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

This marks a pivotal moment for the game's competitive scene. But what exactly is ban & pick? Simply put, once a hero is selected by a team in a match, that hero is ineligible for use by that same team for the remainder of the tournament. This introduces a strategic layer, forcing teams to carefully consider their hero choices and team composition.

The impact is substantial. Many MOBA players specialize in a limited roster of heroes. The ban & pick system necessitates greater team synergy and strategic flexibility, demanding players adapt and potentially utilize heroes outside their comfort zones. This dynamic adds a compelling new dimension to the competitive landscape.

A Strategic Shift

While not the first MOBA to utilize a ban & pick system (games like League of Legends and even Rainbow Six Siege employ similar mechanics), Honor of Kings' implementation is unique. Previous implementations often involved pre-match team agreements. Honor of Kings' approach places the decision directly in the hands of individual players, emphasizing teamwork and strategic decision-making under pressure. This change promises to heighten the excitement and strategic depth of Honor of Kings esports, attracting a wider audience. The choice between optimizing for immediate advantage or reserving key heroes for later rounds adds a layer of complexity sure to captivate viewers.