It’s been a long, quiet decade for fans of the ultimate “just one more turn” franchise, but the wait is officially coming to an end. Ubisoft and developer Unfrozen recently dropped the bombshell news we’ve all been eagerly awaiting: Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is charging into Early Access on April 30, 2026. The hype is real, and the fact that it’s hitting PC Game Pass on day one alongside Steam and the Microsoft Store means the servers are likely going to be packed from the jump.
A Love Letter to the Classics
What makes Olden Era so exciting is its commitment to the vibe of the legendary Heroes III. Set on the continent of Jadame—a location fans will recognize from the classic Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer—the game acts as a prequel to the very first title in the series. The developers have even brought back the iconic composer Paul Romero to handle the soundtrack, ensuring that every time you enter a town screen, you’re hit with that specific brand of orchestral magic. Even more impressive is the involvement of Jon Van Caneghem, the original creator of the series, who has joined the team as a creative advisor. It’s clear that the goal here isn’t just to make a new game, but to reclaim the franchise’s soul.
Six Factions and Infinite Replayability
When the gates open on April 30, players will have access to six unique factions, ranging from the noble knights of the Temple to the creepy-crawly horrors of the Hive. The Early Access build is surprisingly beefy, featuring the first act of a narrative campaign, a variety of premade scenarios, and the essential Random Map Generator. If you’re more into the competitive side of things, the new Arena mode and ranked matchmaking should provide plenty of challenge. For those of us who prefer a cozy night in with friends, the inclusion of Hotseat mode is a nostalgic touch that proves the devs truly understand what makes this series special.
Shaping the Future of Enroth
The move to Early Access is a strategic one, with the team at Unfrozen planning to stay in this phase for about a year to polish the experience based on community feedback. They’ve already teased that more campaign acts and an underground map layer are in the works for the full release. Considering the game is already sitting in the Top 10 most wishlisted titles on Steam, the pressure is on. But if the recent trailers and the playable demo are any indication, Olden Era is exactly the comeback we’ve been praying for. Mark your calendars, recruit your archangels, and get ready to conquer the world all over again.
