Hands-on Experience and Developer Q&A for Honor of Kings at World GDC 2025

Honor of Kings: World – Expanding the Franchise

Though TiMi Studio’s honor of Kings may not resonate as widely in Western regions compared to its MOBA peers, it undeniably holds a special place as one of the most-played games in the genre. As it approaches its tenth anniversary in mainland China later this year, the global release, introduced just last year, shows significant potential. The franchise is set to branch out into a new realm with the upcoming multiplayer online RPG, Honor of Kings: World, anticipated to launch later this year. This venture into a new genre offers an exciting opportunity to attract players who might have previously overlooked this acclaimed Chinese title.

First Impressions from GDC 2025

During GDC 2025, I had the opportunity to delve into a hands-on preview of the game. My experience included engaging with several missions, hinting at an early-stage narrative where players explore the beginnings of character power acquisition. Unlike traditional RPGs, Honor of Kings: World introduces players to dual classes, allowing them to select from a diverse array of melee warriors, magical spellcasters, and ranged fighters. Each class brings a unique set of abilities, comprising three distinct attacks, a dodge mechanic, and a formidable ultimate attack. This design opens the door for intriguing synergy between different class combinations, particularly when elemental effects come into play to either empower the player or debilitate adversaries.

Dynamics of Combat

Melee combat forms the backbone of any action game, and Honor of Kings: World delivers a refreshing take. However, it was the game’s ranged combat that captivated me the most. One noteworthy class equipped my character with a powerful firearm featuring an active reload mechanic, enabling relentless damage output. While large swords have their charm, I’ve always been a fan of dynamic ranged mechanics, and this experience truly resonated with me.

Exploration and Puzzle Mechanics

My gameplay session provided only a glimpse of the levels, showcasing an array of boss encounters and an expansive dungeon replete with side paths for loot and environmental puzzles. One particular puzzle challenged me due to the absence of prior tutorial guidance about using ice grenades to freeze movable blocks. Despite navigating successfully through most of the puzzle, I couldn’t solve it completely, indicative of some learning curves expected in the game.

Looking Ahead

Honor of Kings: World may not have been on my radar prior to GDC 2025, but my enthusiasm for it has certainly grown. Although the lack of a PlayStation release is disappointing, the user interface and concise mission structure seem ideal for mobile players. After my hands-on experience, I had the pleasure of speaking with Simon, the lead designer, who shared valuable insights about the game.

Inside the Game: Developer Q&A

What is Honor of Kings: World about for newcomers?

We are creating a next-generation multiplayer adventure RPG that builds upon our original IP, taking it to exciting new heights.

How integral is the original IP to this new title?

The essence of the original IP permeates this project. We’ve retained core combat mechanics while enhancing them significantly. Every combat style is inspired by champions from the game, transforming them into a vibrant three-dimensional action experience. The narrative and world-building also draw heavily from our MOBA roots.

Will players have access to all champions from Honor of Kings?

We aim to eventually include all champions, but we’ll begin with a select few from the first region to avoid overwhelming players. This approach focuses on familiarizing players with the champions tied to specific regions and stories, with expansions to follow.

How do you ensure balance when players control two characters?

The player acts as the protagonist, mastering skills from other champions. We strive for diversity in combat styles while maintaining balance. Each champion’s unique playstyle contributes to an engaging experience.

Can the game be played solo?

Absolutely! We offer a robust single-player experience, complete with options for non-invasive multiplayer support when players seek assistance.

Able to use AI companions?

Yes, players can utilize AI companions for added assistance in dungeons, allowing for a solo experience while still offering support.

How will matchmaking function?

Matchmaking will be intuitive; players can team up with others of similar ranks when entering dungeons.

Will players have access to all characters right away?

Initially, players will have access to a selection of champions as they progress through the story, helping them understand character abilities and combos.

What business model will be used for Honor of Kings: World?

We are designing our monetization strategy around social elements, focusing on cosmetic items like outfits and skins, avoiding any pay-to-win mechanics.

Will it be free-to-play?

Yes, Honor of Kings: World will be free-to-play, ensuring accessibility for all players.

What platforms are you targeting?

Currently, our focus is on PC and mobile, with potential plans for console releases in the future.

Will there be cross-progression?

Yes, cross-progression will enable seamless play between mobile and PC platforms.

Are there plans for controller support?

While not currently available, we recognize the importance of controller functionality and may explore this in future developments.

Are crossover events planned between Honor of Kings and Honor of Kings: World?

We are in discussions about merging narratives and events since both titles share the same IP and development team.

What is the anticipated release window?

While we don’t have a definitive date yet, we are working diligently to launch the game as soon as possible.

Is there a beta test planned?

Though a detailed plan hasn’t been finalized, we regularly conduct private tests to iteratively improve gameplay, suggesting further tests will emerge.

Will there be accessibility options for less experienced players?

We’re primarily focusing on content polish, but we aim to incorporate accessibility considerations moving forward.

Can players sign up for updates?

Registration for updates is not yet available, but we are working toward establishing wishlists in the near future.

When will more gameplay content be revealed?

While we cannot pinpoint the next event, we are eager to maintain momentum and share more about the game.

Thank you for your time.

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