Quick Summary

Quick Answer

A new Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era beta patch is now available for testing. This is not the main game update yet: players can opt into the public test branch to try the new damage formula, smarter AI, new creatures, and extensive balance changes before the full release.

Important

BETA VERSION — v0.82.02

The changes are still being tested and may be adjusted or reverted before the full patch is released.

TownPortal Beta Patch Coverage

The full changelog is extensive, so we are splitting our coverage into focused articles instead of reproducing the entire patch notes on one page.

Recommended read:

Tip

How to Join the Olden Era Beta Patch - Read

Tip

New Attack and Defense Damage Formula Explained - Read

  • All Faction and Creature Balance Changes
  • Skill, Spell and Artifact Changes
  • New AI Behavior Explained
  • New Creatures and Map Changes

We will also update our tier lists and guides as the beta meta develops, while keeping in mind that balance can still change before the final release.

Is the New Olden Era Patch Live?

Yes — but currently only as a beta test.

The developers have released the upcoming major balance update through the Steam public test branch. The normal version of Olden Era remains unchanged unless you manually opt into the beta.

The beta is expected to run for several weeks, with the full release coming after testing is complete. There is currently no confirmed release date for the final version.

Quote

“None of the changes in the beta are final.”

What Is in the New Olden Era Beta Patch?

This is one of the largest balance updates since Early Access began.

Major changes include:

  • a completely new Attack and Defense damage formula;
  • significantly improved Global Map AI;
  • new neutral creatures;
  • a new First Aid hero skill;
  • major skill and Battle Magic changes;
  • spell and artifact balance updates;
  • extensive creature and alternative upgrade reworks;
  • faction and Law balance changes;
  • additional bug fixes and gameplay improvements.

The new damage formula in particular could have a major impact on the meta, as the developers want high-tier creatures and combat stats to retain their value throughout longer games.

Is This the Final Balance Patch?

No.

This build exists specifically for testing. The developers are collecting feedback on the new combat formula, creature upgrades, skill combinations, AI behavior, and unexpected balance interactions.

New beta builds may also arrive before the update reaches the main version of the game.