This is the type of article that can spark intense debate, because each faction in Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has its fair share of supporters. But leaving personal preferences behind, I try today to give you the best tier list of the Factions in Olden Era.
I will only rank them below from best to worst, explaining my choice for the rankings, but without going too much in-depth with the basics (like unique buildings, units and heroes) because you probably know that already if you’re looking for the best factions in the game.
Even if you don’t, these all come second behind the actual rankings. And, as you will see below, the best factions in HoMM: Olden Era are not the same as the best Tier 6 units in the game. Let’s check them out below!
Best Factions in Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era
IMPORTANT! I am ranking the factions below, considering that you already have some experience playing the game.
If you are a complete beginner, the best faction in Olden Era is Temple, so play it for your first couple of missions before trying something new (I recommend Dungeon). Also, if you’re just starting to play the game, I recommend looking at my Olden Era tips and tricks here.
With these out of the way, let’s check out the rankings of the best factions in the game below!
- Dungeon
- Necropolis
- Grove
- Hive
- Temple
- Schism
Things can change depending on the map size you play, your experience level and strategy used.
For example, if you go the “classic” Armageddon route and focus on maxing this spell, the magic immunity of top tier units (like the Dragon or Phoenix, and even the Tier-6 units from the Temple) can change things around. But these are very specific strategies.
Considering a generic approach, for most players, I think that the rankings above stand solid.
If you want to learn even more about the game and you enjoy rankings, take a look at my article sharing the best spells in Olden Era.
1. Best Faction: Dungeon
By far the strongest faction in the game, with a nice balance between ranged and melee units, even though you have to wait until T3 (Onyx Dancers) for the former.
I find their faction skill a bit disappointing, just like the hero subclasses, but it kind of makes sense because the units and heroes – and everything about the Dungeon – are top-notch.
When your base units, raw stats, and hero synergies are this top-notch, giving them overpowered subclass abilities would completely break the game.
2. Necropolis
Everybody loves Necropolis except for me. However, even though I hesitate to play them based on personal preferences alone, I have to admit that they’re incredible in Olden Era.
They start a bit slow and they need larger maps and longer games to truly thrive, but once the troop upgrades and Necromancy skills start piling up, the snowball effect makes them unstoppable.
They have arguably the best Tier 7 in the game (especially the Vampire Lords upgraded), as well as the second-best Tier 6 unit. They also have some of the best subclass options in the game (especially Harbinger of Doom).
Individual units are, when you look at the numbers, worse than all other faction, but Necropolis makes up for that with sheer numbers: both in terms of base production in the cities and through the Necromancy skill.
3. Grove
They have one of the best Tier 1 units in the game and even though that doesn’t seem like such a big thing, it helps a lot with early progress. However, the later tiers are also good, and the Flaming Phoenix is a great top tier Unit.
I also like the subclasses here, as well as the fact that you can build solid magic heroes. Overall, a good faction with balanced units and nice progression.
Since this is a faction that focuses on magic so much, I recommend looking at my article sharing the best spells in Olden Era.
4. Temple
Probably the best faction for starting up, Temple has a nice balance of ranged and melee units, although it becomes a bit disappointing when it comes to the final two tiers.
I am personally disappointed by the Angels and their upgrades, which are nowhere near the awesomeness of the unit in HoMM3, and the T6 units are also the worst in the game.
But despite all these, a decent faction overall.
5. Hive
Difficult to play, but definitely rewarding once you master it. It offers plenty of routes to follow, with upgrades that give ranged attacks (or not). High risk, high reward swarm tactics work best with them.
Early game is a nightmare with them, though, and keeping casualties under control is difficult.
Also, their only good subclass is Progenitor, but it requires some less that ideal skills (like Diplomacy and Tactics). So, overall, despite having potential and being lethal in the right hands, it’s not a favorite.
6. Schism
Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of love for Schism in general, especially the Arbitrators, and you can definitely win some games with them.
It’s just that when comparing them with other factions, they’re clunky and a bit more difficult to build up, and their top tier unit is meh in my opinion.
On the other hand, their starting units are great for early progress (a ranged unit and a long reach one for T1 and T2 means fewer casualties early on), but things start to drag with the next two Tier units.
All in all, despite the bonuses, they are not as good as other factions and are difficult to play, especially on larger maps.
Wrapping up
Things might change in the rankings as I play each faction more (and also based on potential changes in future patches).
Until then, I want to know if you agree with my rankings above, or if you feel they should look different. Or at the very least, share your top faction. I have a feeling that Necropolis will be the undisputed winner here.
- Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Factions Tier List - May 30, 2026
- Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Best Spells in the Game - May 29, 2026
- Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era – Best Tier 6 Units in the Game - May 29, 2026