Heroes of Might and Magic turns 30, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by getting hands-on with the series’ future. To mark the anniversary, publisher Ubisoft has released the first public demo of Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, and it’s available to try right now on Steam.
For three decades, Heroes of Might and Magic has captivated strategy fans with colorful fantasy worlds, meaningful role-playing progression, and deep, turn-based tactical battles. The journey began in 1995 and soared through a golden era in the late 90s, highlighted by Heroes II (1996) and the ever-popular Heroes III (1999), which still enjoys a passionate competitive community. After Heroes IV (2002), the original creators closed their doors, and the series changed hands. New entries followed under new stewardship, with Heroes V (2006) standing out as the most warmly received of the modern era. After Heroes VII in 2015, the franchise went quiet, leaving many to wonder if it would ever return.
That wait is finally over. Fueled by enduring love for Heroes III—especially its thriving mod scene—the brand is stepping back into the spotlight with Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. Announced in 2024 and drawing clear inspiration from Heroes III and Heroes V, Olden Era was initially targeting a late 2025 launch, but the full release has shifted to 2026. The good news: you don’t have to wait to play.
What’s in the Olden Era demo:
– Free to download on Steam
– A selection of single-player scenarios to showcase core mechanics
– Four of the six races planned for early access
– No time limit on play
Olden Era aims to recapture the classic magic with strategic town-building, army composition, and turn-based battlefield decisions, while modernizing the experience for today’s players. If you grew up micromanaging unit stacks to shield your ranged troops and timing decisive spells to swing a fight, this demo is a nostalgic invitation—and a promising preview of what’s next.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer curious about one of the most iconic fantasy strategy series ever made, now is the perfect time to jump in. Celebrate the 30th anniversary by exploring the Olden Era demo on Steam and see why this franchise still sets the bar for turn-based strategy.
