Honor of Kings adopts global ban&pick format, Phillipines invitational next

With the global release of Honor of Kings, 2024 has been a landmark year for the game. As we move into 2025, the excitement continues with significant updates planned for the next 12 months. One of the most thrilling developments is the introduction of an invitational series in the Philippines for the very first time, scheduled from February 21st to March 1st. But perhaps the most groundbreaking news is the adoption of the global ban&pick format for the season three invitational and all upcoming tournaments.

So, what exactly is ban&pick? It's simpler than it sounds. 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 (though not for their opponents). This system adds a strategic layer to the game, especially since many MOBA players tend to master a limited number of heroes. Think of it like Tyler1 from League of Legends, who is famously known for his mastery of Draven.

The Mother of Invention

The ban&pick format isn't new to the MOBA scene; games like League of Legends and even titles outside the genre like Rainbow Six Siege have used similar systems. However, in those cases, bans are typically agreed upon by teams beforehand. Honor of Kings' approach puts the decision-making power directly in the hands of individual players, emphasizing team coordination and strategy. Players now face the dilemma of choosing between a hero that might be advantageous for a specific situation but is mastered by a teammate, or sticking with their main hero to secure early wins while reserving them for crucial later matches. This twist is sure to make Honor of Kings' esports even more compelling for both new and existing viewers.