What changed in Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era in 2024

Tools will allow detailed analysis of map templates, including object value distribution and statistical simulations.

The first few missions of the campaign are planned to be released in Early Access.

Players can set mandatory objects like dwellings and mines to appear in specific zones.

A new Random Map Generator (RMG) will be implemented, focusing on quality and variety of maps.

The RMG guarantees paths won't be blocked by random enemies and provides control over object accessibility.

A map editor will be provided for players to create and save their own custom maps.

Introduction of the Alvar Pact faction featuring BLACK DRAGONS, minotaurs, troglodytes, medusae, and dark elves with special abilities.

External dwellings will keep their growth week after week, as requested by the community.

A secret faction will be available to play on the first day of Early Access.

AI will separate heroes into roles, with main heroes engaging in battles and supporting heroes gathering resources.

The game will feature a modified chess timer for global map and battle turns.

Mage guilds in different towns will have varying maximum levels and specializations.

A tutorial aimed at helping beginners with competitive play will be released during Early Access.

The game aims to release the first 8 missions of the campaign during Early Access.

Each faction will have 18 playable heroes at Early Access launch.

Hero specializations will scale with levels, enhancing their abilities as they progress.

New templates and maps will feature unique win conditions to create a faster endgame.

The RMG will support both players vs. players and players vs. AI modes at launch.

Hot Seat mode will be available during Early Access, but offline LAN or direct connections will not be supported initially.

Ranged units will have unlimited shots, with a range penalty that increases with distance.

Campaign-related achievements will be available at Early Access launch, with more to follow.

There will be heroes exclusive to the campaign that won't be available in skirmish games.

Players receive the 2nd level of a skill from the start, allowing immediate choice of a subskill.

Tiers and upgrades for units are balanced to ensure competitive gameplay without identical choices.

Specialist heroes have an increased chance of learning their corresponding skills, and mages start with a basic spell.

Players choose from three heroes and customize their skills, artefacts, spells, and army in a quick draft process.

Arena mode will feature its own rating system and matchmaking to enhance competitive play.

A new fast-paced game mode allowing players to engage in quick battles without traditional map exploration or resource gathering.

Players are offered artefacts of the same rarity to ensure a balanced gameplay experience.

Players can no longer farm low-tier units to raise higher-tier undead units early in the game.

Necromancy now affects all units in the army, raising only those already present based on total health of slain enemies.

Detailed lore about the Necromancers' Guild and its historical context within the game world.

A new game mode where players manage a single hero, increasing stakes and simplifying gameplay.

Introduction of one-unit stacks for strategic gameplay, allowing for tactical advantages in battles.

Players can designate main heroes and supports, with AI designed to utilize these roles.

New building allows players to store and retrieve armies and artifacts from anywhere on the map.

Support for both faster and slower match pacing with alternative win conditions and hero caps.

Players can transfer armies and artifacts between heroes, maintaining skill-heavy hero chaining.

Classic Mode recreates the traditional gameplay loop of hiring heroes, exploring maps, and conquering towns.

New spell allows heroes to transfer troops and artifacts from a distance, streamlining gameplay.

The game will feature Classic, Single-Hero, and Arena multiplayer modes, catering to different play styles.

For the first time, online multiplayer will include matchmaking, player profiles, and a ladder system for a smoother experience.

Players can create an endless number of unique maps to play against the AI using the fully functional Random Map Generator.

The game will provide both a Map Editor and a Template Editor for players to create and share their own content.

Olden Era will feature a full-fledged single-player campaign that incorporates all factions' stories into a single, non-linear campaign with player choices.

Olden Era will include a classic hot seat mode, allowing players to compete against friends on the same computer.

The AI will separate heroes into 'main' and 'courier' roles, mimicking real player strategies to enhance single-player gameplay.

Olden Era will launch with several custom maps made by the team and will include a map editor for community-created maps.