When I hear “strategy game,” I usually brace myself. As a competitive player accustomed to fast-paced action, my patience for methodical gameplay is… limited. So, imagine my surprise when my Gamescom 2025 schedule included titles like Europa Universalis 5 and, notably, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. What felt like a chore initially transformed into two of my favorite experiences of the entire show, with Olden Era soaring straight into my ‘top five Gamescom games’ list. Perhaps I’m mellowing with age, or maybe my twitch reflexes just aren’t what they used to be. Regardless, Ubisoft’s fantasy adventure has been on my mind ever since, and I’m thrilled to finally be able to dive back in.
A few months have passed since my initial encounter with Olden Era, and I stand by my conviction: this game could be the much-needed redemption for Ubisoft. After the lukewarm reception of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the underwhelming Star Wars Outlaws, and a discreet silence regarding Skull and Bones, Ubisoft is in desperate need of a triumph.
And it genuinely feels like Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, alongside the promising Anno 117 (if Jamie’s early impressions are any indication), could be the catalyst for the studio’s resurgence. Olden Era is not only visually stunning but also offers robust gameplay, cleverly innovating on the series’ revered classic formula. It introduces the intriguing Lovecraftian Schism faction and an exciting Arena mode that draws inspiration from Hearthstone Battlegrounds. In essence, it’s a vibrant and refreshing take on the beloved fantasy saga, and I’m genuinely eager to immerse myself in it further.
Good news – you can too! During Ubisoft’s 30th-anniversary stream, a brand new demo for Olden Era was confirmed to be available right now on Steam. This demo allows you to command four distinct factions – the Dungeon, Necropolis, Schism, and Temple – and explore all three game modes: Arena, Classic, and Single Hero. Prepare to battle Troglodytes to your heart’s content!
It’s important to note, however, that the current demo is a single-player experience. While the full release will offer multiplayer options with your friends, for now, you’ll be embarking on these epic quests solo.
Additionally, the game’s official early access launch has been moved to 2026, a slight shift from the previously announced 2025. As I’ve always said, if a delay leads to a more polished and enjoyable game, I’m all for it!
Ubisoft has confirmed that the early access launch for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is slated for 2026, but the engaging demo is yours to play right now. You can find it and start your adventure on Steam.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for more strategic fun, check out our list of the best turn-based strategy games. Or, if the ‘magic’ aspect has truly captured your imagination, explore our recommendations for the best fantasy games on PC.
Are you as excited for Olden Era as I am? Let us know your thoughts and share pictures of your burgeoning cities on our Discord!