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 successful global launch, Honor of Kings is making waves in 2025 with significant esports announcements. A key highlight is the inaugural invitational tournament in the Philippines, running from February 21st to March 1st. However, the most impactful news is the global adoption of a ban-and-pick format for Season Three and all future tournaments.

This global ban-and-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 of this change is significant, especially considering many players specialize in a limited roster of heroes. The decision-making process now involves balancing team synergy with individual player preferences. Should a player choose a hero they excel with, even if a teammate is more proficient? Or should they prioritize a hero better suited to the current match situation? This new dynamic promises to elevate the excitement and strategic depth of Honor of Kings esports.

A Strategic Shift

The popularity of ban-and-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 differs. In other games, bans are often pre-determined through team agreements. Honor of Kings, however, places the decision directly in the hands of individual players, emphasizing teamwork and strategic planning. This innovative approach is expected to attract a wider audience to the competitive scene.