HwKeeper
Auto-translated
Game FAQ Translation
https://unfrozen.studio/news/faq/
https://unfrozen.studio/news/faq-part-2/
General Questions
What is Olden Era?
Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era is an official prequel, returning to the roots of the genre-defining, critically acclaimed series of turn-based fantasy strategy games.
What does the title mean?
The title reflects, on one hand, a return to the classic world and lore of Enroth, and on the other, "classic" gameplay based on the beloved mechanics of HoMM II-III.
Is it a spin-off or a full game?
Olden Era is a full new entry in the series, with all the expected features and more! (Some will appear during early access.)
When? Early access or full release?
The game will enter early access in the first half of 2025. The full release date will be announced later.
When creating a mechanically complex game like Olden Era, early access is a great way to polish and refine certain aspects (balance, user interface, etc.) by gathering feedback from early players3.
How did Unfrozen and Ubisoft decide to work together?
Unfrozen, as huge fans of Heroes of Might & Magic, approached Ubisoft with a proposal to create a new game in the series. We came to them with a game idea and a demo version.
Ubisoft liked the idea of an indie development of a Heroes of Might & Magic game, created by fans for fans, as a good first step toward rebooting the franchise.
When did the development of the game begin?
We began development of Olden Era in 2020, after the release of the Iratus: Wrath of the Necromancer DLC
By the way, what is the developers' position regarding ideas and designs from the player community?
While we have our own creative ideas and mostly follow them, we understand how important the community is for the Heroes of Might & Magic games. Therefore, we review all your feedback and will make changes according to the most requested ones or, of course, if balance changes are required. But also keep in mind, we have our own vision for the game, and we want to create something unique. However, we appreciate your passion for the franchise, and your ideas and requests may change our priorities!
Is it true that the developer Leonid is kept in a basement and is not allowed to go outside?
Yes. In chains. We use them to drag him away from the computer, otherwise he would never sleep at all.
How can I support the project while it is not yet released?
We greatly appreciate any support! Here are a few ways you can help:
Add the game to your Steam wishlist and feel free to join our Discord server, where you can communicate directly with the developers!
Spread the word, asking your friends to also add the game to their Steam wishlists — this will greatly help in promoting the project!
Leave comments about the game under any related videos on YouTube.
You can also support us by purchasing Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Will there be a sequel to Iratus?
As previously announced, our studio is enthusiastically working on a new game in the Iratus universe. We look forward to sharing details about this upcoming project with you soon.
The HoMM and Iratus franchises are completely independent of each other in terms of both narrative and gameplay, except perhaps for an occasional easter egg.
I am a journalist/blogger, and I would like to share information about your game with my followers. How can I contact the developers?
Unfrozen is happy to collaborate with media and streamers. If you would like to conduct an interview or create content about the game, we are ready to help. Please contact us at the following address: katya.prikhodko@unfrozen.studio, and please use the press kit
Release and Availability
Which platforms will Olden Era be available on?
In early access, we will focus on PC (Steam), as this platform is very convenient for gathering community feedback. Other platforms will be added later — stay tuned for future announcements!
What will be the price of the game?
The early access price will be confirmed closer to release based on the general pricing policy of comparable games.
If the volume of the game increases significantly during early access, we may increase the retail price for the full version upon release.
Is gamepad support planned for the future?
Currently, the Olden Era interface is optimized for PC (mouse and keyboard), as that is how strategy games are typically played. The game has many different interfaces, so integrating gamepad support is a complex task.
We are considering adding this feature in the future — stay tuned for further updates.
Will there be any content or expansions after release?
We are committed to supporting the game after release with updates, expansions, and much more. We also intend to support community-created content, such as templates, scenarios, etc.
How long will the campaign be? Will there be heroes available only in the campaign?
Our goal is to release the first 8 campaign missions with early access, although this may still change. We cannot estimate how long they will take right now, as some of you may try to speedrun them. However, we still expect many hours of gameplay for everyone who takes on the challenge! Indeed, there will be heroes available only in the campaign who will not be in the skirmish mode.
Will there be Steam achievements?
At some point, definitely. We will start early access with some campaign-related achievements and add more during this period.
When will we see the secret faction?
It will be playable on the first day of early access.
Will there be a gamepass for the base game and the first few expansions?
For early access, the game will be released only on Steam with a base purchase model (i.e., you buy the base game — you get it). We want to focus on the core of the game before considering expansions and their distribution model. Content updates during early access will be free.
Will Ubisoft Connect be required to play in early access?
Early access, scheduled for launch in Q2 2025, will not require Ubisoft Connect to play.
Gameplay and Content
What is the main plot about?
The game takes place on the continent of Jadam, which is threatened by a mysterious new demonic force. The rulers of the Dungeon plan to form a defensive alliance with other factions, but it is not easy, as everyone seems to have a grudge against someone.
Players will explore this non-linear campaign, making choices that will determine the fate of the continent and its inhabitants.
How many factions will be in the game?
Six factions will be available in early access: Temple (Classic Knights), Necropolis (Undead and Vampires), Sylvan (Nature and Fey Folk), Dungeon (Dark Elves and Underground Creatures), Hive (Demonic Insectoids), and a sixth mysterious faction that will be revealed as you progress.
We plan to introduce additional factions in future updates and DLCs.
What single-player modes are included?
The game offers three single-player modes: Campaign, Randomly Generated Maps, and Skirmish (Custom Maps).
What multiplayer modes are included?
The game offers three main multiplayer modes:
◆ Classic mode: Manage multiple heroes, upgrade your castle, and explore the map.
◆ Single hero mode: A challenging mode where you manage one hero, and their survival is critical.
◆ Arena: Focuses on immediate combat, where you choose a hero, upgrade them, and enter battle.
Can I create and share my own maps?
Yes, we plan to include an intuitive in-game map editor during early access. It will allow you to create your own maps for single-player and multiplayer and share them with other players.
What are the main features of the combat system?
◆ Traditional hexagonal battlefield with an orthographic camera.
◆ Active abilities for both creatures and heroes.
◆ Faction abilities (hero abilities with a unique twist, designed specifically for each faction).
What additional features are in multiplayer mode?
Multiplayer mode includes matchmaking, ratings, and leaderboards. They are separate for each game mode.
Will there be a spectator mode in multiplayer?
Yes, we understand that this is a highly requested feature by the community. We are actively working on implementing a spectator mode for multiplayer and are optimistic that it will be available during early access.
Will there be a random map generator in the game?
Creating it was one of our top priorities! We started working on it three years ago and continue to refine it to this day. Our generator has several improvements over those in HoMM III and V, making it truly unique. It works well for both single-player and multiplayer.
Will there be map templates in the game, like in HoMM III?
Yes, the game offers many templates that we will regularly rotate in official matchmaking. Additionally, you will be able to play on any template by creating a custom game in the official lobby.
Will there be dungeons and sailing in the game?
We plan to introduce both during early access.
Do you have plans for Axanthel?
Olden Era takes place in the world of Enroth, as in HoMM I-III. We have no plans to explore other worlds in this game.
Will there be a "hotseat" mode?
Yes, of course.
Will we see some previously known characters — hopefully, we'll see their ancestors or maybe some long-lived ones, will that be the case?
Indeed, some characters may be alive during the OE era — undead, vampires, elementals, and perhaps some extremely long-lived elves. And indeed, some other characters may have ancestors. One faction in Olden Era says "I thank the Forefathers" (instead of "I thank the gods" and so on), and that is not for nothing! So you will see some familiar or semi-familiar faces.
But overall, we want to focus on characters who are more of a blank slate. This game is such an interesting opportunity to create a backstory for characters who had none at all!
Will the slow end-game be solved/reduced in any way? At the end of the game, players endlessly chase weak enemy heroes but can barely conduct any serious battles. How will you fix this?
This topic is too broad to be fully covered in an FAQ. In short, we are aware of this problem and are working on ways to solve it. For example, some templates and maps have unique victory conditions designed to create a faster ending. Such victory conditions are optional, meaning players can choose their preferred game dynamics. We can also mention that there will be a timer for both turns and the battle itself, which you can toggle on and off, as well as a shorter 1-hero mode.
Will different cities have different maximum Mage Guild levels? For example, Fortress had a maximum of 3 levels, and Tower had 5 levels in HoMM III.
Yes. Additionally, Mage Guilds in different cities will have different specializations and different chances to obtain various spells. In the future, there will be a separate devlog about Mage Guilds, where you will learn much more about the mechanics present in Heroes of Might & Magic Olden Era.
Do you have plans to create a special tutorial to help beginners get used to competitive play?
We definitely plan to release tutorial materials during early access! We understand how important this is, as we have received a lot of feedback from the community. This is one of the most requested features in the game, so we will do our best to ensure a smoother introduction for everyone!
What is the status of accessibility; colors, sounds, people with input issues, etc., and how easy is the gameplay to learn (for newcomers to the game)?
We are working with an accessibility team, and settings will definitely be there, but most likely during early access, closer to the release of version 1.0.
How does the AI work in Olden Era?
The main feature of the AI is the division of heroes into different roles: the main hero fights in difficult battles against other opponents, while support heroes act as gatherers and couriers who deliver troops and artifacts to the main hero. The AI can follow various strategies and change its behavior depending on the situation. For example, after gathering a certain percentage of valuables in the current area, it will switch to an "expand and capture the next area" strategy.
Will we be able to change the blue color of the user interface?
Not at the moment. We acknowledge the request, but our resources are limited, and we want to polish aspects of the game directly related to gameplay before moving on to providing aesthetic options. We will consider adding this feature closer to the release of version 1.0.
What features will be present in terms of competitive play and tournaments?
We are implementing several features that will significantly simplify organizing and viewing tournaments. One of them is the spectator mode for all games. You will learn more in future devlogs about competitive play!
Will each faction start with its own unique faction skill (e.g., Necromancy for Necropolis)?
Yes, each faction will start with its own faction skill. You will have to wait for their individual devlogs for specific details on each. As you can see, we have already shared information about Necropolis in our last announcement!
Will external dwellings preserve their growth week after week?
Yes! We really liked this feature, and the community actively requested it. Therefore, in Olden Era, dwellings will accumulate over time.
How many heroes can we play for each faction?
In early access, there will be 18 playable heroes per faction. We are also considering adding more later — and these are only the heroes for skirmish mode! Some campaign heroes are separate.
Will the random map generator create maps for player vs player? Player vs AI? Co-op?
At the time of the early access launch, the random map generator will support both player vs player and player vs AI modes. It will not have co-op or the ability to group several players into a team. We plan to add this later during early access.
Will the random map generator support mirrored templates?
We understand how important this feature is, so we will add mirrored templates during early access after the release of the dungeon.
How will simultaneous turns and the timer work?
The timer system is similar to previous games: there is a separate timer for the global map and for each battle (including PvP). The game will use a modified chess timer: you get a base time for the entire match, with time added every day, bonus time every week, and an increment delta for bonus time every day/week.
OE will have smart simultaneous turns — yes, they end when players can meet each other, not after the meeting. Timer values can be configured before the match starts (via the lobby).
Will hero specialization abilities become stronger with additional levels? For example, instead of +2 to the growth of a certain creature, could you have +1 to growth for every 5 hero levels?
That is exactly how specializations work in Olden Era! They scale with level.
Will there be control zones, like in Heroes 6 and 7?
We received a lot of mixed or even negative feedback about this feature, so we decided not to use it in Olden Era.
Will there be an option for offline LAN or direct lobby connections?
Not at the moment, but we will have a Hot Seat mode during early access.
Will ranged units have a limited number of shots, like in Heroes V, or unlimited, like in Heroes VII?
In OE, ranged units have an unlimited number of shots. The range penalty is not constant. It gradually increases depending on the distance to the target.
https://unfrozen.studio/news/faq/
https://unfrozen.studio/news/faq-part-2/
General Questions
What is Olden Era?
Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era is an official prequel, returning to the roots of the genre-defining, critically acclaimed series of turn-based fantasy strategy games.
What does the title mean?
The title reflects, on one hand, a return to the classic world and lore of Enroth, and on the other, "classic" gameplay based on the beloved mechanics of HoMM II-III.
Is it a spin-off or a full game?
Olden Era is a full new entry in the series, with all the expected features and more! (Some will appear during early access.)
When? Early access or full release?
The game will enter early access in the first half of 2025. The full release date will be announced later.
When creating a mechanically complex game like Olden Era, early access is a great way to polish and refine certain aspects (balance, user interface, etc.) by gathering feedback from early players3.
How did Unfrozen and Ubisoft decide to work together?
Unfrozen, as huge fans of Heroes of Might & Magic, approached Ubisoft with a proposal to create a new game in the series. We came to them with a game idea and a demo version.
Ubisoft liked the idea of an indie development of a Heroes of Might & Magic game, created by fans for fans, as a good first step toward rebooting the franchise.
When did the development of the game begin?
We began development of Olden Era in 2020, after the release of the Iratus: Wrath of the Necromancer DLC
By the way, what is the developers' position regarding ideas and designs from the player community?
While we have our own creative ideas and mostly follow them, we understand how important the community is for the Heroes of Might & Magic games. Therefore, we review all your feedback and will make changes according to the most requested ones or, of course, if balance changes are required. But also keep in mind, we have our own vision for the game, and we want to create something unique. However, we appreciate your passion for the franchise, and your ideas and requests may change our priorities!
Is it true that the developer Leonid is kept in a basement and is not allowed to go outside?
Yes. In chains. We use them to drag him away from the computer, otherwise he would never sleep at all.
How can I support the project while it is not yet released?
We greatly appreciate any support! Here are a few ways you can help:
Add the game to your Steam wishlist and feel free to join our Discord server, where you can communicate directly with the developers!
Spread the word, asking your friends to also add the game to their Steam wishlists — this will greatly help in promoting the project!
Leave comments about the game under any related videos on YouTube.
You can also support us by purchasing Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Will there be a sequel to Iratus?
As previously announced, our studio is enthusiastically working on a new game in the Iratus universe. We look forward to sharing details about this upcoming project with you soon.
The HoMM and Iratus franchises are completely independent of each other in terms of both narrative and gameplay, except perhaps for an occasional easter egg.
I am a journalist/blogger, and I would like to share information about your game with my followers. How can I contact the developers?
Unfrozen is happy to collaborate with media and streamers. If you would like to conduct an interview or create content about the game, we are ready to help. Please contact us at the following address: katya.prikhodko@unfrozen.studio, and please use the press kit
Release and Availability
Which platforms will Olden Era be available on?
In early access, we will focus on PC (Steam), as this platform is very convenient for gathering community feedback. Other platforms will be added later — stay tuned for future announcements!
What will be the price of the game?
The early access price will be confirmed closer to release based on the general pricing policy of comparable games.
If the volume of the game increases significantly during early access, we may increase the retail price for the full version upon release.
Is gamepad support planned for the future?
Currently, the Olden Era interface is optimized for PC (mouse and keyboard), as that is how strategy games are typically played. The game has many different interfaces, so integrating gamepad support is a complex task.
We are considering adding this feature in the future — stay tuned for further updates.
Will there be any content or expansions after release?
We are committed to supporting the game after release with updates, expansions, and much more. We also intend to support community-created content, such as templates, scenarios, etc.
How long will the campaign be? Will there be heroes available only in the campaign?
Our goal is to release the first 8 campaign missions with early access, although this may still change. We cannot estimate how long they will take right now, as some of you may try to speedrun them. However, we still expect many hours of gameplay for everyone who takes on the challenge! Indeed, there will be heroes available only in the campaign who will not be in the skirmish mode.
Will there be Steam achievements?
At some point, definitely. We will start early access with some campaign-related achievements and add more during this period.
When will we see the secret faction?
It will be playable on the first day of early access.
Will there be a gamepass for the base game and the first few expansions?
For early access, the game will be released only on Steam with a base purchase model (i.e., you buy the base game — you get it). We want to focus on the core of the game before considering expansions and their distribution model. Content updates during early access will be free.
Will Ubisoft Connect be required to play in early access?
Early access, scheduled for launch in Q2 2025, will not require Ubisoft Connect to play.
Gameplay and Content
What is the main plot about?
The game takes place on the continent of Jadam, which is threatened by a mysterious new demonic force. The rulers of the Dungeon plan to form a defensive alliance with other factions, but it is not easy, as everyone seems to have a grudge against someone.
Players will explore this non-linear campaign, making choices that will determine the fate of the continent and its inhabitants.
How many factions will be in the game?
Six factions will be available in early access: Temple (Classic Knights), Necropolis (Undead and Vampires), Sylvan (Nature and Fey Folk), Dungeon (Dark Elves and Underground Creatures), Hive (Demonic Insectoids), and a sixth mysterious faction that will be revealed as you progress.
We plan to introduce additional factions in future updates and DLCs.
What single-player modes are included?
The game offers three single-player modes: Campaign, Randomly Generated Maps, and Skirmish (Custom Maps).
What multiplayer modes are included?
The game offers three main multiplayer modes:
◆ Classic mode: Manage multiple heroes, upgrade your castle, and explore the map.
◆ Single hero mode: A challenging mode where you manage one hero, and their survival is critical.
◆ Arena: Focuses on immediate combat, where you choose a hero, upgrade them, and enter battle.
Can I create and share my own maps?
Yes, we plan to include an intuitive in-game map editor during early access. It will allow you to create your own maps for single-player and multiplayer and share them with other players.
What are the main features of the combat system?
◆ Traditional hexagonal battlefield with an orthographic camera.
◆ Active abilities for both creatures and heroes.
◆ Faction abilities (hero abilities with a unique twist, designed specifically for each faction).
What additional features are in multiplayer mode?
Multiplayer mode includes matchmaking, ratings, and leaderboards. They are separate for each game mode.
Will there be a spectator mode in multiplayer?
Yes, we understand that this is a highly requested feature by the community. We are actively working on implementing a spectator mode for multiplayer and are optimistic that it will be available during early access.
Will there be a random map generator in the game?
Creating it was one of our top priorities! We started working on it three years ago and continue to refine it to this day. Our generator has several improvements over those in HoMM III and V, making it truly unique. It works well for both single-player and multiplayer.
Will there be map templates in the game, like in HoMM III?
Yes, the game offers many templates that we will regularly rotate in official matchmaking. Additionally, you will be able to play on any template by creating a custom game in the official lobby.
Will there be dungeons and sailing in the game?
We plan to introduce both during early access.
Do you have plans for Axanthel?
Olden Era takes place in the world of Enroth, as in HoMM I-III. We have no plans to explore other worlds in this game.
Will there be a "hotseat" mode?
Yes, of course.
Will we see some previously known characters — hopefully, we'll see their ancestors or maybe some long-lived ones, will that be the case?
Indeed, some characters may be alive during the OE era — undead, vampires, elementals, and perhaps some extremely long-lived elves. And indeed, some other characters may have ancestors. One faction in Olden Era says "I thank the Forefathers" (instead of "I thank the gods" and so on), and that is not for nothing! So you will see some familiar or semi-familiar faces.
But overall, we want to focus on characters who are more of a blank slate. This game is such an interesting opportunity to create a backstory for characters who had none at all!
Will the slow end-game be solved/reduced in any way? At the end of the game, players endlessly chase weak enemy heroes but can barely conduct any serious battles. How will you fix this?
This topic is too broad to be fully covered in an FAQ. In short, we are aware of this problem and are working on ways to solve it. For example, some templates and maps have unique victory conditions designed to create a faster ending. Such victory conditions are optional, meaning players can choose their preferred game dynamics. We can also mention that there will be a timer for both turns and the battle itself, which you can toggle on and off, as well as a shorter 1-hero mode.
Will different cities have different maximum Mage Guild levels? For example, Fortress had a maximum of 3 levels, and Tower had 5 levels in HoMM III.
Yes. Additionally, Mage Guilds in different cities will have different specializations and different chances to obtain various spells. In the future, there will be a separate devlog about Mage Guilds, where you will learn much more about the mechanics present in Heroes of Might & Magic Olden Era.
Do you have plans to create a special tutorial to help beginners get used to competitive play?
We definitely plan to release tutorial materials during early access! We understand how important this is, as we have received a lot of feedback from the community. This is one of the most requested features in the game, so we will do our best to ensure a smoother introduction for everyone!
What is the status of accessibility; colors, sounds, people with input issues, etc., and how easy is the gameplay to learn (for newcomers to the game)?
We are working with an accessibility team, and settings will definitely be there, but most likely during early access, closer to the release of version 1.0.
How does the AI work in Olden Era?
The main feature of the AI is the division of heroes into different roles: the main hero fights in difficult battles against other opponents, while support heroes act as gatherers and couriers who deliver troops and artifacts to the main hero. The AI can follow various strategies and change its behavior depending on the situation. For example, after gathering a certain percentage of valuables in the current area, it will switch to an "expand and capture the next area" strategy.
Will we be able to change the blue color of the user interface?
Not at the moment. We acknowledge the request, but our resources are limited, and we want to polish aspects of the game directly related to gameplay before moving on to providing aesthetic options. We will consider adding this feature closer to the release of version 1.0.
What features will be present in terms of competitive play and tournaments?
We are implementing several features that will significantly simplify organizing and viewing tournaments. One of them is the spectator mode for all games. You will learn more in future devlogs about competitive play!
Will each faction start with its own unique faction skill (e.g., Necromancy for Necropolis)?
Yes, each faction will start with its own faction skill. You will have to wait for their individual devlogs for specific details on each. As you can see, we have already shared information about Necropolis in our last announcement!
Will external dwellings preserve their growth week after week?
Yes! We really liked this feature, and the community actively requested it. Therefore, in Olden Era, dwellings will accumulate over time.
How many heroes can we play for each faction?
In early access, there will be 18 playable heroes per faction. We are also considering adding more later — and these are only the heroes for skirmish mode! Some campaign heroes are separate.
Will the random map generator create maps for player vs player? Player vs AI? Co-op?
At the time of the early access launch, the random map generator will support both player vs player and player vs AI modes. It will not have co-op or the ability to group several players into a team. We plan to add this later during early access.
Will the random map generator support mirrored templates?
We understand how important this feature is, so we will add mirrored templates during early access after the release of the dungeon.
How will simultaneous turns and the timer work?
The timer system is similar to previous games: there is a separate timer for the global map and for each battle (including PvP). The game will use a modified chess timer: you get a base time for the entire match, with time added every day, bonus time every week, and an increment delta for bonus time every day/week.
OE will have smart simultaneous turns — yes, they end when players can meet each other, not after the meeting. Timer values can be configured before the match starts (via the lobby).
Will hero specialization abilities become stronger with additional levels? For example, instead of +2 to the growth of a certain creature, could you have +1 to growth for every 5 hero levels?
That is exactly how specializations work in Olden Era! They scale with level.
Will there be control zones, like in Heroes 6 and 7?
We received a lot of mixed or even negative feedback about this feature, so we decided not to use it in Olden Era.
Will there be an option for offline LAN or direct lobby connections?
Not at the moment, but we will have a Hot Seat mode during early access.
Will ranged units have a limited number of shots, like in Heroes V, or unlimited, like in Heroes VII?
In OE, ranged units have an unlimited number of shots. The range penalty is not constant. It gradually increases depending on the distance to the target.