Difference between revisions of "Heroes of Might and Magic III"
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− | {{ | + | {{disambig|the original game|the 2015 remake|[[Heroes of Might and Magic III HD]]}} |
{{Infobox game | {{Infobox game | ||
− | |cover = Heroes of Might and Magic III cover. | + | |cover = Heroes of Might and Magic III cover.jpg |
|developers = | |developers = | ||
{{Infobox game/row/developer|New World Computing}} | {{Infobox game/row/developer|New World Computing}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Loki Software|Linux}} | {{Infobox game/row/porter|Loki Software|Linux}} | ||
|publishers = | |publishers = | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|3DO}} | + | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|3DO|1999-2003}} |
+ | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Ubisoft|2003-present}} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Loki Software|Linux}} | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Loki Software|Linux}} | ||
|engines = | |engines = | ||
|release dates= | |release dates= | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows| | + | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 3, 1999}} |
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|December 21, 1999}} | {{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|December 21, 1999}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|December 20, 1999}} | {{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|December 20, 1999}} | ||
+ | |taxonomy= | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing | Turn-based }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls | Point and select}} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres | TBS }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports | }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles | }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles | }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes | Fantasy }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | Heroes of Might and Magic }} | ||
|steam appid = | |steam appid = | ||
|gogcom id = 1207658787 | |gogcom id = 1207658787 | ||
− | |strategywiki = Heroes of Might and Magic III | + | |hltb = 4425 |
+ | |lutris = heroes-of-might-and-magic-iii | ||
+ | |strategywiki = Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia | ||
+ | |mobygames = 1494 | ||
|wikipedia = Heroes of Might and Magic III | |wikipedia = Heroes of Might and Magic III | ||
|winehq = 394 | |winehq = 394 | ||
|license = commercial | |license = commercial | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{ | + | |
− | + | {{Introduction | |
+ | |introduction = | ||
+ | |||
+ | |release history = In October 1999, the game received the '''''Armageddon's Blade''''' expansion, featuring new creatures, heroes, campaigns and the Conflux town. It was followed by '''''The Shadow of Death''''' in March 2000, with its own set of new creatures, heroes and campaigns. ''The Shadow of Death'' is a standalone release by default and includes ''Armageddon's Blade'' content, but can only access it if that expansion is installed as well. [[#Official patches|Official patches]] maintained feature and balancing parity between all aforementioned releases. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The '''''Complete Edition''''', which contains the base game and both expansions, was released in November 2000 with a custom 4.0 build (compatible online with ''The Shadow of Death'' patched to version 3.2). It is the most widely available version of the game, and is the one which is sold on digital stores. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = The game requires the [[#GL Wrapper by Verok|GL wrapper by Verok]] to resolve compatibility issues. The [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]] is highly recommended and frequently used by the community, as it includes quality-of-life improvements such as high resolution support, a variety of custom graphics renderers, and an in-built modification manager. | ||
+ | }} | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
{{GOG.com links|1207658787|heroes_of_might_and_magic_series|for game series}} | {{GOG.com links|1207658787|heroes_of_might_and_magic_series|for game series}} | ||
− | {{mm}} [http://www.celestialheavens.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7 Celestial Heavens forums] for game series | + | {{mm}} [http://www.heroesofmightandmagic.com/heroes3/heroesofmightandmagic3iii.shtml HoMM III section on Age of Heroes] |
+ | {{mm}} [https://www.celestialheavens.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7 Celestial Heavens forums] for game series | ||
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | DRM | + | {{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | DRM depends on release location, usually {{DRM|SafeDisc|v1.50.020}}. Disc check only applies for singleplayer and multiplayer hosting. | | Windows, Mac OS, Linux }} |
− | {{Availability/row| GOG.com | heroes_of_might_and_magic_3_complete_edition | DRM-free | | + | {{Availability/row| Epic Games Store | might-and-magic-heroes-3 | Ubisoft Connect | Complete Edition. | | Windows }} |
+ | {{Availability/row| GOG.com | heroes_of_might_and_magic_3_complete_edition | DRM-free | Complete Edition. | | Windows }} | ||
+ | {{Availability/row| Ubisoft Store | 575ffd9ba3be1633568b4d8c | Ubisoft Connect | Complete Edition. Included with {{Store feature|Ubisoft+}}. | | Windows }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | {{ii}} A free demo version of Restoration of Erathia is available from GameFront: [https://www.gamefront.com/games/heroes-of-might-magic-iii/file/heroes-of-might-magic-iii-the-restoration-of-erathia-demo-english English], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/heroes-of-might-magic-iii/file/heroes-of-might-magic-iii-the-restoration-of-erathia-demo-german German]. | ||
+ | {{ii}} A free demo version of the Complete Edition for Mac OS is available from [https://archive.org/details/heroes_3_complete_demo Archive.org]. | ||
===Mac OS and Linux=== | ===Mac OS and Linux=== | ||
− | The Mac OS and Linux versions of the game are no longer sold, and existing copies of those are hard to run on modern systems. The easiest solution for running the game on Linux or OS X is buying the [[#Availability|Windows version]] and running it under [[Wine]]. Further information on how to do that can be found on [https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=394 AppDB]. Alternatively, [[# | + | The Mac OS and Linux versions of the game are no longer sold, and existing copies of those are hard to run on modern systems. The easiest solution for running the game on Linux or OS X is buying the [[#Availability|Windows version]] and running it under [[Wine]]. Further information on how to do that can be found on [https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=394 AppDB]. Alternatively, [[#Mods|VCMI]] can be used to run the game. |
+ | |||
+ | ==Monetization== | ||
+ | {{Monetization | ||
+ | |ad-supported = | ||
+ | |dlc = | ||
+ | |expansion pack = The expansion packs include a new town, new units, campaigns, maps, and artifacts. | ||
+ | |freeware = | ||
+ | |free-to-play = | ||
+ | |one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access. | ||
+ | |sponsored = | ||
+ | |subscription = | ||
+ | |subscription gaming service = Available via [[List of Ubisoft+ games|Ubisoft+]]. | ||
+ | }} | ||
{{DLC| | {{DLC| | ||
{{DLC/row| Armageddon's Blade | On Mac OS only available in Complete Edition. | Windows, Mac OS }} | {{DLC/row| Armageddon's Blade | On Mac OS only available in Complete Edition. | Windows, Mac OS }} | ||
− | {{DLC/row| The Shadow of Death | On Mac OS only available in Complete Edition. | Windows, Mac OS }} | + | {{DLC/row| The Shadow of Death | On Mac OS only available in Complete Edition. Stand-alone release, but Conflux town is only available if Armageddon's Blade is found installed, or as part of the Complete Edition. | Windows, Mac OS }} |
}} | }} | ||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
− | === | + | ===Official patches=== |
− | + | {{ii}} All official patches include balance changes and bug fixes on par with each other. | |
− | {{ | + | * The latest official version of Restoration of Erathia is 1.4, with mirrors available [https://www.gamefront.com/games/heroes-of-might-magic-iii/category/restoration-of-erathia here]. |
+ | * The latest official version of Armageddon's Blade is 2.2, with mirrors available [https://www.gamefront.com/games/heroes-of-might-magic-iii/category/armageddon-s-blade here]. | ||
+ | * The latest official version of The Shadow of Death is 3.2, with mirrors available [https://www.gamefront.com/games/heroes-of-might-magic-iii/category/the-shadow-of-death here]. This version is compatible online with the Complete Edition (v4.0), the HD mod, and other modifications. | ||
+ | {{--}} Unfortunately, the Polish version still uses patch 3.2, instead of 3.3 or 4.0, but there is [http://h3.heroes.net.pl/uploaded/download/Heroes33patch.ZIP unofficial patch], that updates it to the newest version. | ||
− | ==== | + | ===Skip intro videos=== |
− | + | {{Fixbox|description=Modify registry settings|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Expack3|date=2019-05-28|comment=}}</ref>|fix= | |
− | + | # Go to the [[#Configuration_file.28s.29_location|configuration file location]]. | |
− | + | # Change the value of <code>Show Intro</code> from <code>1</code> to <code>0</code>. | |
− | + | }} | |
− | === | + | ===[https://sites.google.com/site/heroes3hd/ HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)]=== |
− | + | {{ii}} Requires Shadow of Death patched to v3.2 or the Complete Edition. | |
+ | {{++}} Allows higher resolutions along with 32-bit color support, multiple renderers and upscaling methods, bug fixes, new multiplayer lobby, and other features. | ||
+ | {{++}} Bypasses compatibility issues faced by the unmodified game version. | ||
+ | {{++}} Includes [https://web.archive.org/web/20211009233054/https://verokster.blogspot.com/2018/10/heroes-of-might-and-magic-i-iv-gl.html Verok's GL Wrapper] as one of the renderer options. | ||
+ | {{++}} Compatible with several [[#Mods|mods]], most notably Horn of the Abyss for which it has a special multiplayer lobby and shares some developers. | ||
+ | {{ii}} For Polish version, install [http://h3.heroes.net.pl/uploaded/download/hdmod_pl.zip this] fix for full support. | ||
==Game data== | ==Game data== | ||
===Configuration file(s) location=== | ===Configuration file(s) location=== | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
− | {{Game data/config|Windows|}} | + | {{Game data/config|Windows|{{P|hklm}}\Software\{{P|wow64}}\New World Computing\Heroes of Might and Magic® III\1.0}} |
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}} | {{Game data/config|Mac OS|}} | ||
{{Game data/config|Linux|}} | {{Game data/config|Linux|}} | ||
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===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]=== | ||
{{Save game cloud syncing | {{Save game cloud syncing | ||
− | |gog galaxy | + | |discord = |
− | |gog galaxy notes | + | |discord notes = |
− | |origin | + | |epic games launcher = false |
− | |origin notes | + | |epic games launcher notes = |
− | |steam cloud | + | |gog galaxy = true |
− | |steam cloud notes | + | |gog galaxy notes = As of GOG Galaxy version 1.2, and special HoMM III Complete patch 4.0 (CS) |
− | | | + | |origin = |
− | | | + | |origin notes = |
− | |xbox cloud | + | |steam cloud = |
− | |xbox cloud notes | + | |steam cloud notes = |
+ | |ubisoft connect = false | ||
+ | |ubisoft connect notes = [https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/help/article/cloud-save-support-for-games-available-on-ubisoft/000064409 List of exceptions from Cloud save support on Ubisoft+] | ||
+ | |xbox cloud = | ||
+ | |xbox cloud notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | ==Video | + | ==Video== |
{{Image|Heroes of Might and Magic III settings.png|In-game settings.}} | {{Image|Heroes of Might and Magic III settings.png|In-game settings.}} | ||
− | {{Video | + | {{Video |
|wsgf link = | |wsgf link = | ||
|widescreen wsgf award = | |widescreen wsgf award = | ||
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|4k ultra hd wsgf award = | |4k ultra hd wsgf award = | ||
|widescreen resolution = hackable | |widescreen resolution = hackable | ||
− | |widescreen resolution notes= 800x600 only | + | |widescreen resolution notes= 800x600 only. Use the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]] for resolutions up to 4000x4000. |
|multimonitor = false | |multimonitor = false | ||
|multimonitor notes = | |multimonitor notes = | ||
|ultrawidescreen = hackable | |ultrawidescreen = hackable | ||
− | |ultrawidescreen notes = Use [ | + | |ultrawidescreen notes = Use the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]] |
|4k ultra hd = hackable | |4k ultra hd = hackable | ||
− | |4k ultra hd notes = Use [ | + | |4k ultra hd notes = Use the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]]. |
|fov = n/a | |fov = n/a | ||
|fov notes = | |fov notes = | ||
|windowed = true | |windowed = true | ||
− | |windowed notes = Desktop must be in 16-bit colour mode (press {{key|F4}}) or use the [ | + | |windowed notes = Desktop must be in 16-bit colour mode (press {{key|F4}}) or use the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]]. |
− | |borderless windowed = | + | |borderless windowed = hackable |
− | |borderless windowed notes = | + | |borderless windowed notes = Use the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]]. Fullscreen toggle on launcher = Borderless window. |
|anisotropic = n/a | |anisotropic = n/a | ||
|anisotropic notes = | |anisotropic notes = | ||
|antialiasing = n/a | |antialiasing = n/a | ||
|antialiasing notes = | |antialiasing notes = | ||
− | |vsync = | + | |vsync = hackable |
− | |vsync notes = | + | |vsync notes = Use Verok's GL Wrapper (part of newer releases of the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]]). |
− | |60 fps = | + | |upscaling = false |
− | |60 fps notes = | + | |upscaling tech = |
− | |120 fps = | + | |upscaling notes = Use the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]] for better scaling, although it doesn't have FSR or NIS. |
+ | |60 fps = false | ||
+ | |60 fps notes = Framerate is capped at 33 FPS. | ||
+ | |120 fps = false | ||
|120 fps notes = | |120 fps notes = | ||
− | |hdr = | + | |hdr = false |
|hdr notes = | |hdr notes = | ||
− | |color blind = | + | |color blind = false |
|color blind notes = | |color blind notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | ==Input | + | ==Input== |
− | {{Input | + | {{Input |
− | |key remap = | + | |key remap = false |
|key remap notes = | |key remap notes = | ||
|acceleration option = false | |acceleration option = false | ||
|acceleration option notes = | |acceleration option notes = | ||
− | |mouse sensitivity = | + | |mouse sensitivity = false |
|mouse sensitivity notes = | |mouse sensitivity notes = | ||
|mouse menu = true | |mouse menu = true | ||
|mouse menu notes = | |mouse menu notes = | ||
− | |invert mouse y-axis = | + | |invert mouse y-axis = n/a |
|invert mouse y-axis notes = | |invert mouse y-axis notes = | ||
|touchscreen = unknown | |touchscreen = unknown | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | ==Audio | + | ==Audio== |
− | {{Audio | + | {{Audio |
|separate volume = true | |separate volume = true | ||
|separate volume notes = Music, Effects | |separate volume notes = Music, Effects | ||
− | |surround sound = | + | |surround sound = false |
|surround sound notes = | |surround sound notes = | ||
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
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|closed captions = false | |closed captions = false | ||
|closed captions notes = | |closed captions notes = | ||
− | |mute on focus lost = | + | |mute on focus lost = always on |
− | |mute on focus lost notes = | + | |mute on focus lost notes = Not applicable to Simplified Chinese version. |
|eax support = | |eax support = | ||
|eax support notes = | |eax support notes = | ||
+ | |royalty free audio = always on | ||
+ | |royalty free audio notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
|notes = | |notes = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Simplified Chinese | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = true | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only. Mandarin audio only applies for The Restoration of Erathia and Armageddon's Blade. Installation of The Shadow of Death will overwrite the audio files to English audio. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
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|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
|audio = true | |audio = true | ||
− | |subtitles = | + | |subtitles = true |
|notes = | |notes = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = German | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = true | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only. Armageddon's Blade wasn't localized. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Japanese | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = true | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
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|audio = true | |audio = true | ||
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
− | |notes = | + | |notes = Retail and GOG.com only. Download for other releases [https://www.polonizacje.pl/heroes-of-might-and-magic-iii-spolszczenie/ here]. |
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
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|audio = true | |audio = true | ||
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
− | |notes = Official localization by | + | |notes = Retail and GOG.com only. Official localization by [[Company:Buka Entertainment|Buka Entertainment]]. Patch for other digital release [https://www.playground.ru/heroes_of_might_and_magic_3/file/heroes_of_might_and_magic_3_complete_gog_polnyj_rusifikator_teksta_i_zvuka-992736 here]. |
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
Line 245: | Line 327: | ||
|subtitles = hackable | |subtitles = hackable | ||
|fan = true | |fan = true | ||
− | |notes = Fan translation, [ | + | |notes = Fan translation, [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cEcfddfXE6p-rOc3uf1_yDG5j3fCa3fC/view?usp=drive_link download] (From ''Clan Dlan'' archives). |
}} | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Network== | ==Network== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Unmodified, the game requires [[DirectPlay]] to be enabled for multiplayer to work. The [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]] bypasses this requirement. | ||
{{Network/Multiplayer | {{Network/Multiplayer | ||
|local play = true | |local play = true | ||
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|local play notes = | |local play notes = | ||
|lan play = true | |lan play = true | ||
− | |lan play players = | + | |lan play players = 8 |
|lan play modes = | |lan play modes = | ||
|lan play notes = | |lan play notes = | ||
− | |online play = | + | |online play = hackable |
− | |online play players = | + | |online play players = 8 |
|online play modes = | |online play modes = | ||
− | |online play notes = | + | |online play notes = The official [[MPlayer.com]] service has been shut down; the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]] includes a community lobby. |
|asynchronous = | |asynchronous = | ||
|asynchronous notes = | |asynchronous notes = | ||
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|matchmaking = | |matchmaking = | ||
|matchmaking notes = | |matchmaking notes = | ||
− | |p2p = | + | |p2p = true |
|p2p notes = | |p2p notes = | ||
− | |dedicated = | + | |dedicated = false |
|dedicated notes = | |dedicated notes = | ||
− | |self-hosting = | + | |self-hosting = true |
|self-hosting notes = | |self-hosting notes = | ||
|direct ip = true | |direct ip = true | ||
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==Issues fixed== | ==Issues fixed== | ||
===Game crashes unexpectedly after some time=== | ===Game crashes unexpectedly after some time=== | ||
− | {{ii}} This is caused by a bug in the game, experienced only on multi-core or hyper-threaded processors. Newer GOG.com versions do not have this issue. | + | {{ii}} This is caused by a bug in the game, experienced only on multi-core or hyper-threaded processors. Newer GOG.com versions do not have this issue. |
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]]|fix= | ||
+ | }} | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Modify exe files|ref=<ref name="imagecfgfix">[https://www.gog.com/forum/heroes_of_might_and_magic_series/homm_3_crashing_quite_a_lot_windows_vista/post2 HoMM 3 crashing quite a lot; Windows Vista - GOG.com]</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Modify exe files|ref=<ref name="imagecfgfix">[https://www.gog.com/forum/heroes_of_might_and_magic_series/homm_3_crashing_quite_a_lot_windows_vista/post2 HoMM 3 crashing quite a lot; Windows Vista - GOG.com]</ref>|fix= | ||
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'''Notes''' | '''Notes''' | ||
− | {{ii}} Another means of fixing sound can be found [ | + | {{ii}} Another means of fixing sound can be found [https://www.celestialheavens.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8031 here]. |
}} | }} | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Turn off in-game music|ref={{cn|date=December 2017}}}} | {{Fixbox|description=Turn off in-game music|ref={{cn|date=December 2017}}}} | ||
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|direct3d versions = | |direct3d versions = | ||
|direct3d notes = | |direct3d notes = | ||
− | |directdraw versions = | + | |directdraw versions = 1 |
|directdraw notes = | |directdraw notes = | ||
− | |opengl versions = | + | |opengl versions = v1, v2 or v3 |
− | |opengl notes = | + | |opengl notes = User selectable only in the [[#HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)|HD mod]] |
|glide versions = | |glide versions = | ||
|glide notes = | |glide notes = | ||
Line 329: | Line 415: | ||
|shader model versions = | |shader model versions = | ||
|shader model notes = | |shader model notes = | ||
− | |64-bit executable | + | |windows 32-bit exe = true |
− | |64-bit executable notes= | + | |windows 64-bit exe = false |
+ | |windows arm app = false | ||
+ | |windows exe notes = | ||
+ | |linux powerpc app = true | ||
+ | |linux 32-bit executable= true | ||
+ | |linux 64-bit executable= hackable | ||
+ | |linux arm app = hackable | ||
+ | |linux 68k app = hackable | ||
+ | |linux executable notes = 64-bit and ARM require [[#Mods|VCMI]] | ||
+ | |mac os powerpc app = true | ||
+ | |mac os 68k app = unknown | ||
+ | |mac os executable notes= | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|physics = | |physics = | ||
|physics notes = | |physics notes = | ||
− | |audio = | + | |audio = Miles Sound System |
|audio notes = | |audio notes = | ||
|interface = SDL | |interface = SDL | ||
− | |interface notes = Linux only | + | |interface notes = Linux only. |
|input = | |input = | ||
|input notes = | |input notes = | ||
− | |cutscenes = | + | |cutscenes = Smacker Video Technology, Bink Video |
|cutscenes notes = | |cutscenes notes = | ||
|multiplayer = | |multiplayer = | ||
|multiplayer notes= | |multiplayer notes= | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Mods=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://h3hota.com/en/download Horn of the Abyss] - popular unofficial expansion pack adding the Cove and Factory towns, new neutral units, resources, campaign missions and map objects, while maintaining the original gameplay vision. Use [http://h3.heroes.net.pl/uploaded/download/HotA-161-pl.zip this patch] for compatibility with the Polish version. | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://heroes3wog.net In the Wake of Gods] - an unofficial expansion pack adding new units, mechanics, resources and easier modding possibilities. | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://vcmi.eu VCMI] - an attempt at rewriting the whole engine to make it customizable, portable and fully cross-platform. | ||
==System requirements== | ==System requirements== | ||
Line 383: | Line 485: | ||
{{References}} | {{References}} | ||
+ | {{GOG.com Enhancement Project}} |
Latest revision as of 23:47, 4 May 2024
This page is for the original game. For the 2015 remake, see Heroes of Might and Magic III HD.
Developers | |
---|---|
New World Computing | |
Linux | Loki Software |
Publishers | |
1999-2003 | 3DO |
2003-present | Ubisoft |
Re-release | Sold Out Software |
Linux | Loki Software |
Release dates | |
Windows | March 3, 1999 |
Mac OS (Classic) | December 21, 1999 |
Linux | December 20, 1999 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Turn-based |
Perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric |
Controls | Point and select |
Genres | TBS |
Themes | Fantasy |
Series | Heroes of Might and Magic |
Heroes of Might and Magic III is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric TBS game in the Heroes of Might and Magic series.
In October 1999, the game received the Armageddon's Blade expansion, featuring new creatures, heroes, campaigns and the Conflux town. It was followed by The Shadow of Death in March 2000, with its own set of new creatures, heroes and campaigns. The Shadow of Death is a standalone release by default and includes Armageddon's Blade content, but can only access it if that expansion is installed as well. Official patches maintained feature and balancing parity between all aforementioned releases.
The Complete Edition, which contains the base game and both expansions, was released in November 2000 with a custom 4.0 build (compatible online with The Shadow of Death patched to version 3.2). It is the most widely available version of the game, and is the one which is sold on digital stores.
The game requires the GL wrapper by Verok to resolve compatibility issues. The HD mod is highly recommended and frequently used by the community, as it includes quality-of-life improvements such as high resolution support, a variety of custom graphics renderers, and an in-built modification manager.
General information
- GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
- GOG.com Support Page
- HoMM III section on Age of Heroes
- Celestial Heavens forums for game series
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | DRM depends on release location, usually SafeDisc v1.50.020 DRM[Note 1]. Disc check only applies for singleplayer and multiplayer hosting. | |||
Epic Games Store | Complete Edition. | |||
GOG.com | Complete Edition. | |||
Ubisoft Store | Complete Edition. Included with Ubisoft+. |
- SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
- A free demo version of Restoration of Erathia is available from GameFront: English, German.
- A free demo version of the Complete Edition for Mac OS is available from Archive.org.
Mac OS and Linux
The Mac OS and Linux versions of the game are no longer sold, and existing copies of those are hard to run on modern systems. The easiest solution for running the game on Linux or OS X is buying the Windows version and running it under Wine. Further information on how to do that can be found on AppDB. Alternatively, VCMI can be used to run the game.
Monetization
Type | Notes |
---|---|
Expansion pack | The expansion packs include a new town, new units, campaigns, maps, and artifacts. |
One-time game purchase | The game requires an upfront purchase to access. |
Subscription gaming service | Available via Ubisoft+. |
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Armageddon's Blade | On Mac OS only available in Complete Edition. | |
The Shadow of Death | On Mac OS only available in Complete Edition. Stand-alone release, but Conflux town is only available if Armageddon's Blade is found installed, or as part of the Complete Edition. |
Essential improvements
Official patches
- All official patches include balance changes and bug fixes on par with each other.
- The latest official version of Restoration of Erathia is 1.4, with mirrors available here.
- The latest official version of Armageddon's Blade is 2.2, with mirrors available here.
- The latest official version of The Shadow of Death is 3.2, with mirrors available here. This version is compatible online with the Complete Edition (v4.0), the HD mod, and other modifications.
- Unfortunately, the Polish version still uses patch 3.2, instead of 3.3 or 4.0, but there is unofficial patch, that updates it to the newest version.
Skip intro videos
Modify registry settings[3] |
---|
|
HoMM3 High Resolution Project (HD mod)
- Requires Shadow of Death patched to v3.2 or the Complete Edition.
- Allows higher resolutions along with 32-bit color support, multiple renderers and upscaling methods, bug fixes, new multiplayer lobby, and other features.
- Bypasses compatibility issues faced by the unmodified game version.
- Includes Verok's GL Wrapper as one of the renderer options.
- Compatible with several mods, most notably Horn of the Abyss for which it has a special multiplayer lobby and shares some developers.
- For Polish version, install this fix for full support.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\New World Computing\Heroes of Might and Magic® III\1.0[Note 2] |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
Linux |
- It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\Games[Note 3] |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
Linux |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Epic Games Launcher | ||
GOG Galaxy | As of GOG Galaxy version 1.2, and special HoMM III Complete patch 4.0 (CS) | |
Ubisoft Connect | List of exceptions from Cloud save support on Ubisoft+ |
Video
Graphics feature | State | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | 800x600 only. Use the HD mod for resolutions up to 4000x4000. | ||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | Use the HD mod | ||
4K Ultra HD | Use the HD mod. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | Desktop must be in 16-bit colour mode (press F4) or use the HD mod. | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | Use the HD mod. Fullscreen toggle on launcher = Borderless window. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | |||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | |||
High-fidelity upscaling | Use the HD mod for better scaling, although it doesn't have FSR or NIS. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | Use Verok's GL Wrapper (part of newer releases of the HD mod). | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | Framerate is capped at 33 FPS. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | |
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Controller types |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Music, Effects | |
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | Cutscenes only. | |
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | Not applicable to Simplified Chinese version. | |
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
Simplified Chinese | Retail only. Mandarin audio only applies for The Restoration of Erathia and Armageddon's Blade. Installation of The Shadow of Death will overwrite the audio files to English audio. | |||
Czech | Retail only. | |||
French | ||||
German | Retail only. Armageddon's Blade wasn't localized. | |||
Japanese | Retail only. | |||
Polish | Retail and GOG.com only. Download for other releases here. | |||
Russian | Retail and GOG.com only. Official localization by Buka Entertainment. Patch for other digital release here. | |||
Spanish | Fan translation, download (From Clan Dlan archives). |
Network
- Unmodified, the game requires DirectPlay to be enabled for multiplayer to work. The HD mod bypasses this requirement.
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local play | 8 | Hot seat |
||
LAN play | 8 | |||
Online play | 8 | The official MPlayer.com service has been shut down; the HD mod includes a community lobby. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Issues fixed
Game crashes unexpectedly after some time
- This is caused by a bug in the game, experienced only on multi-core or hyper-threaded processors. Newer GOG.com versions do not have this issue.
Use the HD mod |
---|
Modify exe files[4] |
---|
Notes
|
Turn off in-game music[citation needed] |
---|
Set CPU affinity[4] |
---|
Notes
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DirectDraw | 1 | |
OpenGL | v1, v2 or v3 | User selectable only in the HD mod |
Executable | PPC | 16-bit | 32-bit | 64-bit | ARM | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Windows | ||||||
Linux | 64-bit and ARM require VCMI | |||||
Mac OS (Classic) |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Audio | Miles Sound System | |
Interface | SDL | Linux only. |
Cutscenes | Smacker Video Technology, Bink Video |
Mods
- Horn of the Abyss - popular unofficial expansion pack adding the Cove and Factory towns, new neutral units, resources, campaign missions and map objects, while maintaining the original gameplay vision. Use this patch for compatibility with the Polish version.
- In the Wake of Gods - an unofficial expansion pack adding new units, mechanics, resources and easier modding possibilities.
- VCMI - an attempt at rewriting the whole engine to make it customizable, portable and fully cross-platform.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 95 | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 133 MHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 32 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 425 MB | |
Video card (GPU) | DirectX 7.0a compatible |
Mac OS | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 8.1 | |
Processor (CPU) | PowerPC 603e 180 MHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 64 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 425 MB |
Linux | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | Kernel 2.2.x | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium | |
System memory (RAM) | 32 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 425 MB | |
Sound (audio device) | OSS Compatible |
Notes
- ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
- ↑ Applications writing to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
will be redirected to other locations based on various criterias, see the glossary page for more details. - ↑ When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below
%PROGRAMFILES%
,%PROGRAMDATA%
, or%WINDIR%
might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore
on Windows Vista and later (more details).
References
- ↑ Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
- ↑ Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
- ↑ Verified by User:Expack3 on 2019-05-28
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 HoMM 3 crashing quite a lot; Windows Vista - GOG.com