Honor of Kings to adopt ban&pick format globally, with upcoming Phillipines invitational scheduled

Honor of Kings Unveils Major Esports Plans for 2025

Following its global launch, Honor of Kings is making significant strides in the esports arena. 2024 has been a landmark year, and 2025 promises even more exciting developments. Key announcements include the inaugural Honor of Kings invitational tournament in the Philippines (February 21st - March 1st) and, most notably, the global adoption of a ban & pick format for season three and all future tournaments.

What exactly is ban & pick? Simply put, once a hero is selected by a team in a match, that hero becomes unavailable for the remainder of the tournament for that same team. This adds a strategic layer, impacting team composition and individual player choices.

This system presents a compelling challenge for players. Many MOBA players specialize in a limited roster of heroes. The ban & pick format forces players to consider team synergy and strategic flexibility, potentially leading to more diverse gameplay and increased viewer engagement.

A Strategic Shift

While not the first MOBA to utilize a ban & pick system (games like League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege employ similar mechanics), Honor of Kings' implementation introduces a unique twist. Instead of pre-tournament bans, the choice rests with individual players during each match, emphasizing teamwork and strategic decision-making. This dynamic element is expected to enhance the competitive landscape and attract a broader audience. The decision to use a known strong hero versus a player's mastered hero will become a key strategic element.