The Honor of Kings series has grown from a single mobile game into a sprawling franchise. What began in 2015 as one 5v5 MOBA on phones now spans an open-world action RPG, a single-player spin-off, extra game modes, and a thriving esports and media universe. This guide walks through every game in the Honor of Kings series so you can see how the whole lineup fits together.
All of these titles are built by Tencent's TiMi Studio Group and share the same heroes, world, and mythology. Below we break the franchise into the main releases plus the modes and experiences that surround them, then finish with a quick timeline so you can place each game in order.
What's in the Honor of Kings franchise
At a high level the series includes the original Honor of Kings MOBA, the open-world spin-off Honor of Kings: World, the single-player title Honor of Kings: Mirror, and a layer of extra modes, events, and cross-media content. You don't need to play one to enjoy another — each is its own game, but they all live in the same fantasy setting. Here's a closer look at each entry.
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Step 1: Honor of Kings — the flagship 5v5 MOBA
The game that started it all is Honor of Kings itself, a free-to-play 5v5 multiplayer online battle arena. It launched in China in 2015 (as Wangzhe Rongyao) and rolled out globally in 2024. Two teams of five push three lanes, destroy towers, and race to break the enemy base. With hundreds of millions of players, it is one of the most-played mobile games ever made and remains the heart of the entire series.
Honor of Kings is the world-leading 5v5 mobile MOBA at the centre of the franchise. -
Step 2: Honor of Kings: World — the open-world action RPG
Honor of Kings: World is the most ambitious spin-off in the series. Instead of competitive 5v5 matches, it is a standalone open-world action RPG where you explore a vast, seamless fantasy landscape solo or in co-op. It is being built for PC and console as well as mobile, and it reuses the heroes and lore of the MOBA while delivering a completely different style of play.
Honor of Kings: World turns the universe into an open-world action RPG. -
Step 3: Honor of Kings: Mirror — the single-player spin-off
Honor of Kings: Mirror takes the series in a more personal direction. It is a single-player adventure that leans on story and exploration rather than head-to-head competition. Set within the same Honor of Kings universe and built by TiMi Studio Group, it offers a slower, narrative-led experience for players who want a break from ranked grinds while still spending time with familiar characters.
Honor of Kings: Mirror is a story-driven, single-player detour in the franchise. -
Step 4: Extra modes and companion experiences
Beyond the standalone games, the Honor of Kings series includes plenty of additional ways to play. The flagship app regularly hosts auto-battler "chess" strategy modes, limited-time events, and arcade-style mini-modes. On top of that sits a huge competitive ecosystem led by the King Pro League (KPL), plus cross-media projects such as animation and comics. New heroes, skins, and seasonal content arrive on a steady cadence.
Auto-battler modes, live events, and esports round out the franchise. -
Step 5: How the Honor of Kings series fits together
Put it all in order and the picture is clear: the original MOBA arrived first and built the audience, the global launch widened it, and the new spin-offs branch the brand into fresh genres. Honor of Kings: World adds open-world action, Honor of Kings: Mirror adds single-player storytelling, and the live modes, esports, and media keep the core game fresh. One universe, many ways to play.
A simple timeline of how the Honor of Kings series fits together.
Tips for newcomers to the series
- Start with the MOBA. The original Honor of Kings is free, runs on most phones, and is the best way to learn the heroes and lore before any spin-off.
- Pick the game that suits you. Want competition? Play the MOBA. Want exploration? Wait for Honor of Kings: World. Want a relaxed solo experience? Look to Mirror.
- You don't need to play them all. Each game stands on its own; shared characters are a bonus, not a requirement.
- Check the official channels for release windows, since spin-off launch dates and regional availability can shift over time.
Frequently asked questions
How many games are in the Honor of Kings series?
The core lineup includes the flagship Honor of Kings MOBA plus standalone spin-offs such as Honor of Kings: World and Honor of Kings: Mirror, alongside extra in-game modes and cross-media content within the same universe.
Is Honor of Kings: World the same game as Honor of Kings?
No. Honor of Kings is a 5v5 competitive MOBA, while Honor of Kings: World is a separate open-world action RPG. They share heroes and lore but play very differently and are released as distinct titles.
Are the Honor of Kings games free to play?
The flagship Honor of Kings MOBA is free to download and play on iOS and Android with optional purchases. Pricing and business models for the spin-offs may vary, so check the official listings for each game.
Who develops the Honor of Kings series?
The series is developed by Tencent's TiMi Studio Group and published globally under the Level Infinite label. The same teams maintain the shared world, heroes, and ongoing updates.
Do I need to play one game to understand the others?
Not at all. Each title is designed to stand alone. Playing the MOBA first simply helps you recognise the heroes and setting you'll meet again in the spin-offs.
Final thoughts
The Honor of Kings series is no longer just one mobile MOBA — it's a growing universe that now stretches across competitive battles, open-world adventure, single-player storytelling, and a busy live-service and esports scene. Whichever genre you prefer, there's an entry point for you, and they all share the same heroes and world. To keep up with the latest releases across the franchise, check the official Honor of Kings website.
