Following the intriguing teaser reveal of the Swarm faction, the dedicated developers at Unfrozen Studio have unveiled more captivating details about this unique addition to Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era. The team has shed light on the creative inspirations behind the faction's inception, detailing how the traditional "Inferno" faction has been reimagined into the formidable "Swarm," and how this transformation ties into the dramatic events unfolding on the continent of Jadame.
The Swarm faction distinguishes itself with its remarkable ability to adapt to its enemies. This adaptability is showcased through the dynamic abilities of its creatures: some units inflict higher damage based on the level difference between themselves and their opponents, while others, like the versatile mantises, can select from three different abilities each round. Furthermore, creatures such as worms and locusts possess the eerie ability to devour corpses, not only healing themselves but also gaining empowerment—a skill that can be learned by your heroes, adding a strategic layer to your gameplay.
In Olden Era, the traditional role of the demonic threat has been innovatively reimagined with an insectoid race, a concept that was only hinted at in Might & Magic 8. The developers have approached the creation of the Swarm with a deep respect for the original lore, yet they've infused it with elements of body horror and occultism, transforming it from a mere insect colony into a sinister cult devoted to a singular ruler. Each follower within the Swarm is part of a vast collective mind, dedicated solely to fulfilling their master's will.
The gameplay mechanics of the Swarm revolve around its "mono-faction" strategy, where players gain significant advantages by exclusively using Swarm units, as they synergistically enhance one another. Additionally, Swarm troops have the ability to summon cocoons, the health of which scales with the size of the player's army. These cocoons hatch into larvae that join the battle as temporary units, providing players with the flexibility to adapt to various battlefield scenarios.
The developers emphasized the Swarm's aggressive playstyle, highlighting how its creatures can utilize the battlefield to their advantage by devouring corpses for healing and empowerment. Moreover, the Swarm's unique abilities dynamically adjust based on the strength of the enemy, ensuring that players can employ a fresh and aggressive combat strategy focused on direct confrontations.