Overview
Honor of Kings: World is set to launch in Spring 2026 (March through May) for PC and mobile in mainland China. The release window was announced via a Bilibili stream on October 27, 2025, during Honor of Kings' 10th anniversary carnival event in Chengdu.
Platforms
Confirmed at launch (China): PC (Windows), iOS, Android
Cross-platform play is enabled at launch between PC and mobile, with shared servers.
Console status remains unclear. The game was originally announced for multiple platforms, and some sources list PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, the Spring 2026 China launch specifically confirms only PC and mobile. Lead Designer Simen Lv noted in interviews that "console releases are planned for the future."
Global release
A global launch date has not been officially announced. However, multiple signals point toward a worldwide release: Tencent has hinted at worldwide availability, the game had a major English-language showing at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, and Level Infinite (Tencent's global publishing brand) is handling international distribution. The timing gap between the China launch and a global release has not been specified.
Beta test history
CBT 1 (October 2024) was an in-person testing session held in Beijing, focused on core combat.
GDC 2025 (March 2025) featured a behind-closed-doors press playtest in San Francisco.
CBT 2 (July 2025) was a PC-only online test in China. Recruitment ran June 25 through July 14, with servers going live on July 24.
Gamescom 2025 (August 2025) was the first public hands-on demo, available in Cologne, Germany with PC mouse/keyboard and controller support.
Mobile CBT (January 2026) was the first mobile closed beta in China for Android and iOS.
CBT 3 (February 2026) is a cross-platform test supporting PC, Android, iOS, and cloud gaming. Recruitment ran February 10-23. This is the first beta testing the full multi-platform experience.
Business model
The game is free-to-play with microtransactions. The development team has stated the monetization focus is on cosmetics including outfits, skins, and social features. They have affirmed the game will not be pay-to-win.
Flow style unlocks may involve in-game purchases alongside story progression unlocks. A battle pass has been described by developers as "very possible in the future," but monetization is still at an early testing stage with no fixed rules. One preview source raised concerns about potential power creep if monetization crosses from cosmetic to gameplay-affecting territory.
Launch content
The v1.0 launch is expected to include:
64 sq km open world across 5 distinct regions
10-chapter main story (estimated 40-60 hours)
15 playable heroes across 11 classes
30+ dungeons
First 8-player raid
PvP modes
Full crafting, skill trees, and guilds system
Level cap: 100
Lead Designer Simen Lv stated that launch content represents approximately 30% of what is planned for the first two years of post-launch support.
Post-launch roadmap
For details on planned updates after launch, see the content roadmap. Major milestones include the Forbidden Mountains region in v1.1, player housing and pets in v1.2, and a new continent with level cap increase in v2.0.