Playing Honor of Kings in China means playing 王者荣耀, the Chinese version of the game — and it works quite differently from the global release. In China the game is operated directly by Tencent, runs entirely in Chinese, and is tied to a WeChat or QQ account, mandatory real-name verification, and the country's strict anti-addiction system. This guide walks through exactly what to expect, step by step.
Honor of Kings is the most-played mobile MOBA in the world, and the Chinese client has by far the largest player base. Before you jump in, it helps to understand that the China version and the international version are completely separate games — different apps, different servers, and different accounts.
What you'll need
- A phone that can install Chinese apps (a China-region App Store account, or a Chinese Android store such as TapTap).
- A working WeChat (微信) or QQ account to log in with.
- Identity details for real-name verification (实名认证), which the China version requires by law.
- An understanding of the play-time rules, which are strict for players under 18.
How to play Honor of Kings in China
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Step 1: Know the Chinese version vs the global one
There are two distinct releases. The Chinese game, 王者荣耀, is operated by Tencent and is Chinese-language only. The international game, Honor of Kings, is published globally by Level Infinite with English and many other languages. They run on separate servers, so accounts, heroes, skins, and ranked progress do not transfer between them. If your friends play the China version, you'll need the China client to play with them.
The China and global versions are separate games with separate accounts. -
Step 2: Install the Chinese client
The China version is not on the global App Store or Google Play. On iPhone you'll need an Apple ID set to the China region to find it; on Android, players typically use TapTap or a Chinese app store. The official esports and game site at pvp.qq.com lists the current download links. Always search for the exact title 王者荣耀 from the publisher 腾讯 (Tencent), and avoid random APK mirrors.
Download 王者荣耀 from a Chinese store or the official Tencent site. -
Step 3: Log in with a WeChat or QQ account
The China version has no email sign-up and no guest mode — you log in with either WeChat (微信) or QQ. WeChat is the most common choice for Chinese players. Note that WeChat and QQ logins are treated as separate account sets, so the heroes and rank you build under WeChat won't appear if you later switch to QQ. Decide which one you'll use before you start playing.
Pick WeChat or QQ to sign in — there is no guest login on the China version. -
Step 4: Complete real-name verification (实名认证)
Chinese law requires every game account to be verified against a real identity. The first time you play, you'll be asked to submit a name and ID number for real-name verification (实名认证). This is normally a one-time step, and it sets the age the game uses to decide which play-time rules apply to you. Players who cannot complete verification (for example, those without a Chinese ID) are placed under very strict guest-style limits.
Real-name verification is mandatory and sets the play-time rules for your account. -
Step 5: Follow the play-time (anti-addiction) rules
China enforces a national anti-addiction system for minors. Players verified as under 18 can generally only play for about one hour per day, and only on weekends and public holidays, within a fixed evening window. Verified adults have no daily cap, but they still log in each session through WeChat or QQ. The system can also trigger facial-verification prompts if it suspects a minor is using an adult account. Spending is restricted for younger players too.
Minors face strict play-time limits; verified adults play without a daily cap.
Tips for a smoother experience
- Set up WeChat or QQ first. The game won't let you in without one, so create or sign into your social account before you launch.
- Expect a Chinese interface. There's no built-in English, so a translation app or a basic menu cheat-sheet helps a lot at first.
- Connection matters. Servers are inside China, so latency can be high if you're connecting from abroad.
- Keep accounts straight. Don't mix up your WeChat and QQ logins, or you may not see your progress.
Troubleshooting
I can't find 王者荣耀 in my app store
The China version is region-locked. Switch your App Store account to the China region, or use a Chinese Android store like TapTap. The global "Honor of Kings" listing is a different game.
The game keeps asking me to verify my identity
This is the mandatory real-name system. Until verification is completed, the account stays under restrictive guest limits, so you'll keep being prompted.
My play time is being cut off
If your account is verified as under 18, the anti-addiction rules limit you to a short daily window on weekends and holidays. This is enforced at the system level and can't be turned off.
Frequently asked questions
Is Honor of Kings in China the same game as the global version?
No. The China version (王者荣耀) and the global version (Honor of Kings) are separate apps on separate servers, with accounts and progress that do not transfer between them.
Do I need a Chinese phone number or account?
You need a WeChat or QQ account to log in, and real-name verification typically expects valid Chinese identity details. Without those, you're limited to a heavily restricted guest experience.
Is Honor of Kings free to play in China?
Yes, the China version is free to download and play, with optional in-game purchases. Spending is restricted for verified minors under the anti-addiction rules.
Can foreigners play the China version of Honor of Kings?
It's possible if you can install the China client and log in with WeChat or QQ, but the Chinese-only interface, identity verification, and in-China servers make it harder than playing the global release.
Final thoughts
Playing Honor of Kings in China is very doable once you know the rules of the road: install the Chinese client (王者荣耀), sign in with WeChat or QQ, complete real-name verification, and respect the play-time limits if you're under 18. If you mostly want an English experience, the global edition is the easier path — but for the world's biggest Honor of Kings community, the China version is where the action is. For official details and download links, check the publisher's site, pvp.qq.com.
