Honor of Kings has had a landmark year in 2024 following its global release, and the momentum continues into 2025 with exciting updates. The game is set to host an invitational in the Philippines for the first time, running from February 21st to March 1st. This move signifies a significant step in expanding the game's esports footprint across the globe. However, the most noteworthy development for the competitive scene is the introduction of the ban&pick format for the Season Three invitational and all subsequent tournaments.
But 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 becomes off-limits for the rest of the tournament for that team. This rule does not apply to their opponents, meaning strategic choices become crucial. For MOBA enthusiasts, this adds a fascinating layer of strategy since players often focus on mastering a select few characters. Take, for instance, the well-known League of Legends player Tyler1, who is almost synonymous with his mastery of Draven.
The mother of invention
The ban&pick system is a popular choice in MOBAs, and while Honor of Kings isn't the pioneer, it's joining the ranks of games like League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege that have implemented similar rules. Traditionally, bans in these games are decided by teams before matches. Honor of Kings, however, places this decision directly in the hands of individual players, emphasizing team coordination and strategy. Players must decide whether to pick a hero suited for a specific situation or to save their main for crucial matches later in the tournament. This new format is poised to make Honor of Kings' esports even more captivating for both new and existing fans.
