Honor of Kings is a free-to-play 5v5 multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game made by TiMi Studio Group and published by Tencent's Level Infinite. Originally a smash hit in China, it has grown into one of the most-played mobile games on the planet, and it is now available worldwide alongside a brand-new open-world spin-off called Honor of Kings: World. If you have heard the name and wondered what the fuss is about, this guide breaks down exactly what the game is and how it plays.
At its heart, Honor of Kings takes the team-based strategy of PC classics like League of Legends or Dota and reshapes it for a touchscreen and short play sessions. Below we cover the five things that matter most to a newcomer: what the game actually is, how it plays, the heroes you control, the cost to get started, and how the new open-world title fits in.
What you need to know first
- Genre: 5v5 MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena).
- Platforms: iOS and Android, free to download; the spin-off also targets PC and console.
- Match length: usually around 10 to 20 minutes per game.
- Goal: work with your team to destroy the enemy's main base (the Crystal).
It is a 5v5 multiplayer online battle arena
In Honor of Kings, two teams of five players each control a single hero and fight across a square battlefield divided by a diagonal river. The map has three lanes — top, middle, and bottom — connected by a "jungle" full of neutral monsters. Each lane is guarded by defensive towers, and at opposite corners sit the two team bases. Your objective is to push down a lane, destroy the enemy towers, and finally break their base before they break yours.
How it plays: simple touch controls, deep strategy
Honor of Kings is designed for thumbs. A virtual joystick on the left side of the screen moves your hero, while a cluster of buttons on the right handles your basic attack and your hero's special abilities, including a powerful "ultimate" skill. A minimap in the corner shows where allies, enemies, and objectives are. The controls are easy to pick up in minutes, but mastering positioning, timing your skills, and coordinating team fights is what gives the game its depth.
A huge roster of heroes across different roles
The game features well over a hundred heroes, each with a unique kit of abilities. They are grouped into roles such as Tank, Fighter, Assassin, Mage, Marksman, and Support. Tanks soak up damage and start fights, Fighters trade blows in the side lanes, Assassins burst down fragile targets, Mages deal ranged magic damage, Marksmen grow into late-game damage dealers, and Supports protect and heal their team. Many heroes are inspired by Chinese mythology and history, giving the roster a distinctive identity.
Is Honor of Kings free? Yes — and there's no pay-to-win
Honor of Kings is free to download and play on both iOS and Android. It earns money through optional in-app purchases, but the spending is largely cosmetic — think character skins, effects, and battle passes. New heroes can be unlocked through normal gameplay using earned currency, so you are not forced to pay to stay competitive. Matches are quick, which makes it easy to fit a game or two into a break.
What is Honor of Kings: World?
Honor of Kings: World is a separate, much larger game set in the same universe. Instead of 5v5 arena matches, it is an open-world action RPG where you explore a vast, seamless fantasy landscape, take on quests, and fight in real-time combat — solo or in co-op with friends. It shares the heroes and lore of the original MOBA but is built as a full-scale adventure aimed at PC and console as well as mobile. If you love the world of Honor of Kings but want to wander it freely rather than battle in lanes, this is the version to watch.
Tips for new players
- Start with a forgiving role. Tanks and Supports are beginner-friendly because mistakes are less punishing than on fragile Assassins or Marksmen.
- Watch the minimap. Most early losses come from being caught alone; glance at the map often to see where enemies are.
- Last-hit minions. You earn gold and experience by landing the final blow on enemy minions, so practice your timing.
- Group up for objectives. Pushing towers and taking big neutral monsters is far safer and stronger as a team than alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is Honor of Kings the same as Arena of Valor?
They are closely related but not identical. Arena of Valor was an earlier international adaptation built on the same foundation, while Honor of Kings is now rolling out globally under its original name with its own roster and updates.
Is Honor of Kings free to play?
Yes. The game is free to download on iOS and Android, and purchases are optional and mostly cosmetic. Heroes can be unlocked through regular play.
How long does a match take?
Most games last roughly 10 to 20 minutes, which makes Honor of Kings well suited to short sessions on mobile.
Do I need to be good at MOBAs to start?
No. The touch controls are easy to learn, there are beginner-friendly heroes, and the game includes tutorials and practice modes to ease you in.
Is Honor of Kings: World a sequel?
Not exactly. It is a separate open-world action RPG set in the same universe, rather than a direct follow-up to the 5v5 MOBA.
Final thoughts
So, what is Honor of Kings? It is a polished, free-to-play 5v5 MOBA that brings deep, strategic team battles to your phone in bite-sized matches, backed by a massive cast of heroes and an expanding universe that now includes the open-world Honor of Kings: World. Whether you are a MOBA veteran or a total newcomer, it is one of the easiest ways to jump into competitive online battles. To download it or learn more, visit the official Honor of Kings website.
