One of the key strategic elements in Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is resources. With resources, you can build towns, recruit armies, or spend them on various needs like hero development and buying artifacts. The game features 3 types of resources:
- Common: this type includes
, 
, and 
- Rare: this type includes
, 
, and 
- Special: a unique resource type added exclusively in Olden Era —
(Alchemical Dust)
Common resources are needed by all factions in large quantities, no matter which faction you play. They are general-purpose resources: some factions need a bit more, others a bit less, but everyone needs them. This is the most common resource type on the map — you’ll find them almost everywhere (mines, piles, stockpiles).
Rare resources are also used by all factions, but consumption varies greatly. Each faction has its primary resource from this list that is required in especially large amounts for construction. Additionally, the strongest unit of each faction (Tier 7) requires 1 such resource to recruit, and the upgraded version — 2. This type appears less frequently than Common.
Special resource is a unique type added only for Olden Era. is very rare (no mines, only piles, exchanges, artifact disenchanting, and storages), but it has a massive impact on the game: upgrading units, spells, and artifacts.