With the global release of Honor of Kings, 2024 has been a landmark year for the game. As we look ahead to 2025, the developers are set to roll out exciting updates that promise to elevate the gaming experience. A highlight for fans is the introduction of an invitational series in the Philippines, marking its debut from February 21st to March 1st. However, the most anticipated change is the adoption of a global ban&pick format, which will be implemented starting with the season three invitational and all future tournaments.

So, what exactly is ban&pick? It's a strategic system designed to enhance competition and diversity in gameplay. Once a hero is chosen and used by a player on a team during a match, that hero is banned for the rest of the tournament for that team, though their opponents can still select it. This mechanism adds a layer of strategy, forcing teams to adapt and diversify their hero selections throughout the competition.

This twist is particularly significant in the MOBA genre, where players often specialize in mastering a limited set of characters. For instance, the well-known League of Legends player Tyler1 is famously associated with his champion, Draven. The ban&pick system challenges such specialists to expand their repertoire, which can lead to more dynamic and unpredictable matches.

The concept of ban&pick isn't new to esports; games like League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege have similar systems. However, the approach in Honor of Kings is unique as it places the decision-making power directly in the hands of individual players, emphasizing team coordination and strategic planning. Players must decide whether to use a hero they're comfortable with for immediate advantage or save them for critical later stages of the tournament.

This innovative approach is expected to make Honor of Kings' esports scene more engaging and appealing to new viewers, promising thrilling competitions and showcasing the depth of strategy involved in the game.