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

2024 has been a landmark year for Honor of Kings following its global release. As we step into 2025, the game is gearing up with exciting updates for the next 12 months. Among the highlights is the introduction of an invitational series to the Philippines, marking its debut there from February 21st to March 1st. Even more significant is the global adoption of the ban&pick format for the season three invitational and all future tournaments.

So, what exactly is ban&pick? It's simpler than it sounds. Once a hero is selected and used by a player on a team during a match, that hero is banned for the rest of the tournament for their team, though opponents can still use it. This adds a strategic layer to the game, as many players often focus on mastering a limited pool of characters. For instance, the well-known League of Legends player Tyler1 is famously associated with his go-to champion, Draven.

The ban&pick system is a staple in MOBAs and has been successfully implemented in games like League of Legends and even outside the genre in titles like Rainbow Six Siege. However, in those cases, bans are typically agreed upon by teams before matches. Honor of Kings' approach puts the decision-making power directly in the hands of individual players, emphasizing team dynamics and strategic planning. Players must decide whether to choose a hero suited to the situation, even if a teammate has mastered it, or to save their main for crucial later matches. This new format is set to enhance the appeal of Honor of Kings' esports scene, drawing in new viewers with its added depth and excitement.