Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era launched in early access today on PC via Steam. Developed by Unfrozen with backing from Hooded Horse and Ubisoft, this marks the first mainline sequel to Heroes of Might and Magic VII, which released in 2015.

The early access build includes a narrative campaign, six playable factions, multiplayer modes, and a map editor for custom content creation. Players can experience the core turn-based tactical gameplay that defines the franchise while the team continues development toward a full release.

This launch matters because the Heroes franchise has gone dormant at the AAA level for nearly a decade. While spin-offs and mobile entries existed, fans waited years for a proper successor to Heroes VII. Unfrozen's approach emphasizes community feedback during early access, a strategy that lets players shape the final product before launch.

The six-faction system provides faction diversity for multiplayer and campaign playthroughs. The inclusion of a map editor extends longevity significantly, allowing the community to generate custom content similar to the modding ecosystems that sustained earlier entries like Heroes III.

Market-wise, this signals Ubisoft's willingness to revive dormant IPs through indie-backed partnerships rather than internal AAA development. Hooded Horse has successfully published strategy titles like Crusader Kings III mods and other niche strategy games, positioning them as a reliable partner for complex game systems.

Early access reception will determine whether Unfrozen can capture the depth of older titles while modernizing mechanics for current audiences. The franchise carries nostalgic weight among 30-40 year-old gamers who played Heroes II and III during the 90s, but attracting younger players requires balancing accessibility with complexity.

For strategy game enthusiasts starved for turn-based tactical content, this arrival breaks a long drought. Success here could prompt