Following the teaser reveal of the Swarm faction, the developers at Unfrozen Studio have delved deeper into the intricacies of this distinctive castle in Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era. They shared insights into the faction's origins, the transformation from "Inferno" to "Swarm," and the unfolding narrative on the continent of Jadame.
The Swarm's hallmark is its remarkable adaptability to foes, with some units' abilities scaling based on the disparity between their level and that of their opponents. For example, the greater the difference, the more damage Swarm units can inflict. Other creatures, like mantises, offer strategic flexibility by choosing from three abilities each round. Moreover, creatures such as worms and locusts can consume fallen enemies to heal and boost their power—a tactic heroes can also master.
In Olden Era, the traditional demonic threat is reimagined as an insectoid race, previously hinted at in Might & Magic 8. The developers have honored the original lore while infusing the Swarm with elements of body horror and occultism. This faction transcends a mere insect colony, evolving into a cult dedicated to a singular ruler. Each member is a cog in the collective mind, driven solely by the will of their master.
The gameplay of the Swarm revolves around its "mono-faction" mechanic, rewarding players for deploying only Swarm units, which synergize to enhance each other's effectiveness. Additionally, Swarm troops can generate cocoons, whose vitality correlates with the army's total strength. Once hatched, the larvae emerge as temporary combatants, enabling dynamic adjustments to battle conditions.
The developers emphasize the Swarm's aggressive playstyle, with its units capable of consuming corpses for healing and empowerment. Their unique abilities also adapt according to enemy strength, promoting direct and fierce engagements. This approach introduces a novel combat strategy, offering players an engaging and strategic experience within the world of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era.
