Following the intriguing teaser reveal of the Swarm faction in *Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era*, Unfrozen Studio has delved deeper into the details of this captivating new castle. The developers have shared the inspirations behind the faction's unique design, tracing the evolution from the traditional "Inferno" to the innovative "Swarm," and providing insights into the unfolding narrative on the continent of Jadame.
The defining characteristic of the Swarm faction is its remarkable adaptability to adversaries. Certain Swarm creatures have abilities that scale with the level of the opposing unit, inflicting higher damage as the disparity between the Swarm unit and its target grows. Other creatures, like the versatile mantises, can dynamically select from three different abilities each round, adding a strategic depth to battles. Moreover, creatures such as worms and locusts can feed on fallen enemies to heal and gain strength, a skill that heroes can also master, enhancing the faction's resilience and tactical options.
In *Olden Era*, the developers have reimagined the role traditionally occupied by demonic forces, introducing an insectoid race that was only hinted at in *Might & Magic 8*. By blending respect for the original lore with elements of body horror and occultism, the Swarm faction transcends a simple insect colony to become a devoted cult under a singular ruler. Each member of the Swarm is a part of a collective mind, driven entirely by the will of their master.
A key gameplay mechanic of the Swarm is the "mono-faction" system, where players gain advantages by exclusively using Swarm units, as they synergize and bolster each other's effectiveness. Additionally, Swarm troops can summon cocoons, with the health of these cocoons scaling with the army's size. The larvae that hatch from these cocoons serve as temporary units, allowing players to dynamically adapt to shifting battlefield conditions.
The developers emphasized the Swarm's aggressive playstyle, which centers around direct confrontations. The ability of Swarm creatures to consume corpses for healing and empowerment, coupled with their unique abilities that vary based on the enemy's strength, offers players a fresh and engaging combat strategy. This approach not only makes the Swarm a formidable force but also provides a thrilling and innovative gameplay experience in *Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era*.
