: A complex skill system allows heroes to learn up to five regular skills plus one faction-specific racial skill. Each skill has sub-abilities that can lead to powerful "Ultimate" abilities. Playable Factions
: Unlike the hexagonal grids of earlier titles, HoMM V uses a square grid for tactical combat.
: Combat uses an initiative-based system where an ATB bar shows the exact order in which units will act.
: Players can fully rotate and zoom the camera, which is often necessary to find treasures hidden behind terrain.