Frequently asked questions
Everything we can answer about Hero Line Wars today. If something is not decided yet, we say so.
The game
What is Hero Line Wars?
Hero Line Wars is a hero-driven fantasy lane-war strategy game for PC, in development in Unreal Engine 5. You control one hero, send units into your opponent's lane and defend your own lane against the units they send at you.
Is this the StarCraft II or Warcraft III custom map?
No. It is a standalone game inspired by the classic Hero Line Wars custom game mode that players know from StarCraft II and Warcraft III. It is not a mod, it does not need either game, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Blizzard Entertainment.
How does a match work?
Matches are currently 1v1. You fight the units in your own lane with your hero while you spend gold on units to send into your opponent's lane. Every enemy unit that reaches your base costs you a life, and the player who runs out of lives first loses.
Are there automatic waves?
No. Every unit in your lane was sent there by your opponent, so all the pressure in a match comes from player decisions.
How does income work?
You are paid income every 30 seconds. Sending units raises your income, so every send is both an attack and an investment. You also earn gold for landing the killing blow on enemy units.
Which units can I send?
The current build has 13 units in three fortress tiers. Tier 1: Scrap Scout, Glowing Insect, Ethereal Wraith, Skeleton and Orc Brute. Tier 2: Thornback Boar, Dark Werewolf, Spore Matriarch and Ancient Treant. Tier 3: Magma Golem, Venom Weaver, Storm Drake and Fiery Phoenix. You unlock the next tier by upgrading your fortress, and each unit type has a limited stock that refills over time.
Heroes
How many heroes are there?
Seven heroes are playable in the current alpha build: Warrior, Bone Dragon, Necromancer, Barbarian, Arcane Mage, Orc Rider and Rocketeer. The roster and the abilities can still change before release.
How do heroes level up?
Heroes gain experience when enemy units die near them and can reach level 25. Each level gives one skill point. Q, W and E can be learned from level 1, and the R ultimate unlocks at level 6. Every hero has a main attribute: Strength, Agility or Intelligence.
What can I buy in the shop?
The shop at your base sells items such as weapons, armor, boots, potions and the Vampiric Fang for life steal, plus tomes that permanently raise your attributes. Items go into your inventory and can be rearranged with drag and drop.
Playing
Can I play alone?
Yes. Single-player is a 1v1 match against a bot that picks a hero, levels up, buys items and sends units, just like a player would.
Is there online multiplayer?
Online 1v1 matches through Steam are being built and tested. More details will follow when online play is ready for testers.
Which platforms will it support?
Hero Line Wars is being developed for Windows PC. No other platforms have been announced.
Can I see real gameplay yet?
Not yet. The images and the teaser on this site are concept art and illustrative animation. In-engine screenshots and footage will be added as development continues.
Alpha and release
When does alpha testing begin?
No date is confirmed yet. Register for alpha access to hear as soon as testing opens.
Does signing up guarantee an alpha invitation?
No. Signing up registers your interest and lets us send you announcements. Invitations will depend on the number of testing places.
Will Hero Line Wars be on Steam?
A PC release on Steam is planned. The store page is not live yet, and it will be announced to everyone on the email list.
How much will it cost?
The price has not been announced.
Still curious?
Follow the devlog, or register for alpha access to hear when testing opens.
Register for Alpha Access →