 |
| Fates is currently an early-access game. Pictured: edited cover picture of the title with Steam logo on top. |
The legendary gates of Ashan have reopened, but the reception from the heroes walking through them is surprisingly mixed.
A brand-new contender has stormed the Steam charts, securing a spot in the top 5 of the platform’s coveted "New & Trending" list. Might & Magic Fates – Heroes TCG, a free-to-play strategy card game published by Ubisoft, launched into Early Access on February 16, 2026. While the IP brings with it decades of nostalgia and a strategic core that reviewers are praising, a fierce debate is raging in the user review section regarding its monetization and progression systems.
Currently, the game holds a "Mixed" overall rating on Steam. With over 400 reviews already logged, only 58% of them are positive, painting a picture of a title that is simultaneously loved for its gameplay and loathed for its economy.
A Strategic Core Worthy of the Might & Magic Name
On the battlefield, Fates seems to get almost everything right. For a free-to-play title, the production value and depth are evident. Players can command iconic factions that series veterans will immediately recognize—from the demonic hordes of Inferno to the pious knights of Haven and the magical masters of the Academy.
The game distinguishes itself from the crowded digital card game market with a few key mechanics:
- The Mana System: Unlike traditional resource systems that increment by one each turn, Fates utilizes a unique mana mechanic that early adopters describe as "refreshing" and strategic.
- Heroes on the Board: Staying true to the Heroes of Might & Magic franchise, your hero is not just a portrait. They are a physical entity on the board, complete with an RPG-style leveling system that allows for direct impact on combat.
- Tactical Combat: The turn structure facilitates a meaningful back-and-forth, forcing players to think several moves ahead rather than simply playing the highest value card in their hand.
Many positive reviews highlight that beneath the flashy trailer lies a core gameplay loop that is "deeper and more strategic" than it initially lets on. For fans of the genre looking for a new intellectual challenge, the foundations are undeniably solid.
The "Mixed" Verdict: The Cost of Victory
So, if the gameplay is so strong, why the "Mixed" rating? The answer, according to the community, lies in the dreaded "G" word: Grind.
Despite being a free-to-play title, the monetization model in this Early Access version is facing heavy scrutiny. Players are reporting that the drop rates for legendary cards are frustratingly low. Furthermore, the rate at which players can acquire new booster packs through standard gameplay is perceived as too slow, requiring a "heavy grind" to remain competitive.
Compounding these issues is the inclusion of an optional NFT-linked layer. This system allows specific cards to be traded on external marketplaces as blockchain assets. While Ubisoft has positioned this as an optional feature for collectors, a segment of the player base is criticizing its presence, arguing that it creates a perceived pay-to-win imbalance or a "two-tiered" economy that devalues the in-game grind.
Should You Answer the Call?
Despite the economic turbulence surrounding its launch, the game’s performance on the Steam "New & Trending" Free to Play chart proves one thing: curiosity is high.
Part of this visibility can be attributed to the weight of the Might & Magic name itself. (Fans looking for a different fix might note that Heroes VII – Trial by Fire is currently available for $7.49 on Humble Bundle). However, for Fates, the early consensus suggests that while the microtransactions need work, the core gameplay is robust enough to warrant a download.
Might & Magic Fates – Heroes TCG is currently available for free on Steam. Whether it becomes the next big strategic obsession or fades into obscurity will likely depend on how the developers adjust the progression economy in the coming weeks of Early Access.
For a closer look at the gameplay and factions, be sure to check out the official trailer below.