Unfrozen Studio, the developers behind Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, have unveiled further details about the intriguing Swarm faction, following an initial teaser. They've detailed the faction's design inspiration, the evolution of the concept from "Inferno" to "Swarm," and the unfolding narrative within the Jadame continent.
The Swarm's defining characteristic is its adaptability. Certain creatures possess abilities directly influenced by enemy unit levels; the greater the disparity, the more potent the damage inflicted. Others, such as mantises, strategically select from three abilities each round. A unique feature allows creatures like worms and locusts, and even heroes, to consume corpses for healing and enhanced power.
In Olden Era, the insectoid race, previously only briefly mentioned in Might & Magic 8, assumes the role of the demonic threat. While respecting established lore, the developers incorporated elements of body horror and occultism, transforming the faction beyond a simple insect colony into a cult dedicated to a singular overlord. Each member is integrated into a vast collective consciousness, existing solely to execute its master's commands.
Gameplay revolves around a "mono-faction" mechanic, rewarding players who utilize exclusively Swarm units due to their synergistic enhancements. Swarm troops can summon cocoons, whose health scales with army size. The resulting larvae provide temporary reinforcements, allowing for dynamic battlefield adjustments.
The Swarm's aggressive playstyle is highlighted by its corpse-devouring healing and empowerment, coupled with enemy-strength-dependent abilities. This fosters a direct confrontation approach, offering players a novel combat strategy.