Following the teaser reveal of the Swarm faction, the developers of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era from Unfrozen Studio have unveiled further details about this intriguing castle. The team delved into their inspirations for the faction's creation, explaining how "Inferno" evolved into the "Swarm" (or vice versa), and the unfolding events on the continent of Jadame.
The Swarm's defining characteristic is its adaptability to enemies: the abilities of certain creatures scale with the level of the opposing unit (the larger the gap between the Swarm unit and its target, the greater the damage inflicted), while others, such as mantises, can select one of three abilities to deploy each round. Creatures like worms and locusts can consume corpses to heal and bolster their strength—a skill that heroes can also master.
In Olden Era, the role of the demonic threat is filled by an insectoid race, which was only briefly referenced in Might & Magic 8. The developers crafted the Swarm with a deep respect for the original lore but infused elements of body horror and occultism, transforming the faction from a mere insect colony into a cult devoted to a singular ruler. Each follower is an extension of a vast collective consciousness, dedicated solely to executing their master's commands.
The gameplay of the Swarm revolves around its "mono-faction" mechanic—players gain advantages by solely utilizing Swarm units, which synergize to enhance each other. Moreover, Swarm troops can summon cocoons, with the health of these cocoons tied to the overall size of the army. The larvae that hatch from these cocoons join the fray as temporary units, enabling players to adapt to a variety of combat scenarios.
The developers emphasized the Swarm's aggressive playstyle: its creatures can consume corpses for healing and empowerment, and they possess unique abilities that adjust based on the enemy's strength. This approach positions the Swarm as a faction focused on direct confrontations, offering players a dynamic and engaging combat strategy.
