Honor of Kings goes global with ban&pick format, Philippines invitational next

With the global release of Honor of Kings, 2024 has been a landmark year for the game, and as we move into 2025, the excitement continues to build with new announcements. One of the major highlights is the introduction of an invitational series to the Philippines for the first time. Scheduled from February 21st to March 1st, this event promises to bring thrilling competition to the region. Even more significant, however, is the adoption of a new ban&pick format for the season three invitational and all future tournaments, marking a pivotal change in the game's competitive landscape.

So, what exactly is ban&pick? It's simpler than you might think. In this format, once a hero is chosen by a player on a team during a match, that hero becomes unavailable for the rest of the tournament for their team. This rule adds a strategic layer to the game, as players often specialize in a limited selection of characters. For instance, fans of League of Legends might recall Tyler1, who is renowned for his mastery of Draven.

The mother of inventionIt's clear why ban&pick is a favored mechanic in MOBAs. While Honor of Kings isn't the first to implement this, games like League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege have previously adopted similar systems, typically with bans agreed upon before the match. However, Honor of Kings' approach places the decision-making power directly in the hands of individual players, emphasizing team dynamics and strategic planning. Players must now decide whether to select a hero suited for a specific scenario or to save their best characters for crucial later matches. This twist is sure to enhance the appeal of Honor of Kings' esports scene, drawing in new viewers eager to see how teams adapt to this innovative format.