After more than a decade without a new mainline entry, the beloved Heroes of Might and Magic series is finally returning. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will launch into Early Access on April 30th, 2026, bringing fresh hope to fans of classic turn-based strategy. Developed by Unfrozen Studio and published by Hooded Horse in collaboration with Ubisoft, the game aims to honor the franchise’s roots while making it accessible to a new generation of players. Check out the latest trailer:
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era stays true to the series’ signature formula: strategic empire building, epic turn-based tactical combat, and deep RPG progression. Players will explore a vibrant, never-before-seen fantasy world filled with secrets, dangers, and opportunities for conquest.
The game will offer multiple ways to play, including:
- A narrative-driven campaign
- Single Hero mode
- Classic skirmish battles
- Arena mode
- Premade scenarios
- Full multiplayer support (solo or with friends)
Both procedurally generated maps and hand-crafted scenarios will be available, giving players variety whether they prefer structured stories or open-ended sandbox experiences.
The title is designed to appeal to longtime series veterans who grew up with the classic games as well as newcomers who may be discovering the franchise for the first time. With its mix of city management, army recruitment, hero development, and large-scale battles against mythical creatures, Olden Era looks positioned to recapture the magic that made the series legendary.
To reach as wide an audience as possible, the game will launch with extensive localization support. In addition to English, it will be available in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese right from Early Access.
Unfrozen Studio brings significant experience to the table. Founded in 2016 by industry veterans who previously worked on titles such as League of Legends, World of Warcraft, and Disciples 3, the studio’s first game Iratus: Lord of the Dead sold over 500,000 copies. Their focus on deep tactical and strategic gameplay makes them a natural fit for reviving the Heroes series.
Hooded Horse, known for publishing high-quality strategy games like Manor Lords, Against the Storm, Old World, and Norland, will handle publishing duties. The partnership with Ubisoft ensures the game maintains a connection to the franchise’s heritage while benefiting from modern development and distribution support.
Launching into Early Access on both Steam and the Microsoft Store (via Game Preview), Olden Era will allow the developers to gather player feedback and refine the experience over time. The game will also be available on PC Game Pass from day one, giving subscribers immediate access to the Early Access build.
While full details on the Early Access content roadmap have not yet been revealed, the studio has promised a meaningful experience at launch that respects the series’ legacy.
The Heroes of Might and Magic series has a special place in gaming history. Its perfect blend of empire management, hero progression, and tactical combat created countless memorable moments for players across multiple generations. After such a long hiatus, many fans have been waiting patiently for a true successor that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Olden Era appears to strike that balance. By focusing on core gameplay pillars while introducing new modes and quality-of-life improvements, it has the potential to reintroduce the franchise to modern audiences without alienating its dedicated fanbase.
With its April 30th Early Access launch just around the corner, strategy enthusiasts now have a clear date to mark on their calendars. Whether you are a longtime fan eager to build new cities and lead legendary armies once again or a curious newcomer looking to dive into one of strategy gaming’s most respected series, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era looks set to deliver a worthy return.
The game will be available on Steam, the Microsoft Store, and PC Game Pass starting April 30th, 2026. Will you be assembling your army and conquering the land?