The wait is finally over. As Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era officially enters Steam Early Access today (April 30, 2026), developer Unfrozen has pulled back the curtain on one of its most anticipated factions: The Grove.
For fans of the classic Rampart or Sylvan towns, the Grove feels like a homecoming—but with a distinctly Jadamean twist. If you thought this was just another “elves in the woods” faction, think again.
Lore: The Power of the Mycelium
Set on the continent of Jadame (a nod to Might and Magic VIII), the Grove is more than just a collection of trees. They are bound by the Mycelium, an ancient, interconnected spiritual web that links every living thing in the forest. This isn’t just flavour text; it translates directly into their unique gameplay mechanics.
Faction Mechanics: Unity and Logistics
The Grove is designed for players who enjoy a “late-game powerhouse” playstyle. While their units can be expensive, the investment pays off through unparalleled strategic mobility:
- Mycelium Roots: This unique faction building is a total game-changer. It allows your heroes to travel instantly between any Grove cities you control. It’s the ultimate defensive and offensive tool for controlling large maps.
- The Law System: Like other factions, the Grove utilises the new Law system—a research tree fueled by passive influence. For the Grove, this focuses heavily on unit growth buffs and elemental synergy, allowing you to outscale opponents who fail to pressure you early.
The Unit Roster: Spirits of the Wood
The Grove’s lineup is a mix of traditional forest dwellers and elemental spirits. While the full list of upgrades is now live, the core identity is built around durability and magical support:
| Tier | Unit | Role | Notable Feature |
| Tier 1 | Hoplets / Sprites | Early Infantry | Fast, low-cost fodder to protect your ranged units. |
| Mid-Tiers | Druids & Treants | Support / Tank | Druids provide essential spellcasting, while Treants act as the “immovable object” of the battlefield. |
| High-Tiers | Forest Spirits | Heavy Hitters | These units leverage the Mycelium to deliver devastating elemental damage. |
Pro Tip: In the current Early Access build, the Grove’s units follow a thematic “aging leaf” color palette—starting green and turning shades of autumn brown and red as they upgrade.
A New Visual Direction
There has been plenty of chatter on the r/OldenEra subreddits about the Grove’s aesthetics. Moving away from the “fairy-tale” brightness of Heroes II, the Grove in Olden Era adopts a more grounded, slightly alien look. The native biome features striking white and red trees, reflecting the harsher, dragon-ruled reality of Jadame.
Early Access is Live!
With Jon Van Caneghem (the father of the series) back as a creative advisor, Olden Era is shaping up to be the true successor to Heroes III that we’ve wanted for twenty years.
The Grove is just one of six launch factions, alongside the Temple, Necropolis, Hive, Dungeon, and the mysterious Schism.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is available now on Windows PC via Steam.
Are you planning to lead the forces of nature today, or are you sticking with the undead legions of the Necropolis? Let us know in the comments below!
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