide of battle. 
*   Turn-based tactical battles will test your strategic mastery as you seek out devastating synergies among the large variety of units at your disposal, the heroes that lead them, and the spells and artifacts they wield. The right combination can make even the lowly skeleton warrior a formidable opponent, and a shrewd tactician can find advantages in surprising ways. The battlefields of Olden Era encourage smart but aggressive play – ranged units are able to fire across the field, distances close quickly, and spells can strike from anywhere.
*   Earn Focus by causing and receiving damage, and spend it to use powerful and unique units abilities, unlocking options that range from more devastating attacks and increased defenses to higher initiative and mobility. From the Graverobber’s ability to summon Skeletons to the Locust’s ability to jump to a nearby corpse and devour it for buffs, each unit provides a litany of interesting options in combat. Will you spend this precious resource to heal weakened units with the help of your Hierophant, keeping them on the battlefield for just a few more crucial turns? Or perhaps your Arbitrator can teleport a powerful allied unit forward, surprising your opponent where they previously felt safe, shifting the tides quickly in your favor? Every decision you make is critical, and if the odds are overwhelming, you can always pay the price to flee the battlefield and fight another day.
Whether you seek a non-linear narrative campaign, skirmishes against the AI, or battles against friends and strangers alike across three different game modes, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era brings a fantastical world to life across its massive roster of factions and units, great variety of powerful spells and abilities, and endless options to pursue your unique playstyle.

Release date: Apr 30, 2026

Categories: Turn-based Strategy, Faction Diversity, Hero Management, Unit Customization, Map Editor, Multiplayer, Fantasy, Tactical Combat

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: Reviews explicitly mention no microtransactions.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several critical areas for improvement. The most prominent issues include the lack of an in-game encyclopedia, which is essential for players to understand game mechanics and content. Additionally, users have highlighted the need for better explanations of complex mechanics, such as special job advancements and skill learning. Technical issues, particularly frequent crashes during common actions, have also been noted as a significant concern. Addressing these issues can greatly enhance the user experience and satisfaction with the game.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally receives positive feedback for its compatibility and performance on Linux. Most users report that it runs well, both natively and through Proton. However, there are isolated reports of graphical glitches and interface issues that affect the user experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game works well on Linux with minor issues reported by a few users.
- Steam Deck: score 40; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game generally receives positive feedback for its performance and optimization on the Steam Deck. Users appreciate the lack of DRM and additional launchers. However, there are notable issues with stability, including crashes and interface problems, which significantly impact the user experience. Additionally, some users find the UI and controls challenging to navigate on the Steam Deck.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game generally performs well on higher-end hardware with sufficient VRAM, while lower-end systems experience more instability and crashes. High VRAM configurations report smooth performance and high frame rates, whereas lower VRAM setups, particularly those with less than 8GB, face more frequent issues.
  - Sample size: 493 (17% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 116 reports): Mostly smooth performance with high frame rates, though some users report crashes.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (positive, 109 reports): Smooth performance with no reported issues.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (mixed, 77 reports): Mixed reports with some users experiencing crashes and instability, while others report smooth performance.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (positive, 68 reports): Generally positive performance with some reports of crashes.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 50 reports): Buttery smooth performance with no reported issues.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 32GB+ RAM (positive, 40 reports): Very nicely optimized with stable framerates.
  - Caveats: 493 of 2838 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $30.00 - $40.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users find the game worth the price, especially with discounts and introductory offers. The mentions of £26.24 and £34.99 translate roughly to $30 and $40 USD respectively, indicating that users find the game fair and worth it within this price range. Additionally, the statement about the EA starting price of $30 with a 25% discount being a steal further supports the lower end of the price range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 170.0h
  - Story completion: 10.0h
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provided includes several mentions of extensive playtime spent on the demo version of the game, indicating a high level of engagement and replayability. Players have reported spending hundreds of hours on the demo, which suggests that the game has significant content and depth to keep players engaged for long periods. The mention of 'hundreds of hours' and specific high playtime figures like '100+ hours' and '170 hours' strongly supports the idea that players are likely to invest a substantial amount of time in the full game. Additionally, the enthusiasm and positive sentiment expressed in these quotes further reinforce the likelihood of extensive playtime for game completion, story completion, session length, and endgame content.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is enjoyable from the start, especially in multiplayer modes, but the lack of co-op multiplayer is a significant friction point that players are eagerly awaiting to be resolved.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Co-op multiplayer support
  - Time to anchor: 24h 0m
  - Friction: Lack of co-op multiplayer; Incomplete features
  - Unlock drivers: Addition of co-op multiplayer; Introduction of new multiplayer modes
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Engaging in competitive multiplayer; Exploring different multiplayer modes
- Player Archetypes:
  - Competitive Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastery and competition
    - Playstyle: Deep strategic planning and competitive multiplayer
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Heroes 3 veteran; Competitive player
    - Reference games: Heroes of Might and Magic 3; Heroes of Might and Magic 5
  - Enthusiastic Adventurer (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment and adventure
    - Playstyle: Casual and exploratory
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Fan of the series; Casual player
    - Reference games: Heroes of Might and Magic 3; Heroes of Might and Magic 5
  - Reserved Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Exploration and nostalgia
    - Playstyle: Exploratory with reservations
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Veteran player; Explorative player
    - Reference games: Heroes of Might and Magic 3
  - Dedicated Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Dedication and long-term engagement
    - Playstyle: Immersive and long-term
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Dedicated fan; Long-term player
    - Reference games: Heroes of Might and Magic 3; Heroes of Might and Magic 4


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Nostalgic feel of Heroes 3 (weight 0.36): The game evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the classic Heroes of Might and Magic III. Players appreciate the old-school feel and the mix of elements from previous games in the series.
- Beautiful art style (weight 0.31): The game's art style is widely praised for being beautiful, appealing, and high-quality. The visual style is considered one of the game's greatest strengths.
- Positive game experience (weight 0.27): Players generally enjoy the game, finding it engaging, fun, and well-made. The game is praised for its quality and enjoyable gameplay, with many players recommending it.
- Developers listen to feedback (weight 0.25): The development team is responsive to player feedback and actively engages with the community. Players appreciate that their opinions are considered and valued.
- Positive reception and value (weight 0.24): The game is well-received, with players expressing satisfaction and appreciation for its quality and value. The price is considered reasonable and worth the cost.
- Mix of old and new elements (weight 0.21): The game successfully combines elements from previous games in the series with fresh ideas and modern improvements. Players appreciate the blend of familiar and innovative gameplay.
- Improved UI and features (weight 0.16): The game features improvements in UI, AI, movement, and battle screen. Players appreciate the detailed and clear UI, as well as the new features and improvements.
- Multiple game modes (weight 0.12): The game offers various game modes, including built-in arena, single hero mode, and co-op. Players appreciate the diversity of gameplay options.
- Enjoyable map exploration (weight 0.1): Players enjoy exploring the game's maps, finding the experience interesting and visually appealing with varied map objects.
- Appeals to fans of the series (weight 0.1): The game includes elements that appeal to fans of previous Heroes games, particularly Heroes 3 and Heroes 5. It is seen as a good part of the Heroes series.
- Variety of factions (weight 0.09): The game features multiple factions with distinct units and potential for more. Players appreciate the variety and design of the factions.
- Community map support (weight 0.09): The game includes a map editor and supports user-shared maps, allowing for community-created content and online map templates.

Common complaints:
- UI/UX issues and bugs (weight 0.18): The game has various UI/UX issues, including unintuitive design and minor bugs that affect the overall user experience.
- Early access shortcomings (weight 0.16): The game is still in early access and has several shortcomings, including rough edges, minor issues, and a need for more development.
- Crashing and technical issues (weight 0.13): Players report game crashing bugs and occasional crashes, which significantly impact the gameplay experience.
- AI and interface improvements needed (weight 0.12): The AI needs more tuning to become smarter, and the interface requires improvements for better readability and intuitiveness.
- Balancing and polish needed (weight 0.11): The game requires balancing tweaks and additional polishing to improve the overall gameplay experience.
- Cluttered and complex map design (weight 0.1): Players find the map too cluttered and complex, making it difficult to navigate and interact with. The dark color scheme adds to the difficulty.
- Lack of random map generation (weight 0.1): Players are disappointed by the absence of random map generation, as the game only offers template maps.
- Connectivity and multiplayer issues (weight 0.08): There are connectivity issues and problems with the multiplayer mode, including crashes.
- Poor introductory videos (weight 0.07): The introductory videos are of poor quality and look strange, detracting from the overall experience.
- Limited voice acting options (weight 0.06): The game lacks voice acting options, with only English voice acting available and no Russian voice acting.
- Complex and unbalanced matchmaking (weight 0.04): The matchmaking system is complex and unbalanced, leading to a less enjoyable multiplayer experience.
- Lack of team play options (weight 0.04): Multiplayer mode lacks proper team play options and support, which is a significant drawback for team-oriented players.
- Lack of dark atmosphere and cinematics (weight 0.04): Players note a lack of dark atmosphere and cinematics, which affects the game's immersion.
- High difficulty level (weight 0.04): The game's difficulty is high even on the easy setting, making it challenging for many players.
- No auto-save feature (weight 0.04): The absence of an auto-save feature, particularly before battles, is a notable inconvenience for players.
- Price concerns (weight 0.04): Players have mixed feelings about the game's price, with some considering it high and others sarcastically noting it as low.
- Hero movement issues (weight 0.04): There are issues with hero movement mechanics, which can impact gameplay negatively.
- Lack of creature depth (weight 0.04): Creatures in the game lack depth and variety, making them appear similar and less interesting.
- Poor dialogue system (weight 0.04): The dialogue system in the game is poorly received, affecting the overall narrative experience.
- Recycled music (weight 0.04): The soundtracks are copied or recycled, which detracts from the game's originality.

Gameplay feedback:
- Diverse unit upgrade system (weight 0.19): The game features a comprehensive unit upgrade system with multiple options for each unit, including hero class upgrades and alternative upgrade paths. This allows for varied and strategic customization of units.
- Deep tactical gameplay (weight 0.13): The game offers tactical battles with drag-and-drop units, emphasizing turn-based strategy and battle tactics. This core gameplay mechanic is highly praised by players.
- Unique faction gameplay styles (weight 0.13): Each faction in the game has unique gameplay styles and abilities, providing diverse strategic options and enhancing the game's depth.
- Multiple engaging game modes (weight 0.12): Players can enjoy several game modes, including built-in arena and single hero modes. This variety adds to the game's replayability and caters to different playstyle preferences.
- Highly rated gameplay and sound (weight 0.08): The gameplay and sound design are consistently rated highly by players, contributing to an overall exceptional gaming experience.
- PvP and PvE formats (weight 0.08): The game supports both PvP and PvE formats, including competitive rankings and various activities that cater to different player preferences.
- Engaging story campaign (weight 0.08): The game features a story campaign with a non-linear storyline, incorporating RPG elements that enrich the player's experience.
- Effective hero progression system (weight 0.06): The hero progression system is well-received, offering a satisfying skill progression that enhances gameplay depth.
- Introduction of new mechanics (weight 0.06): The game introduces new mechanics and features that are well-received by the community, adding fresh elements to the gameplay.
- Multiplayer and single-player options (weight 0.06): Players can engage in multiplayer battles as well as single-player maps, providing flexibility in how they enjoy the game.
- Hex-based tactical field (weight 0.06): The game uses a hexagonal battle grid for movement and tactics, which is a key feature of its strategic gameplay.
- Community and user-generated content (weight 0.06): The game supports community maps and user-shared maps, enhancing its content variety and longevity.
- Changes based on feedback (weight 0.06): The game has undergone changes based on player feedback, including visual and mechanical improvements.

Performance notes:
- Good optimization and performance (weight 0.33): Many players report that the game is well-optimized and runs smoothly across various systems, including Linux and Steam Deck. The performance is described as fantastic and buttery smooth.
- High FPS and performance on various hardware (weight 0.17): The game supports high FPS and runs well on a range of hardware, from low specs to high-end systems. Players have reported smooth performance on different setups.
- Stable framerate with occasional crashes (weight 0.11): The game generally maintains a stable framerate, but some players have experienced occasional crashes and freezes. These issues are not widespread but notable.
- Screen and interface issues (weight 0.08): There are reports of screen flickering, black screen issues, and interface buttons flashing or not working. These issues affect the visual and functional aspects of the game.
- Slow loading times and specific bugs (weight 0.06): Some players have noted slow loading times and specific bugs, such as issues with the mouse in Crossover 26 and keys not responding after the main screen.
- Game size and shader caching (weight 0.05): The game has a small download and unpack size, and there are no pre-loaded and caching shaders. This contributes to the overall optimization and performance.
- Devs actively fixing bugs (weight 0.05): Developers are reported to be eager to fix the bugs and issues, indicating ongoing support and improvements.
- Runs well on specific systems (weight 0.04): The game runs well on specific systems like Mac Pro 2013 and lower-end hardware, showcasing its broad compatibility.
- Eye strain on high graphics (weight 0.02): Some players experience eye strain when using high graphics settings, which could be a consideration for those sensitive to visual effects.
- Issue with HOTAS (weight 0.02): There is a reported issue with HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-and-Stick), which may affect players using this specific control setup.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for series fans (weight 0.29): The game is strongly recommended for fans of the series, classic games, and the genre. It is considered a must-buy for those who grew up with previous installments.
- General recommendations to buy (weight 0.15): The game is generally recommended for purchase and support. It is considered worth buying and leaving a positive review.
- Game has great potential (weight 0.14): The game is praised for its strong foundation and potential to become the best in the series. It leaves a very positive impression and is seen as a worthy representative of the series.
- Recommended for strategy fans (weight 0.14): The game is recommended for fans of turn-based strategies and the Heroes series. It is also suggested for veterans of Heroes of Might and Magic 2 or 3.
- Worth trying for new players (weight 0.12): The game is recommended for both new and old players. It is suggested to give the game a chance and try it out for a few hours or through the demo.
- Positive feedback in Russian (weight 0.1): Positive feedback about the game's potential and value, noting it looks like a diamond that needs polishing and the price justifies the content.
- Gameplay improvements needed (weight 0.08): Suggestions for gameplay improvements include saving often, adding battle restart, improving balance, and not making the AI dumb. Adjustments for easier difficulty are also requested.
- More content requested (weight 0.04): Players want more factions, spells, and maps. There is also a suggestion to add graphic clues to weekly points of interest.
- Positive feedback in Hungarian (weight 0.04): Positive feedback encouraging purchase and noting the game's value for those who grew up with the series.
- Recommendation to join Discord (weight 0.02): Players are recommended to join Discord to provide feedback and engage with the community.

Other player notes:
- Add time acceleration button (weight 0.03): Players have suggested the addition of a time acceleration button to speed up battles.
- Introduce more new races (weight 0.03): There is a desire among players for the game to include a greater variety of new races.
- Separate window for unit art and lore (weight 0.03): Players have requested a separate window that provides detailed art and lore descriptions for units.

Emotions:
- Excitement (weight 0.19): Players are excited about the new features, improvements, and the potential of the game. The anticipation for future expansions, new mechanics, and the revival of the classic gameplay experience from previous installments contributes to this excitement.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.16): The game evokes strong nostalgic feelings as it reminds players of the classic Heroes games, particularly Heroes III. The familiar music, visuals, and gameplay mechanics bring back memories of playing previous versions of the series.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.13): Players are satisfied with the game's quality, improvements, and the responsiveness of the developers. The game meets expectations with its depth, variety, and the overall enjoyable experience it provides.
- Frustration (weight 0.1): Players experience frustration due to various bugs, crashes, and issues with multiplayer modes. The high difficulty, lack of certain features, and technical problems also contribute to this frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.05): Some players feel disappointed due to the game's visual style, lack of content, and various gameplay issues. The high price and unmet expectations compared to previous games in the series also contribute to this disappointment.
- Hope (weight 0.05): Players express hope for the game's future, believing that the developers will address current issues and add more content. The potential for the game to become a long-term success and the developers' responsiveness to feedback fuel this hope.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Players find joy in the gameplay experience, the blend of old and new content, and the positive memories the game evokes. The enjoyable mechanics, music, and the overall fun factor contribute to this joy.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the developers' efforts, responsiveness to feedback, and the respect shown to the series' roots. The game's quality, affordability, and the developers' commitment to improvements are highly valued.
- Hopeful (weight 0.03): Players are hopeful about the game's potential and future developments. They believe in the developers' ability to improve the game and add new content, making it a long-term success.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.02): The game brings back nostalgic feelings by reminding players of previous beloved games in the series. The familiar music, visuals, and gameplay mechanics evoke memories of playing classic Heroes games.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Players enjoy the gameplay experience, the blend of old and new content, and the positive memories the game evokes. The variety of tactics, good gameplay solutions, and the overall fun factor contribute to this enjoyment.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Players express gratitude for the developers' hard work, reasonable pricing, and the respect shown to the series. The homage to Heroes III and the revival of the childhood franchise are highly appreciated.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Players are happy with the game's features, value for money, and the enjoyable gameplay experience. The positive experience with the game's visuals, performance, and innovations contribute to this happiness.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game itself despite the issues. The deep mechanics, engaging campaign, and the emotional impact of the game's development efforts contribute to this love.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players are frustrated with connection problems, lack of multiplayer progress saving, and balance issues in the game. The bugs and issues with game mechanics and hero perks also contribute to this frustration.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Players are happy with the combination of different factions, satisfaction with the game's price and quality, and the potential of the story and visuals. The positive experience with the game's features and value for money contribute to this happiness.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the refreshing feel of the game and the unexpected troop strength. The game exceeding expectations contributes to this surprise.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players are looking forward to the full release and future improvements of the game. The excitement for the final version and the potential for future updates contribute to this anticipation.}