One of the Most-Wishlisted Games in Steam History is Out in Early Access

With over 1.5 million wishlists and an insanely popular demo, Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era arrives with strong early impressions that highlight both nostalgia and modern expectations.

After building momentum as one of the most anticipated early access Steam releases in recent memory, Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era has officially launched, bringing the long-running franchise back into the spotlight with a mix of classic design principles and modern updates.

According to developer Unfrozen and publisher Hooded Horse, the game surpassed 1.5 million wishlists on Steam ahead of release, placing it among the top-10 most-wishlisted titles on the entire platform. That level of interest was reinforced during Steam Next Fest, where the game’s demo reportedly drew significant player engagement, with strong download numbers and high retention across multiple sessions.

As of the time of this writing on launch day, the game already has over 1,000 user reviews on Steam with a 'Very Positive' rating, and it's hovering around the top 3 best-sellers on Steam right now by revenue.

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Personally, I've been a fan of the Heroes of Might & Magic series since I was about nine years old. I vividly remember picking up the box for Heroes of Might & Magic II because of the awesome artwork and becoming obsessed with it and the third game at an early age.

In this latest entry, core gameplay systems, including turn-based exploration, resource management, and tactical combat, remain largely intact, with updates focused on usability, pacing, and visual presentation rather than wholesale reinvention.

On the positive side, players have pointed to the game’s adherence to the classic Heroes of Might & Magic formula as a major draw. Familiar mechanics, faction identity, and map-driven progression have been widely praised for capturing the feel of earlier entries while benefiting from modern UI improvements and technical stability.

At the same time, some early feedback highlights the difficulty of balancing nostalgia with contemporary expectations. As with many legacy franchises returning after long gaps, Olden Era is navigating a space where longtime fans expect authenticity, while newer players may look for deeper systemic innovation or quality-of-life enhancements beyond what the original formula offered.

The game’s launch is probably most notable, though, for its pre-release momentum. The combination of high wishlist numbers and strong demo plus Next Fest performance reflects how modern discovery pipelines, particularly demos and platform visibility, can play a critical role in building momentum for everything from solo hobby projects to mid-to-large scale games.

As Olden Era settles into its post-launch phase, its long-term viability will likely depend on how it evolves through updates, balancing player feedback with the expectations set by both its legacy and its unusually high level of pre-release demand.