The beloved turn-based strategy franchise is finally making its comeback. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, the first new entry in the iconic series in over ten years, will launch into Early Access on April 30 for PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. Even better for subscribers, the game will be available on Game Pass from day one, giving a wide audience immediate access to the long-awaited revival.
Developed by Unfrozen — the studio behind Iratus: Lord of the Dead — Olden Era aims to recapture the magic that made the original games legendary while introducing fresh ideas for a new generation of players. The game features a dedicated narrative campaign, classic and single-hero skirmish modes, an arena mode, and a collection of both hand-crafted and procedurally generated maps. Six distinct factions will be available at launch, including fan favorites like the chivalrous Temple and the undead hordes of Necropolis, as Eurogamer reports.
The road to release has had a few unexpected detours. Ubisoft originally planned to publish the game on its own, but a wave of corporate restructuring led the company to hand off day-to-day publishing operations to Hooded Horse, the indie-friendly publisher known for titles like Manor Lords. As Rock Paper Shotgun notes, Hooded Horse’s deep experience with strategy games and RPGs made them a natural fit for shepherding the project to market.
The decision to launch in Early Access rather than wait for a full release is a deliberate one. The developers have stated that this approach will allow the community to actively participate in shaping the game’s development, providing feedback that can influence future updates and the eventual 1.0 release. No timeline has been announced for when the game will leave Early Access, but the strategy suggests a commitment to getting things right with player input.
Anticipation for Olden Era has been building steadily since its announcement. Created to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the game quickly climbed into Steam’s top ten most-wishlisted titles — a clear signal that the appetite for classic turn-based strategy remains strong. Both solo players and multiplayer enthusiasts will find something to dig into, with the game supporting both modes from day one.
For those who want a taste before committing, a free demo is still available on Steam. Whether you are a veteran who spent countless hours with Heroes III or a newcomer curious about what all the fuss is about, April 30 is shaping up to be a significant date on the PC gaming calendar.