Honor of Kings is wasting no time welcoming 2026, rolling out a major content update packed with a new mid-lane hero, a culturally inspired Wukong skin, and an innovative teamwork-driven gameplay mode. The update also sets the stage for the game’s first global esports spectacle of the year—Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 (KIS4)—bringing elite competition to Southeast Asia.
Revealed on January 22, 2026, the update reinforces Honor of Kings’ commitment to fresh gameplay, cultural celebration, and competitive excellence.
New Mage Hero Haya Enters the Mid Lane
Headlining the update is Haya, a powerful new mid-lane mage designed to reward precision, positioning, and tactical mastery. Available starting January 22, Haya can be unlocked through direct purchase for 588 tokens or 13,888 Starstones, with a 50% launch discount available during her first week.
Haya’s kit is built around burst damage and battlefield control, featuring abilities such as Moon’s Farewell, Crescent Wave, Wayward Rays, and her ultimate skill Moonscape Mirage. With strong wave clear and high-impact spell combos, Haya is poised to shake up the mid-lane meta in both ranked play and competitive matches.
Wukong’s Anoman Skin Celebrates Indonesian Wayang Kulit
Honor of Kings continues its tradition of cultural storytelling with the release of Wukong’s Anoman skin, inspired by Indonesia’s traditional Wayang Kulit shadow puppet art. Anoman, depicted as a divine monkey wreathed in flame, symbolizes loyalty and bravery—traits deeply rooted in Indonesian folklore.
Beginning January 29, players can earn bargaining attempts by staying active in-game, allowing them to unlock the skin at its lowest possible price. Any unused bargaining attempts are converted into token vouchers, ensuring players are rewarded for their engagement.
Spriteling Troop Mode Brings Teamwork to the Forefront
Launching alongside the update is Spriteling Troop, a brand-new gameplay mode integrated directly into the main battlefield. Designed to strengthen team coordination, the mode allows players to plant national flags representing their country, reinforcing unity and shared identity.
Spritelings generate a circular zone that provides a temporary shield to nearby allies, with shield strength scaling based on the number of teammates within the area. This mechanic encourages tight formations, coordinated engagements, and strategic positioning—making teamwork more critical than ever in clutch moments.
Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 Heads to Jakarta
The excitement doesn’t stop in-game. Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 (KIS4) marks the first major international esports event in the Honor of Kings 2026 calendar. Running from January 31 to February 8, the tournament takes place at the GBK Basketball Hall in Jakarta, Indonesia, featuring eight elite teams battling for a USD 100,000 prize pool.
The group stage runs from January 31 to February 3, followed by knockout rounds from February 5 to 8. Fans can also look forward to a special halftime performance at the Finals by a renowned Indonesian music icon, adding local flair to the global event.
Women’s Series Takes Center Stage
The Honor of Kings Women’s Series (KWS) also plays a major role during KIS4. The tournament’s group stage runs from January 17 to 30, with knockout matches scheduled from February 3 to 7, spotlighting top women competitors and reinforcing Honor of Kings’ inclusive esports ecosystem.
A Global MOBA With a Growing Competitive Vision
Developed by TiMi Studio Group, Honor of Kings continues to dominate the global MOBA scene, surpassing 260 million monthly active users in 2025. With its free-to-play, fair-to-win philosophy and a thriving esports pipeline from grassroots to professional play, the game remains a cornerstone of competitive mobile gaming worldwide.
As 2026 unfolds, Honor of Kings is clearly setting the tone—with bold content updates, cultural celebration, and high-stakes esports competition leading the charge.
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