After more than a decade of silence, the Heroes of Might and Magic series is finally returning. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era launches into Early Access on April 30, 2026, and it's arriving on PC Game Pass from day one.
Developed by Unfrozen Studio and published jointly by Hooded Horse and Ubisoft, Olden Era positions itself as an official prequel to the legendary turn-based strategy franchise. The game has been built from the ground up as a love letter to the series' golden era while introducing fresh RPG mechanics unseen in previous entries.
Six Factions, Endless Strategy
From day one, players can choose from six distinct factions — Temple, Dungeon, Schism, Grove, Necropolis, and Hive — each with its own identity, unit roster, and playstyle. Whether you prefer the divine might of the Temple faction or the subterranean machinations of the Dungeon, Olden Era promises the kind of factional depth that made the original games so replayable.
The game features multiple modes at launch, including Classic, Single Hero, and Arena — all available in both solo and multiplayer configurations. Competitive players will find matchmaking, ranked play, and leaderboards ready from the start, signaling that Unfrozen is serious about building a thriving competitive community.
Built With the Community
Unfrozen has been vocal about its community-driven approach to development. The studio stated ahead of the Early Access launch that it wants to do all of the development with the community in mind. The decision to release through Early Access reflects this philosophy, giving fans direct influence over the game's direction during its most formative period.
The game is available on Steam Early Access and the Microsoft Store via Game Preview starting April 30, and it's included with PC Game Pass subscriptions from day one — a significant value proposition for players who want to try the resurrection of one of strategy gaming's most beloved franchises without committing upfront.
A Franchise Reborn
The last mainline Heroes of Might and Magic release was over a decade ago, making Olden Era one of the most anticipated strategy comebacks in recent memory. With a team that includes developers passionate about the series' roots and the backing of both Hooded Horse and Ubisoft, the stage is set for what could be the strategy genre's biggest moment of 2026.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era enters Early Access on April 30, 2026, on PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. It will also be available day one on PC Game Pass.