A new chapter in the legendary turn-based strategy saga begins today as Hooded Horse, Ubisoft, and Unfrozen release a free demo for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, giving longtime fans and newcomers a first taste of the series’ long-awaited return.
The announcement arrived during Ubisoft’s Heroes of Might and Magic 30th Anniversary Celebration livestream, alongside a key update: the game’s full release is now scheduled for 2026.
A Modern Take on a Classic Formula
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is a modern revival of the beloved turn-based strategy franchise, aiming to recapture the spirit of the classic entries while introducing fresh mechanics and updated visuals.
Players command powerful heroes, manage armies, and explore richly detailed fantasy maps filled with resources, enemies, and secrets. Built with both longtime fans and newcomers in mind, Olden Era emphasizes deep tactical combat, strategic kingdom management, and high replayability.
The game will feature a variety of factions, each with unique playstyles and units, along with multiple game modes, including campaign, skirmish, and multiplayer, when the full version launches.
A few days ago, we took a look at it, and here you can find our preview. Anyway, the demo, available now on Steam, includes:
- Four playable factions
- Three distinct single-player modes:
- Classic Mode (traditional Heroes gameplay)
- Single Hero Mode (streamlined, fast-paced strategy)
- Arena Mode (combat-focused skirmishes)
While multiplayer isn’t part of the demo, the developers confirmed it will be included in the final release along with more factions, additional modes, and expanded campaign content. The demo will also feature in the upcoming Steam Next Fest, which kicks off Monday, October 13.
Delay to 2026
Though originally eyed for a late 2025 launch, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is now officially slated for 2026 via Steam Early Access. According to the publishers, the delay is aimed at ensuring the game meets fans’ high expectations and delivers a polished, replayable experience at launch.
Reviving a Legend
The game’s announcement and demo are part of a broader effort to re-energize the iconic series, which hasn’t seen a mainline entry in nearly a decade. With Hooded Horse handling publishing, Unfrozen developing, and Ubisoft overseeing the IP, Olden Era brings together a blend of indie passion and AAA legacy.
Unfrozen, best known for Iratus: Lord of the Dead, has drawn on its team’s experience from League of Legends, World of Warcraft, and Disciples 3 to craft a title that honors the past while pushing the genre forward.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era launches in 2026 on PC via Steam Early Access. The free demo is live now.
