New Wasteland Terrain + Resistance Skill Replaced! Heroes 3: Horn of the Abyss Mod Update

An overview of some of the changes made in the new version of the Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Horn of the Abyss (HotA) mod. The new version (1.6.0) adds the Wasteland terrain (originally seen in Heroes 2) and map features to go with it - the Warlock's Lab, Prospector, Derrick, Grave and Trailblazer. It also adds a new creature, the Steel Golem, as a replacement guard for the Experimental Workshop creature bank.
There are balance changes too. The Resistance skill has been reverted back to its original RNG-based mechanics and replaced (at least on default map templates) by the new Interference skill. Thorgrim, the Resistance specialist, has been replaced on those maps by a new hero, Giselle the Ranger. Three new artifacts produce 'Interference' effects: the Plate of Dying Light, Charm of Eclipse and Seal of Sunset. Other skills have been amended as well.
'The Great Wasteland' Map playlist: • Heroes 3: THE GREAT WA...
Halloween special challenge 2019 (Necropolis vs 7 Castles): • Necropolis vs Castle, ...
HoMM3 Horn of the Abyss mod download link: drive.google.com/uc?export=do...
If the above link is no longer working, it should be possible to find via Google.

[@5mwa]

New mods should include Market of Time to allow heroes to unlearn secondary skills.

[@kurrwa]

Hereoes III never dying story :D omg love this game so much

[@thecowcanon]

The best game in the world will never die! ;)

[@rokk144]

This is the best game ever. This game has a world community. It was released in 1998 and next year gets an update. Also check Heroes Orchestra they're awesome.

[@Dadum-bass]

Friend rediscovered the game and got me hooked. Eff. Yea.

[@Uncle-gj9in]

What about Eagle Eye? When will that be changed? Most useless skill ever.

[@user-kd2qd1sh3o]

Having to choose between Logistics and Earth Magic is more frustrating than satisfying (you go "sigh" when that happens). Having to choose between Earth Magic and Eagle Eye is most satisfying and never frustrating (you go "yay" when that happens). Game needs useless for useful to be exciting. Make every skill useful and you'll never go yay again.

[@jasonng9280]

Last night was just thinking about what if Eagle Eye manages to learn creature skills like manicore paralysis or buffs like death knight deathblow. Even if those skills only last for a few turns and with reduced effect. But main thing is it should bypass anti-magic. Just a though

[@mimaos101]

I think Eagle Eye can work like Learning aimed against enemies. If your hero has Eagle Eye, they can learn all the spells enemy hero knows, up to level 4 (depending on Eagle eye level and Wisdom level). So it's like magic sneaking.

[@przemysawwasowski7450]

@@user-kd2qd1sh3o Not quite. There is no need to be any useless skills. And belive or not, but I experienced usefullness od eagle eye once or twice, but it still not that usefull as it should be. As you know there were some nerfs to earth magic and logistics, mainly because of their undeniable superiority compared to other magic schools and increase of a difference in mobility respectively. In my opinion Eagle eye should do similar thing as doing in WoG or does other similar skill if I'm mistaken (I haven't played WoG in years) which is giving opportunity to learn with start of a new week a new spell chosen randomely from 1-4 levels depending from level of skill. The same is with scouting. I don't get this new buff of it. Why it can't work as it worked earlier with an addiction of giving ability of rogues so heroes as Beatrice could benefit from their ability more than lame boost of visibility with is useful mostly only when fighting against necropolis or in twisted random map undergrounds. This "satifsfaction" that you refering to in choice between earth magic and eagle eye is not that much satisfying as common realization that there is really no choice at all. Or superior skill or useless skill. When there is conflict between two good skills it's not frustrating at all because you win either way. It IS frustrating when you have to choose between two useless skills such as first aid and eagle eye because you lose then either way. Game NEEDS to be balanced especially since it has legit multiplayer now. It has to be like Pokemon types in Pokemon games or diffrent classes in rpg games. One thing isn't good in every situation, but it need to be useful in any situation if not it will be unnecessary and redundand so it caould be deleted. There is also a problem of that certain classes have different chances of learning certain ability. Basically necromancy can be learned easily by necromancer and death night when it can't be learned naturally by any other hero class. Clerics and witches has the highest propability of learning first aid and eagle eye respectively among every class in a game so the whole nations are in disadvantage. There is a reason why Fortress is considered as the worst nation in game and it's not only because of units but also because of heroes characteristics that are advantagefull or disadvantagefull which obscures lack of balance in the release of game. There is still much to be fixed and improved in game to be THIS game as it should be from the beginning. Such a little things as rogues having the same sound as gremlins was fixed easily because solution already was in game files as I recall, but there is nothing that cannot be changed as long as there is passion for this masterpiece and there is really, but sometimes I feel like we getting only little changes and much of new content that honestly is climatic but not necessary. It's no a big deal change some variables in game especially when you have proper tools. Change something from the start is harder but possible and they did it already in heroes unit's abilities s o I look forward to future changes. Don't get me wrong, I'm a little critical, but I see that there is a great work that they giving to us and appreciate it all, though it's not going to stop me from having my opinion about itand even if I don't praise it as perfect it's still a great work. At first I couldn't get used to changes of logistics and some other thing's but now I think that it was good decision because there is still a lot of movement that logistic heroes as Kyrre or Dessa has so the difference is not that much problematic as it could seem at first and I realised how much op this was and funny and satysfying when you had it, but frustrating when an enemy got it so that's how the balancing the game works. It removes extremes from it, nerfing what is too op and buffing what is too lame (though it didn't work in scouting unfortunately).

[@Pustocvet]

Don't try to wipe this meme from the face of the Earth

[@namelessendless5115]

Hi! A russian here. First of all, love this video, rare to see english speaking coverage of this mod, really great job, I gotta be sittin on this channel to track the updates! So anyways, for those who don't know, the main creature layout is already mostly set - check out their sorta blog post on m.vk.com or just google "VK HOTA" and scroll down till the first post about dragon sorta creature, where the things are thoroughly explained (in Russian unfortunately) and with multiple pics of new units. I personally find these posts very insightful and worth reading, very deep and lore respectful essays on how they develop things basically. So the planned forge creature layout 1-7 is: Hobbits -> Mechanics -> Armodillos -> Automatons -> Sand Worms -> Gunslingers -> and two(!) seventh level creatures - Dreadnoughts and Coatls (mesoamerican dragons). Neither I know how this will work but they said it won't be like heroes 4 - you will be able to build both creatures, so it's purely financial choice. Anyways, there is a lot of fun developments made since then with pictures, and if the channel owner is interested, I'd be glad to help you with translations to make a video on that. If you are still on the fence about the mod, it's basically now a go-to mod for competitive play, it has built in online lobby, advanced map generator using layouts and has lots playtesting. They also develop single player campaigns for their new castles, and for forge as well, and everything, as said, made very professional and with care.

[@Norovo]

Thanks, I appreciate the thoughtful comment :). I'm actually planning to make a follow up vid very soon on what we know so far about Factory (was predicting some news this weekend...), which will cover most of the points you mentioned. Apparently Google Translate is actually pretty good at Russian -> English and I think I've understood most of what I saw on vk etc., but of course it's always helpful to have a native Russian speaker around to correct any discrepancies.

[@namelessendless5115]

@@Norovo True, translate works good enough. But just in case, if you'll have any doubts, I'm here. Anyways, really looking forward to more HOTA related stuff!

[@Phoenixzs1012]

-I like the skill changes a lot.If the AI could be also tweaked a bit that would be nice. -I am waiting especially for the captain quarters addition.That would end attacking heroless towns. -Anyone using angle wings,town portal or fly spell should have a 1/3 walking range in my opinion.And dimension door should be cast with more mana. -Some more love to the magogs, -wyern attack can be increased its very low and hydra should have some what resurrection true regeneration. -Lizardmen,magogs,wolfriders could have more population per week. -Eagle eye is the worst skill yes.As a suggestion It can maybe automatically duplicate any spell in the combat allowing you to cast it as a free action to the enemy.You cast chaing lighting cool let me try that as well :D

[@szhzs6121]

how did you not mention the single bigest change in the update, which is nerfing expert slow?

[@marcgroetsch2216]

I’m recent too HotA Mod and what’s the nerf exactly

[@wojakov]

Watching stuff about new HotA content, makes me wanna play H3 again, but when i play H3, im getting mood to play might and magic VII again, and the circle continue over and over.

[@cesaringti]

what settings do u have.. that looks so nice and crisp.

[@marcgroetsch2216]

Learning first aid and eagle eye all need reworks or buffs, also I feel like offense is OP honestly if you don’t have it in a late fight you’re fucked tbh

[@fikujez]

I wonder if we're gonna see Factory come out considering the current events. Has anyone heard anything from the team?

[@snifyy]

Why HOMM 3 + 1.6.1 + HD doesn't look like yours. What did you do for such high detail?

[@cfn7825]

Can I please ask how did you get it to look so crisp and still so zoomed in? If I run it in a decent resolution everything is very zoomed out. Thanks

[@paulucas7665]

They could make the resource bar at the bottom not so compact on the left, only the resources could be distributed more proportionally.

[@HRRaz]

How/where can I download new maps for hota?

[@alinaf4640]

Is it a new download? or is the update in the HD Mod all it takes? My HD Mod says there is an update but its incompatible with windows 10? The HD Mod works perfectly, it just wont do the update :/

[@TheScure]

It's Horn of the Abyss mod (or fan expansion) which works with the HD mod. Everything is compatible with W10, if it can't do the update, you can try to download the latest version from internet and install it in that way.

[@vodenapuska4796]

Horn of the Abyss? I only know about III, Armagedon's Blade, Shadow of Death and In the Wake of Gods, never heard of Horn of the Abyss, how many of them are there ?

[@sergeydukman5832]

OK. How do I get HOTA extension? Is it not a official extension? I only have official HD game

[@skaci8974]

Hi, whats your resolution ?

[@BeardGainz]

Why i found about that mod NOW?! I will not stop playing now :D

[@rokk144]

Nerfing logistics breaks my heart. Though I'm happy this mod will release sometime this new year.

[@Cons1337]

Man that Armadillo totally creeps me out

[@Crazy-Drokon]

no, it's very cute. But the video had early wip model. vk.com/@h3hota-bronenosec

[@Cons1337]

@@Crazy-Drokon Thanks for sharing

[@etrule]

Just curious if the factory faction available now? Is it considered fair or overpowered? Anyone know?

[@drizz111]

Hey :) Can u share the HD mod settings you're using?

[@dr.strangelove9815]

Hmm, can't remember the exact name, but look up heroes 3 horn of the abyss launcher HD.

[@invialos6308]

Hey Guys, i just downloaded HoMM 3 HD Edition on Steam. This game is awesome. But i want more. I know that the game has 3 Extensions. Does this Mod have these and go beyond?

[@invialos6308]

Or witch Mod do you guys use?

[@dadin91]

I don't know if it's possible to add mod on Steam with the new HD version.. that's bad they didn't propose that directly

[@zoltanz288]

The HD version is shit. do not sue that.

[@FlipFlibbo]

i love this game

[@josephvanwyk2088]

I feel like their composition is a bit off. What made the original towns so spectacular, it all fits perfectly into frame, like a painting. The factory town building looks a bit misplaced.

[@javorbg]

is someone know how to change diplomacy to be like before 2020 update ?

[@kevasselin1505]

THIS! Please answer ... someone.... anyone !!

[@rokk144]

Yes plz

[@balazsfenyes3880]

Interference feels more useful than the RNG heavy resistance, especially against disgusting casters with lvl4 spec offensive spells.

[@Crazy-Drokon]

this is why it was added in the first place. Online players hated RNG-based nature of the old resistance

[@gergelymathe8224]

How to can I get this? I update HotA HD regularly but I didn't have this.

[@pigifi]

you have to get the installer itself.

[@filmchannelviet1640]

GOOD

[@zoltanz288]

So is this better than WOG?

[@mrbabbles5989]

It crashes a lot less times than WoG.

[@SinSorrowEU]

If I buy this game from steam, I get this HoMM3 + ? Or is this somekind of iffy download like that Wogify thing was?

[@hrsmp]

No. In steam you get crappy version which doesn't have any additional content from 1993 (no shadow of death or armaggedon's blade) and lack basic features from hd mod (changing resolution, fast keybinding etc). Get in on Gog instead. And you can get Horn of the abyss together with hd mod for free on their website in a single installer file.

[@Benstyping]

I love all these little nerfs and buffs a game does.

[@gk4185]

You forgot +1 speed mass slow. Very powerfull nerf

[@Norovo]

Yeah I meant to mention that (and the Diplomacy nerf). Might add to description or a pin a comment later

[@alexscriabin]

4:15 homm has always had heavy rng (e.g. damage ranges), and resistance feels more homm-y than interference imho.

[@jutubinisvarijantas7034]

how to delete skills? because if not posible to delete some skills this game sucks!

[@Grzehu993]

I think they shall do new game than mod this game. After this that game will be awesome and they will be earning money on that what they are doing for free now, and some money from this they will do to tournament and everyone wil be happy :D

[@b3t4pro]

Heroes 3 may never die. But the "Brain" of HotA just did. Srsly making me sad. RIP Docent Picolan

[@zlosov5817]

I am a contrarian for saying this, but even though i respect the shit out of the Crew, i can't agree that the mod is a "vanilla+" that everyone claims it to be. When i think "high fantasy with a sci-fi edge" i never imagine pirates or cowboys. And yeah, New world computing wanted to make their own forge town, but not only did they scrap the concept because it had the same issue, they also justified it in the lore with MM7 evil ending, winch the crew decided not to do for some reason, making the reason or origin of this town a big ass plot hole.

[@BlTCHEZAlNTSHlT]

Does HoA change normal textures to h4 textures? why does the game look uglier?

[@Crazy-Drokon]

The game looks exactly the same. Maybe it looked nicer in your memories.

[@BlTCHEZAlNTSHlT]

@@Crazy-Drokon naw dog hota changes textures, not to h4, but they basically reskinned the whole game. but damn this was a dead comment bruh

[@jozsefszabo3510]

It isnt homm3 anymore. I respect the tons of work what HoA developers done with it. But factory town has a full 18-19th century look not a middle age feeling from 1200-1500 years. I say again I respect your work, but you killed the homm3 atmosphere!!!

[@arnigeir1597]

I'm encourage you to get more into the M&M universe and what other ideas have been drafted for the game.

[@GreyMasker]

Tech stuff has always been a part of the setting though the Heroes games frequently downplayed it a lot. Heck, the Kreegans (Inferno town) are honest to goodness aliens.

[@MrSHURIKENCHO]

While I do agree that it seems more out of place than the Cove, there have been steam-punk style creatures before - just look at the golems and the whole Tower town

[@arnigeir1597]

@@MrSHURIKENCHO Their Grail is an airship.

[@jozsefszabo3510]

Look guys if they would make a mechanic town from the idea of michalengello's machines what are made from wood and iron (like the tower town airship) i say its cool it goes to original design. But this is too crappy for me.

[@firstone3289]

nerfing intelligence is stupid, magic is becoming weaker and weaker and might heroes stronger and stronger, wtf