Overview
Smolder Valley is a volcanic sub-area within the Stargazing Range mountains in Primaera, the world of Honor of Kings: World. The valley gets its name from the persistent volcanic activity that fills the canyon system with smoke, heat haze, and glowing lava flows. It serves as one of the notable points of interest in the early-to-mid game exploration areas, offering a distinct fire-themed environment that contrasts with the temperate forests and open plains of the surrounding Stargazing Range region.
Geography
Smolder Valley is a deep canyon system carved into the volcanic bedrock of the Stargazing Range. The valley floor sits significantly below the surrounding mountain ridges, creating a natural bowl that traps heat and volcanic gases. The terrain is a mix of blackened basalt formations, exposed lava tubes, sulfur-stained rock faces, and scattered pools of molten rock. Steam vents punctuate the landscape, periodically releasing plumes of hot gas that serve as both atmospheric effects and environmental hazards for unwary players.
The valley connects to the broader Stargazing Range through a series of narrow passes and cave systems. Some of these passages are one-way drops, requiring players to find alternative routes back to the main region. The central area of the valley opens into a large caldera that serves as the arena for the Crimson Beast boss encounter.
Environmental Hazards
Smolder Valley presents several fire-based environmental hazards that affect gameplay even outside of combat encounters:
Hazard | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Lava Pools | Deals rapid fire damage to players who step into them | Stationary; visible as glowing orange pools on the ground |
Steam Vents | Periodically erupts, launching players upward and dealing moderate damage | Can be used for vertical traversal if timed carefully |
Ambient Heat Zones | Applies a slow DOT to players who remain stationary in certain areas | Encourages constant movement; nullified by fire-resistance gear |
Unstable Ground | Sections of ground that collapse after being stepped on, revealing lava beneath | One-time trap; collapses permanently after triggering |
Sulfur Gas Clouds | Reduces visibility and applies a minor poison DOT | Drifts slowly across the valley floor; can be avoided by moving to higher ground |
These hazards make navigating Smolder Valley more challenging than comparable areas, but they can also be used tactically. Steam vents, for example, can launch players to otherwise inaccessible ledges where rare gathering nodes or hidden chests are located.
The Crimson Beast
Smolder Valley's most significant feature is the Crimson Beast, a formidable open-world boss that makes its lair in the central caldera. The Crimson Beast is a reimagined version of the Red Buff creature from the original Honor of Kings MOBA, redesigned as a multi-phase boss encounter with fire-based attacks, area control mechanics, and crowd control effects. The boss is a major draw for players visiting the valley and a significant source of gear progression materials.
The approach to the Crimson Beast's caldera is itself a gauntlet, requiring players to navigate through several of the valley's environmental hazards to reach the boss arena. This design ensures that players arrive at the fight already aware of the fire-themed mechanics they will face.
Resources and Gathering
Despite its dangerous environment, Smolder Valley contains valuable gathering resources that are not available in safer areas. Fire-aspected crafting materials found here are used in recipes for fire-resistance gear, fire-element weapons, and consumables that provide heat protection. The valley's unique flora, adapted to extreme heat, includes:
Ember Root: A heat-resistant plant that grows near lava pools. Used in crafting fire-resistance potions and certain weapon infusions.
Sulfur Crystal: Mineral deposits found in the cave systems along the valley walls. A key material for fire-element gear upgrades.
Obsidian Shards: Volcanic glass fragments scattered across the basalt formations. Used in crafting high-tier accessories with fire damage bonuses.
Gathering these resources while managing the environmental hazards adds a risk-reward dynamic to exploration. Players who come prepared with fire-resistance consumables can farm more efficiently, while unprepared gatherers risk frequent deaths and durability loss.
Exploration Tips
Equip fire-resistance gear or consumables before entering the valley. The ambient heat zones and lava pools deal enough damage to be lethal to unprepared players over time.
Use steam vents to reach elevated ledges. Many of the valley's treasure chests and rare gathering nodes are on high ground accessible only through vent launches.
Watch for the visual cue of cracked, glowing ground, which indicates unstable sections that will collapse. These are one-time traps, so once triggered they are safe to walk over on subsequent visits.
Sulfur gas clouds drift with the wind. If you see a cloud approaching, move to higher ground or wait for it to pass rather than running through it.
The cave systems connecting Smolder Valley to the wider Stargazing Range contain their own gathering nodes and occasionally house mini-boss encounters.
Bring plenty of healing items for your first visit. The combination of environmental damage and hostile wildlife can drain your resources quickly if you are unfamiliar with the layout.
Wildlife
Beyond the Crimson Beast, Smolder Valley is populated by fire-adapted wildlife that presents varying levels of threat. Smaller fire lizards and ember beetles roam the valley floor in groups and are aggressive toward players who get too close. Fire elementals patrol near the larger lava pools and serve as mid-tier combat encounters that can drop fire-aspected materials. The wildlife density is higher near resource nodes, creating a natural guard system that forces players to fight their way to valuable gathering spots.
Connection to Stargazing Range
Smolder Valley is one of several distinct sub-areas within the Stargazing Range, the mountainous region that forms a significant portion of Primaera's geography. While the Stargazing Range as a whole is known for its high peaks, star observation points, and diverse biomes, Smolder Valley represents the volcanic underbelly of the mountain chain. The valley's volcanic activity is hinted at by hot springs and sulfur deposits found in adjacent Stargazing Range zones, giving observant players clues about what to expect before they descend into the valley itself.