Heroes of Might & Magic is a series originally created and developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing with the first title A Strategic Quest released in 1995 on DOS with an updated Windows 95 version a year later.
The Heroes of Might & Magic series brought this kind of game to great success thanks to the merging of RPG exploration and battles with a strategy layer. Wandering around maps gathering resources and recruiting soldiers to use in chessboard-like battles are only half part of the game, the other half saw players managing resources and building new structures inside towns to get access to powerful units.
Similar to 4X strategy games but with a focus on the RPG components. The series in the years to come will be an inspiration for many games that will propose the New World Computing game mechanics.
Below is a super-comprehensive collection of all these games like Heroes of Might & Magic (HOMM) including all the HOMM games too in order of release date. All the games inside the list have more than one of these distinctive elements of the series:
- Maps to explore
- Gathering resources
- Developing and managing economy
- Recruiting units
- Turn-based battles
- Rpg elements
For each game, you will find a link to the Steam/GOG/Humble store.
King’s Bounty
Developed by New World Computing
Release date: 1990
The true progenitor of this kind of game and the true inspiration for HOMM series. Created by the skilled hands of Jon Van Caneghem in 1990 too. It’s easy to say that King’s Bounty is the ALFA in this particular genre of games. In 2008, the spiritual successor to the series is released, King’s Bounty Legend, which gives the title visibility and new light and with it, many sequels follow.
Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest
Developed by New World Computing
Release date: 1995
This is where HOMM begins, back in 1995. Heroes of Might and Magic takes place in a medieval fantasy world filled with creatures frequently associated with myth and legend. These creatures compose the military forces (troops) with which the player attempts to conquer opponents. A great success accessible through GOG Store and MyAbandonware.
Heroes of Might and Magic II
Developed by New World Computing
Release date: 1996
Strengthened by the success of the first chapter, New Computing World, a year later launches the second chapter of the HOMM series and about a year later will also release an expansion called The Price of Loyalty which adds 4 new campaigns and many other contents. On GOG and GamesNostalgia.
Heroes of Might and Magic III
Developed by New World Computing
Release date: 1999
One of the most successful titles in the series, allowing it to relaunch Heroes of Might and Magic. The third chapter has two expansions; Armageddon’s Blade (1999) e The Shadow of Death (2000). You can find it on Steam.
Disciples: Sacred Lands
Developed by Danny Belanger / Strategy First
Release date: 1999
The first game in another famous series. Disciples by Danny Belanger & Strategy First is a game inspired by Heroes Of Might and Magic with a dark twist. Over 100 spells, a powerful scenario editor, and gameplay features that set the new standards in Turn-Based Strategy games.
Age of Wonders
Developed by Triumph Studios and Epic MegaGames
Release date: 1999
Welcome to Age of Wonders by Triumph Studios and Epic MegaGames. The authentic turn-based fantasy strategy classic that started the hit series. Age of Wonders’ intimate atmosphere with painterly graphics still shines today. The game’s fully patched up. On Steam.
Etherlords
Developed by Nival Interactive.
Release date: 2001
Four races of wizards, adepts of four magical schools, collide in a brutal fight for world domination. Etherlords, an iconic strategy created by Nival, became a bestseller in the world and earned the highest grades from critics. Etherlords is an exciting mix of turn-based strategy and fantasy trading card games. On Steam
Heroes of Might and Magic IV
Developed by New World Computing
Release date: 2002
In the fourth title of the series, generals are on the front of the battlefield for the first time. The skill system also underwent a significant overhaul, and all Heroes of a given class start out with the same skills. The player has significantly more control over the development of the Hero than in previous games in the series. 2 were the expansions; The Gathering Storm (2002) and Winds of War (2003). Available on GOG.
Age of Wonders II: The Wizard’s Throne
Developed by Triumph Studios, Epic Games
Release date: 2002
The wildly anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy phenomenon. Delivering an invigorating mix of Empire Building, Role-playing, and Warfare, Age of Wonders II brings s turn-based strategy to new heights. On Steam
Disciples II: Dark Prophecy
Developed by Strategy First
Release date: 2002
The game is the sequel to the 1999 game Disciples: Sacred Lands, and has become significantly more successful in terms of both sales and popularity than its predecessor. Its dark setting is still there but with improved graphics and mechanics. On Steam
Age of Wonders Shadow Magic
Developed by Trumph Studios
Release date: 2003
The third entry in the award-winning fantasy strategy series. This fan-favorite enhances the series’ praised fusion of empire building, role-playing, and tactical combat with the eerie Shadow World and battle with races never before seen, across new and diverse landscapes. On Stean.
Etherlords II
Developed by Nival Interactive
Release date: 2003
The saga continues! Etherlords II takes players back to the world of Ether and into a whole new realm of fantastic possibilities. Lead heros on an unforgettable journey through lands filled with unsurpassed beauty and danger to unlock the ultimate mystery. On Steam.
Heroes of Might and Magic V
Developed by Nival Interactive
Release date: 2006
The fifth installment of the Heroes of Might and Magic series and the first one with 3d graphics. The game received 2 expansions; Hammers of Fate (2006) and Tribes of the East (2007)
King’s Bounty: The Legend
Developed by Katauri Interactive
Release date: 2008
King’s Bounty: The Legend is an adventure game with tactical turn-based battles and role-playing elements taken from the 1990 Jon Van Caneghem game. On Steam.
King’s Bounty: Armored Princess
Developed by Katauri Interactive
Release date: 2009
A sequel to the critically acclaimed King’s Bounty: The Legend. Players will take on the role of Princess Amelie who travels around the world of Teana and searches for the renowned knight, and her mentor, Bill Gilbert. On Steam
Eador: Genesis
Developed by Snowbird Games, Alexey Bokulev
Release date: 2009
Another successful indie series, similar to Heroes of Might and Magic. In Eador: Genesis players must forge alliances and engage in the delicate art of diplomacy by negotiating trade agreements or waging war against mutual foes. On Steam
Disciples III: Renaissance
Developed by Akella
Release date: 2010
The next title in the award-winning Disciples series represents a leap forward in the evolution of the turn-based strategy RPG genre. Building on the overwhelming successes of the first two games, Disciples III: Renaissance introduces a host of new features as well as the compelling gameplay that made the previous titles so popular. On Steam
Might & Magic Heroes VI
Developed by Black Hole Entertainment
Release date: 2011
In the sixth chapter of the series, several mechanics were reviewed, such as resources, taken from 7 to 5, and was removed the old “magic guild” spell system and replaced with a hero-based “talents” tree. This time 3 expansions were produced; Pirates of the Savage Sea Adventure (2012), Danse Macabre (2012), and Shades of Darkness (2013). On Steam
King’s Bounty: Warriors of the North
Developed by 1C-Softclub
Release date: 2012
The new tale takes place in the familiar world of Endoria featured in the previous games but begins in the Viking lands, which the celebrated hero Bill Gilbert never visited during his famous quest in King’s Bounty: The Legend. On Steam
Fallen Enchantress
Developed by Stardock
Release date: 2012
A huge fantasy strategy game by the creators of Galactic Civilizations. Players must recruit heroes, go on quests, train armies, build cities and forge alliances in a rich RPG world. A map generator and modding tools allow creating a new world for each gameplay session. On Steam
Eador: Masters of the Broken World
Developed by Snowbird Games
Release date: 2013
Making a list of games like Heroes of Might and Magic will be incomplete without Eador series. A universe made of countless shards of land drifting in the Great Nothing. Each of the shards is a little world into itself, with geography and denizens of its own. The power over the shards is bitterly contested by Masters, the immortal beings mortals believe to be gods. On Steam
King’s Bounty: Dark Side
Developed by Soft Club
Release date: 2014
For the first time in King’s Bounty series, players will be able to choose their hero’s race as well as class. Become a fearless Orcs warrior, lead and heal troops as a Demoness, or use dark magic as a fearsome Vampire. On Steam
Age of Wonders III
Developed by Triumph Studios
Release date: 2014
The long-anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing, and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike! On Steam
Legends of Eisenwald
Developed by Aterdux Entertainment
Release date: 2015
Legends of Eisenwald is an adventure game with tactical battles, RPG, and strategy elements. Players must take the lead of a small feudal army and try to defend their right to survive in this ruthless medieval world. On Steam
Might & Magic Heroes VII
Developed by Limbic Entertainment
Release date: 2015
The last chapter is the one that was perhaps received less positively by critics due to the many bugs present at the launch. In any case, players will find the solid mechanics that distinguish the series. 3 its expansions; Lost Tales of Axeoth 1 (2016), Lost Tales of Axeoth 2 (2016), and Trial by Fire (2016) On Steam
Worlds of Magic
Developed by Wastelands Interactive
Release date: 2015
In Worlds of Magic, players can explore and conquer an almost limitless number of procedurally generated universes, using military and magical power to overcome their foes. Found cities, raise armies, research, and cast spells, hire powerful heroes, and create powerful magic. On Steam
Eisenwald: Blood of November
Developed by Aterdux Entertainment
Release date: 2016
Eisenwald: Blood of November is a new medieval sandbox adventure set in Eisenwald world, with new gameplay elements and graphics. No fantasy creatures here, but a cruel conflict between two clans who must fight for the crown. On Steam
Planar Conquest
Developed by Wastelands Interactive
Release date: 2016
Become an all-powerful Sorcerer Lord and lead one of 8 different races to the ultimate victory. Players must explore multiple planes of existence, raid dungeons, and conquer cities. Expand the armies, cast mighty spells, and summon godly creatures. On Steam
Sorcerer King: Rivals
Developed by Stardock
Release date: 2016
A fantasy 4X RPG game from the people who brought Galactic Civilizations, Fallen Enchantress, Star Control, and Sins of a Solar Empire. Players must save the world from the malevolent Sorcerer King or rise to power and supplant him. On Steam
Eador: Imperium
Developed by Snowbird Games
Release date: 2017
Hire heroes, build an army, prevail in battles, and try to keep the empire intact in the face of grave danger. Eador. Imperium is a new chapter in Eador series, known for its unique blend of grand strategy, turn-based tactics, and RPG elements. On Steam
Bastard
Developed by Aterdux Entertainment
Release date: 2018
From the developers of Eisenwald, another project to add to the list of games like Heroes of Might and Magic in which players will find the distinctive elements of the HOMM series. Set in a realistic medieval age. On Steam
King’s Bounty 2
Developed by 1C Entertainment
Release date: 24 August 2021
King’s Bounty 2 is the latest installment in the King’s Bounty series. In the game, players will find all the familiar mechanics of King’s Bounty but with a new “from the shoulders of the hero” view during the exploration phase. To learn more about it check out our written review. On Steam
Disciples: Liberation
Developed by Frima Studio
Release date: 21 October, 2021
Disciples: Liberation is the latest installment in the franchise. Maybe less dark than the previous titles but very inspired in terms of graphic style and innovative gameplay features which focus on the RPG aspects. On Steam
Thanks for arriving at the end of our list of games like Heroes of Might and Magic. Let us know what you think about these games in the comments below, also let us know if we have missed some games. Get in touch with us on Twitter and check out the youtube channel for new videos.
Why Master of Magic isn’t enlisted, but other fantasy Civ-like games are here? And Endless Legend too? Warlock 1-2? Battle for Wesnoth?
Hi Andrew. Thanks for your suggestion. We will update the article with Master of Magic. As for the other mentioned titles, they are included in the Civ-Like games (4x). We will prepare a list with these games soon. Thank you again and if you want, you can help us with creating content on the blog.
Greetings
Marcello
cox 4x are not homm
Great list! I’m glad to see Emperor mangled in there, he’s a classic villain in the series. Thanks for sharing!
Add the game “Discord Times”
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You can add Fort Triumph as well