Hero Wars has been around since 2016, and it is still one of the better-known free-to-play fantasy RPGs on phones and browsers. It mixes hero collecting, team-building strategy, and competitive multiplayer. Because the game runs under two names on different platforms, many new players are unsure which version they are looking at.
What Is Hero Wars?
Hero Wars is a free-to-play online fantasy RPG built around strategy battles. You collect heroes, build teams, and take them through story content and PvP.
Developer: Nexters Global Ltd., part of what is now the GDEV group
Original release: 2016
Genre: Fantasy RPG with strategy combat and idle-style progression
Business model: Free-to-play with optional in-app purchases
Nexters has described the game as combining roleplaying progression, strategy combat, and large-scale multiplayer competition.
Hero Wars: Alliance vs. Dominion Era
In July 2023, Nexters rebranded the game and split its naming by platform:
| Version | Where you play it |
| Hero Wars: Alliance | Mobile (Android and iOS) |
| Hero Wars: Dominion Era | Facebook and web browser |
The two versions are similar but not identical. Events, features, and updates may differ between them, so check which one you are playing before following any tip you find online.
Core Gameplay and Mechanics
Heroes and Factions
Every hero in Hero Wars Alliance belongs to one of six factions:
Chaos
Eternity
Honor
Mystery
Nature
Progress
Each faction has its own role in battle, and team composition matters. Front line, back line, support, control, damage, and defense all affect the result of a fight.
Manual and Auto Combat
Battles can be played manually or on auto:
Manual mode: You trigger each hero’s first skill yourself once there is enough energy.
Auto mode: First skills fire automatically when energy is ready.
According to Nexters games support pages, auto mode unlocks at team level 10. It is always on in Arena and Grand Arena and cannot be turned off there. You can also set auto or manual for specific game modes in Settings.
Progression
Progress comes from clearing content, leveling heroes, and unlocking new modes. Premium purchases exist, but the core loop of campaign battles, upgrades, and events is playable without spending.
Game Modes in Hero Wars: Alliance
Nexters’ official support pages list these modes:
Campaign: The main PvE progression path
Arena and Grand Arena: Competitive PvP against other players
Tower: A PvE challenge that ends in boss fights
Dungeon
Guild War: Team-based competition with your guild
Global Championship
Sky Arena
Legends Draft: A PvP mode that uses random max-level heroes
Eternal Frontier, Gate, Airship, Outland and Skin Stones, Elemental Cradle & Hydra, and Trainings
The Google Play listing also mentions Clash of Worlds, a competitive mode with leagues, and limited-time Adventures set in the world of Dominion. Titan teams are used in Guild Wars and multiplayer battles.
Platforms, Price, and How to Download
Hero Wars is free to download and play. Optional purchases are available inside the game.
To download Hero Wars: Alliance on mobile:
Open Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
Search for Hero Wars: Alliance.
Confirm the developer is Nexters, then tap Install.
To play in a browser: Search for Hero Wars Dominion Era on Facebook or through the official Nexters site.
System requirements: Requirements vary by device and update. Check the Android or iOS store listing for the current minimum OS version and storage size.
Beginner Tips
Learn the factions early: Knowing what each one does helps you build balanced teams.
Try manual combat: Once auto unlocks, still use manual control in modes where it is allowed, since timing your skills can matter.
Join a guild: Guild Wars and other team content are a big part of the game.
Match your team to the enemy: Team composition matters more as you progress, so adjust your lineup instead of using one team everywhere.
Check events: Limited-time Adventures and events rotate, so look at the in-game event list regularly.
Similar Games to Try
If you enjoy collecting heroes and building teams, these mobile RPG games have a similar structure:
Marvel Strike Force: A turn-based RPG released on March 28, 2018, for Android and iOS. It was developed by FoxNext, later acquired by Scopely. It features alliances that take part in raids and wars.
Marvel Contest of Champions: Released by Kabam on Android and iOS on December 10, 2014, with a Windows version on June 18, 2025. It is primarily set in the Marvel Universe and includes alliance-based quests and wars.
Conclusion
Hero Wars is a free-to-play fantasy RPG built on team strategy and steady progression. Whether you play Hero Wars: Alliance on mobile or Dominion Era in a browser, the core loop is the same: build a team, learn the factions, and work through PvE and PvP modes. It is easy to start, and it rewards players who learn how team composition works.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Hero Wars free to play?
Yes. Hero Wars is free to download and play, with optional in-app purchases for faster progress.
2. What is the difference between Hero Wars: Alliance and Dominion Era?
Since the July 2023 rebrand, Alliance is the mobile version, and Dominion Era is the Facebook and browser version. They are similar but not identical.
3. Which platforms can I play Hero Wars on?
Hero Wars: Alliance is on Android and iOS. Dominion Era runs on Facebook and web browsers.
4. Who develops Hero Wars?
Nexters Global Ltd. develops Hero Wars. The game was first released in 2016.
5. When does auto battle unlock in Hero Wars: Alliance?
According to Nexters’ support pages, auto mode becomes available at team level 10. It is always active in Arena and Grand Arena.