
Following the exciting teaser reveal of the *Swarm* faction, the team at Unfrozen Studio has offered deeper insight into this newly introduced castle in *Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era*. The developers shared their creative inspirations, explained how the *Inferno* faction evolved into the *Swarm*, and teased the unfolding events on the continent of Jadame.
The Swarm stands out with its dynamic battlefield adaptability. Some of its creatures scale their damage based on the level difference between themselves and enemy units—making them especially deadly against weaker foes. Others, like the mantises, offer tactical flexibility by selecting one of three abilities each round. Additionally, certain units such as worms and locusts can devour fallen enemies to heal and grow stronger—a powerful mechanic that even your heroes can learn to utilize.
In *Olden Era*, the traditional demonic threat is replaced by an insectoid race first hinted at in *Might & Magic 8*. While respecting the original lore, the developers infused the Swarm with elements of body horror and occultism, transforming it from a simple insect colony into a fanatical cult ruled by a singular entity. Every member of the Swarm operates as part of a massive hive mind, existing only to carry out the will of its master.
Unique Gameplay Mechanics
The Swarm introduces a compelling "mono-faction" strategy: using only Swarm units grants significant synergy bonuses. Troops can also summon cocoons during battle, with health values scaling based on the size of your army. These cocoons hatch into larvae—temporary units that provide adaptive support depending on the situation.
This faction encourages an aggressive playstyle. With the ability to consume corpses for healing and power boosts, along with abilities that shift in effectiveness based on enemy strength, the Swarm offers a fresh and intense combat experience. It’s all about direct confrontation and strategic evolution mid-battle.