Following the exciting teaser reveal of the Swarm faction, the developers at Unfrozen Studio behind Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era have delved deeper into the intricacies of this captivating castle. They've shed light on their creative inspirations, the fascinating evolution from "Inferno" to "Swarm" (or vice versa), and the unfolding narrative on the continent of Jadame.
The Swarm faction stands out with its unique ability to adapt to adversaries. Some of its creatures have abilities that scale based on the level difference with their opponents—the larger the gap, the more devastating their attacks become. Mantises, for instance, offer players the flexibility to select one of three abilities each round. Moreover, creatures like worms and locusts can consume fallen enemies to heal and bolster their strength, a trait that heroes can also master.
In the world of Olden Era, the Swarm takes on the mantle of the demonic threat, evolving from a mere insectoid race briefly mentioned in Might & Magic 8. The developers have honored the original lore while infusing elements of body horror and occultism, transforming the Swarm into a cult devoted to a singular ruler. Each member of the Swarm is part of a collective consciousness, driven solely by their master's directives.
A key gameplay feature of the Swarm is its "mono-faction" mechanic. Players gain significant advantages by deploying only Swarm units, as these creatures enhance each other's capabilities. Furthermore, Swarm troops can summon cocoons, the health of which is tied to the army's overall size. Once hatched, the larvae join the fray as temporary units, enabling players to dynamically adjust to battlefield conditions.
The developers emphasize the Swarm's aggressive playstyle, designed for direct confrontations. Its creatures can feast on corpses to heal and grow stronger, while their abilities adapt to the enemy's prowess. This strategic approach offers players a novel and engaging combat experience in Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era.