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 2025. Key announcements include the inaugural Philippines invitational (February 21st - March 1st) and, most notably, the global adoption of a ban & pick format for Season Three and all future tournaments.

This global ban & pick system introduces a strategic layer to the game. Once a hero is selected by a team in a match, that hero becomes unavailable to that team for the remainder of the tournament. This restriction applies only to the team that used the hero, not their opponents.

The impact on gameplay is significant. Many MOBA players specialize in a limited roster of heroes, creating compelling strategic choices. The new system forces teams to consider both individual mastery and overall team composition. Will players prioritize their most skilled heroes, or opt for characters better suited to the current match-up?

A Strategic Shift

The popularity of ban & pick systems in MOBAs is undeniable. While not a novel concept (games like League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege utilize similar mechanics), Honor of Kings' implementation uniquely places the selection burden on individual players. This emphasizes team synergy and strategic decision-making, adding a new dimension to the competitive landscape and promising to attract a wider audience. The choice between individual skill and team strategy will be a key factor in future tournaments.