Heroes of Might and Magic Olden Era: Epic Return in 2026

Thirty years after the first hero marched across the battlefields of Enroth, the Heroes of Might and Magic series returns in a way nobody expected. Olden Era, developed by Russia's Unfrozen studio with Ubisoft's blessing, isn't just another sequel — it's a homecoming for a franchise that defined generations of gamers. With legendary composer Paul Romero behind the music, original creator Jon Van Caneghem as creative advisor, and six brand-new factions on the continent of Jadame, Olden Era aims to be what devoted fans have been dreaming about for decades.

30 Years of Franchise

6 Factions

2026 Release Year

PC Platform

A Legacy That Forged Legends

The story of Heroes of Might and Magic began in 1995, when New World Computing released the first game in the series. Creator Jon Van Caneghem, inspired by both science fiction and fantasy, had already built the Might and Magic RPG series since 1986, but Heroes took the universe in an entirely new direction: turn-based strategy with heroes, armies of mythological creatures, and towns you build up gradually.

Heroes of Might and Magic III (1999) became the pinnacle of the series. With exceptional gameplay, addictive multiplayer, and a soundtrack that remains iconic to this day, it won millions of fans worldwide. Even 25+ years later, HoMM III maintains an active community of modders and tournament players.

The Franchise's Journey

New World Computing was absorbed by the 3DO Company, which went bankrupt in 2003. Ubisoft purchased the rights for just $1.3 million and created a new continuity set in the world of Ashan — a decision that divided the fanbase. From HoMM V through HoMM VII, none managed to touch the greatness of the third. Now, with Olden Era, the series returns to the original world of Enroth for the first time in two decades.

Olden Era — The Continent of Jadame Unveiled

Olden Era is set in the world of Enroth — the same world that hosted the first three Heroes games. Specifically, the action takes place on the continent of Jadame, which gamers first encountered in Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer (2000), but which had never appeared in a Heroes title. This choice by the developers is no accident: it offers both nostalgic connection to the past and creative freedom for new lore.

Jadame is a continent full of contrasts — dense forests next to desert expanses, ancient temples near kingdoms of the dead, and underground cities hiding secrets of ages. The world feels alive and multifaceted, with each faction occupying its own geographic zone and interacting differently with the others.

"We wanted to return to what made the franchise so beloved. Enroth isn't just a world — it's a symbol of what Heroes of Might and Magic means to millions of players."

— Unfrozen Studio, Gamescom 2024

Gameplay: Faithful to the Roots, Evolved in Spirit

Olden Era's core gameplay follows the proven formula fans love: the player controls heroes with unique abilities, builds armies of mythological creatures and soldiers, develops towns, and explores the map in a turn-based phase. Combat takes place on a separate tactical grid, where positioning, hero abilities, and army composition determine the outcome.

However, Unfrozen isn't settling for a simple clone of HoMM III. Olden Era will introduce new RPG mechanics not seen in any previous installment. This includes deeper hero progression, dynamic inter-faction interactions, and a resource system that rewards strategic thinking beyond simple gold and lumber collection.

Beyond single-player and multiplayer, the game supports co-op mode and includes a built-in map editor — a tool that has historically been crucial for the longevity of Heroes titles, giving the community the ability to create their own maps and scenarios.

The Six Factions of Jadame

One of the most exciting elements of Olden Era is the six distinct factions, each with unique architecture, units, heroes, and strategic identity.

Temple

The faction of order and light. Knights, priests, and celestial beings form disciplined armies strong in healing and defense.

Necropolis

The kingdoms of death. Skeletons, vampires, liches, and necromancers recruit fallen enemies to bolster their ranks after every battle.

Sylvan

The forests come alive. Elves, unicorns, treants, and magical nature creatures offer speed, precision, and powerful ranged magic.

Dungeon

From the depths of the earth. Dark elves, minotaurs, dragons, and ancient beings unleash chaos on opponents with relentless aggression.

Hive

An entirely new concept. Insectoid creatures with a hive mind operate on swarm mechanics — overwhelming numbers over individual strength.

Schism

The mysterious sixth faction, revealed in August 2025. Hybrid beings between magic and technology that defy conventional rules.

Music: The Return of Paul Romero

If there's one thing no HoMM fan can ever forget, it's the music. Paul Romero's melodies in HoMM III — from the serene Castle theme to the dramatic battle tracks — are pieces of gaming history. And now, Paul Romero returns for Olden Era.

Alongside him is Cris Velasco, known for God of War, StarCraft II, and Mass Effect — a composer who knows how to create epic, cinematic scores. Their collaboration promises a soundtrack that honors nostalgia while bringing a fresh sound. Furthermore, the Heroes Orchestra — the ensemble famous for performing the series' compositions at live concert halls — is participating in the recording, creating full-scale orchestral in-game soundtracks.

The Importance of Music in HoMM

Heroes' music was never background noise — it was an inseparable part of the experience. Every faction had its own theme, every terrain its own atmosphere. Romero's return means this tradition will continue, now with modern orchestral production quality.

Unfrozen: The Team Behind Olden Era

Unfrozen is no random studio. Known for Iratus: Lord of the Dead — a turn-based roguelike that earned strong reviews on Steam — they demonstrated deep understanding of turn-based mechanics. Ubisoft's choice wasn't accidental: Unfrozen is composed of developers who grew up with the classic Heroes games and genuinely want to honor that legacy.

Most impressively, Jon Van Caneghem himself joined the team. The original creator of the entire Might and Magic franchise — the man who started it all in 1986 — came aboard Unfrozen as creative advisor in January 2026. This move gives Olden Era an authenticity that no other Heroes game has had since HoMM IV.

"Returning to Enroth was something I'd been dreaming about for years. Unfrozen understands what makes a Heroes game great — and it's not just the mechanics, it's the soul of the world."

— Jon Van Caneghem, PCGamesN, January 2026

The Road to Release

Olden Era was announced at Gamescom in August 2024, sending shockwaves of excitement through the community. Development followed a gradual reveal model: Necropolis was showcased in October 2024 (timed with Halloween), the music team was announced in December 2024, and a closed beta test of the “arena” mode — a new quick-match multiplayer mode — ran in March 2025.

In April 2025, a cinematic story trailer revealed that Early Access would begin in summer 2025. The mysterious sixth faction Schism was unveiled in August 2025, and a free demo launched on Steam in October 2025. The full release is expected sometime in 2026, with Hooded Horse serving as co-publisher alongside Ubisoft — a company renowned for its excellent track record with strategy games.

Why Olden Era Could Change Everything

Heroes of Might and Magic hasn't had a truly worthy new title in over fifteen years. The Ubisoft-era games (V, VI, VII) had their moments, but none managed to move players the way the classics did. Olden Era combines everything needed to break this cycle:

Return to Enroth — the franchise's true world, leaving Ashan behind
Jon Van Caneghem — the original creator as creative advisor
Paul Romero — the legendary composer behind the music
Unfrozen — a studio with proven turn-based expertise
Community involvement — closed betas, demos, map editor, Early Access feedback
Hooded Horse — a publisher known for respecting developers and audiences

The turn-based strategy scene is thriving: games like Manor Lords, Old World, and Songs of Conquest have proven there's a massive audience hungry for deep, strategic experiences. Olden Era arrives at the right place at the right time — as long as Unfrozen delivers on their promises.

The Significance of the 30th Anniversary

Olden Era's release coincides with the Heroes series' 30th anniversary. This is no coincidence: Unfrozen and Ubisoft want this game to serve as a tribute to three decades of history, while simultaneously paving the way for a new era of turn-based strategy.

Final Verdict

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era brings together all the right elements: a passionate development team, original creators in advisory roles, music from the franchise's legends, and a return to the world millions loved. The continent of Jadame, six factions, new RPG mechanics, the map editor, and co-op support create a package that seems too good to be true — but every sign so far suggests Unfrozen is taking this project seriously.

If you ever loved those endless nights in front of the HoMM III map, the battles with dragons and angels, the joy of discovering hidden artifacts — then Olden Era was made exactly for you. The legendary series returns. This time, it's coming home.

Heroes of Might and Magic turn-based strategy Unfrozen Paul Romero fantasy games strategy RPG Jadame Enroth

Heroes of Might and Magic Olden Era: The Legendary Turn-Based Strategy Series Makes Its Epic Comeback