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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHeroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is a prequel set on Jadame, before the events of the first Heroes of Might and Magic. It pairs the series’ familiar map exploration, town-building and turn-based battles with new faction and unit abilities. PC Early Access launched on April 30, 2026; the Steam demo remains a separate way to try a smaller selection of factions and modes.
What is Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era?
Developed by Unfrozen, Olden Era is an official prequel that returns to the world of Enroth and explores Jadame, a continent referenced before but not explored in the main Heroes of Might and Magic series. Ubisoft’s reveal describes the central strategy loop: explore a map with heroes, gather resources, build towns and castles, recruit mythic armies, then fight turn-based tactical battles. Ubisoft’s 2024 reveal situates the game in the series’ tradition while introducing changes to progression and combat.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
![Heroes of Might & Magic III HD Edition [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516STHQFfTL._SL160_.jpg)
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Heroes of Might & Magic III HD Edition [Online Game Code] | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Might & Magic Heroes VII Deluxe Edition - PC | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Heroes of Might & Magic 4 - PC | $5.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Heroes of Might and Magic - PlayStation 2 | $20.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Heroes of Might and Magic IV Complete | PC Code - Ubisoft Connect | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The battlefields use hexes, a structure Ubisoft describes as a nod to Heroes III. The reveal also says the developers drew on Heroes II and Heroes V. That describes the design inspirations, not a guarantee that every system will work or feel like those earlier games.
What does Olden Era add to the familiar formula?
Ubisoft’s announced systems focus on giving factions, heroes and battlefield units more ways to develop and act. The reveal lists faction-specific abilities, new ways to learn skills and spells, and set bonuses for equipping multiple artifacts. Units can also gain an activated secondary ability after an energy meter fills. These are official design descriptions; they are not an independent assessment of balance or how the systems perform in play.
#1 Best Overall
For players deciding whether the design sounds appealing, the central distinction is that Olden Era is not presented as a direct-battle-only strategy game. Its official descriptions emphasize building an empire and developing heroes across the adventure map as well as making tactical decisions in battle.
What factions and modes are in the demo?
The Steam demo page lists four playable factions: Temple, Necropolis, Dungeon and Schism. The developer’s press kit lists six factions for Olden Era overall, adding Sylvan and Hive. The four demo factions should not be mistaken for the full roster. Steam’s demo page describes tutorials, Quick Start, Arena, Single-Hero and Multi-Hero (Classic) modes. It also lists three templates for Single-Hero and Classic play. The demo was released October 9, 2025.
Rank #2
- The Deluxe Edition contains an exclusive hero, a scenario map, the full digital soundtrack and Heroes III - HD Edition
- Develop and manage your economy
- Lead armies of legendary creatures to battle
- Build up Heroes of Might & Magic with hundreds of abilities and powerful artifacts
| What the source lists | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Playable demo factions | Temple, Necropolis, Dungeon, Schism | Steam demo page |
| Factions in the press kit | Temple, Necropolis, Sylvan, Dungeon, Hive, Schism | Unfrozen press kit |
| Demo modes | Tutorials, Quick Start, Arena, Single-Hero, Multi-Hero (Classic) | Steam demo page |
The Steam description also says faction units can be recruited or upgraded through city structures, that world-map dwellings can add creatures from other factions, and that heroes’ experience can affect armies or the economy. These are storefront descriptions of the game, rather than results from hands-on testing.
When did Early Access launch, and where can you play?
PC Early Access began April 30, 2026. Unfrozen announced release on Steam and Microsoft Store through Game Preview, with PC Game Pass availability on day one. Ubisoft’s later roadmap confirms the Early Access launch and directs players to Steam or Microsoft Store/Game Preview. Unfrozen’s launch announcement and Ubisoft’s Early Access roadmap are the relevant status references; the game is no longer an upcoming release.
Rank #3
- Bring hero-characters into battle as super-soldiers in your army
- More than 140 hours of gameplay and 6 unique campaigns
- 11 starting Hero classes, 37 advanced classes
- All-new magic system
- Control up to 8 armies
What is planned for Early Access?
Ubisoft’s roadmap lists future work including teamplay, hero-skill rebalancing, random map generator improvements, observer mode, an Elite Class rework, matchmaking improvements, underground terrain, map-editor improvements, an Ironman campaign mode, completion of the single-player campaign, map sharing and a new PvE mode. Ubisoft says roadmap items may change, so these are plans rather than guaranteed features or delivery dates.
The distinction matters when assessing the current product: the roadmap explicitly includes completion of the single-player campaign as future work. Ubisoft’s 2024 reveal had also described solo maps, classic multiplayer for up to eight players with custom rules, randomly generated maps, a map and campaign editor, and Arena drafting. Those were reveal-era feature statements, not confirmation that every item is present in the Early Access build. Check the current store listing and roadmap for what is available now.
How successful has the Early Access launch been?
Ubisoft’s 2026 roadmap reports 250,000 copies sold in the first 24 hours and more than one million in the first month. Those are Ubisoft-reported sales figures. Steam’s demo page showed 2,035 English-language reviews with 77% positive when accessed for the source material; that storefront figure changes over time and is not a current live rating.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can a player reasonably judge before buying?
The demo offers a way to sample four factions and several modes, while the press kit’s six-faction list indicates a broader roster than the demo selection. The official materials establish the game’s structure and announced systems, but they do not establish a hands-on verdict about balance, campaign quality or how complete the current Early Access build feels. Treat the roadmap as a guide to intended development, not a promise that every listed feature will arrive unchanged.
Best Value
- How to Claim: Open Ubisoft Connect (PC), select three lines icon in top left corner, choose “Activate a Key,” enter key in “Activation Code” field, select “Activate,” and your game will be available on the “Games” tab
For a comparison with older Heroes entries or other turn-based strategy games, the most useful questions are whether you prefer map exploration and town growth to direct-battle focus, how much tactical depth you want from unit abilities, how you value hero and faction progression, and whether the current solo and multiplayer scope suits you. The official descriptions provide those comparison points, but they do not support a playtested ranking against other games.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
