Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era
Settle cities, recruit vampire lords and fire dragons, conquer hex maps.
Captures the HOMM3 magic with modern polish, but multiplayer's broken — skip for PvP until patches land.
For you if
- You crave turn-based strategy with deep faction variety and map exploration.
- You're a Heroes III veteran who wants the same feel with better QoL.
- You can tolerate early access rough edges for a classic experience.
Not for you if
- You expect stable competitive multiplayer with matchmaking and chat.
- You dislike slow, tactical turn-based combat with no action.
- You're easily frustrated by balance issues and first-player advantage.
The strategic depth and faction variety keep veterans returning, with the classic 'one more turn' loop intact.
Multiplayer connection issues and lack of failsafes frustrate even 400-hour players, ruining PvP reliability.
Latest patch
Patched yesterdayMedia
What critics say
- 8.5/10Strategy and Wargaming
Olden Era nails the HOMM gameplay loop that had me changing my Game Boy batteries every couple of days.
- PC Gamer
Isn't a reimagining or a divisive reinterpretation, it's just a brilliant strategy game.
Before You Play
Refreshed monthlyIs Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era beginner-friendly?
No, Olden Era does not ease new players in gently, as stated in the KeenGamer beginner guide. The tutorial covers only the basics, and then you must manage factions, town development, combat mechanics, resources, and hero planning. However, numerous beginner guides and tips are available online to help you learn the economy fundamentals, faction terrain bonuses, and use of roads to reduce movement costs.
Source: KeenGamer Beginner Guide
Is Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era better solo or with friends?
Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era is enjoyable both solo and with friends. The single-player experience offers six distinct factions and a richer combat system, while the hotseat multiplayer mode recreates classic local play (though you cannot team up yet).
Source: Inkl News
Does Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era have much content after the main story or core loop?
Yes. The achievement guide notes that campaign achievements require multiple replays, providing replay value beyond the core loop. The official Early Access roadmap also promises new factions, maps, and PvP modes to further extend endgame content.
What hidden strengths do players love about Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era that early reviews might overlook?
Players consistently praise the deep unit and town customization—even within the same faction there are vastly different strategic paths, something reviews often gloss over. The included map editor, described as 'beefy' and packed with tools, lets players create endless scenarios. The game also retains a whimsical, lighthearted fantasy tone that long-time fans adore, underplayed in initial coverage that focused on system comparisons.
Source: PC Gamer
What should beginners know before starting Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era?
Focus on upgrading your town and gathering resources early. Use roads to reduce movement cost by 33%. Delay your turn strategically with the Wait command to let enemies come closer. Also, each faction moves faster on its native terrain, so plan your exploration accordingly.
Source: Polygon Beginner's Tips
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