Mobile MOBAs are booming in 2025. Two of the largest names making charge are Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Honor of Kings (HoK). Both of these games take the traditional 5v5, three-lane battle layout familiar to MOBAs. But despite appearing to have the same setup, the gameplay experience feels much different.
Let's go through the differences between MLBB Vs. Honor of Kings and help you in choosing the best one to play this year.
Honor of Kings was developed by Tencent's Timi Studios and was released in China in 2015. Tencent at about the same time released a global version titled Arena of Valor, which featured DC characters such as Superman and Wonder Woman. However, Arena of Valor didn't do well internationally, and Tencent reduced its marketing by 2019, with the exception of locations such as Vietnam.
In 2023, Tencent chose to market Honor of Kings globally. The international version was launched in June 2024 with incredible graphics, deep stories inspired by Chinese myths, and a focus on team strategy. It is slower than most MOBAs but requires great skills and coordination.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang was released by MOONTON Games in 2016. MLBB was built for a global market from the start. It's quick matches allow users to complete games in less than 8 minutes.
Many find MLBB to be easy to pick up, especially solo players or those new to MOBAs. It features easy-to-use controls, easy pickup, and casual-friendly matches. MLBB has been aggressively promoted over the years via crossovers and international events, establishing a strong global esports world.
Currently, MLBB has two main leagues and a third one being developed, as well as regional leagues around the world and two world championships each year. Their 2024 Malaysian world event reached more than 4 million viewers.
| Feature | Honor of Kings | MLBB |
| Gameplay | Slower-paced, strategic | Fast-paced, aggressive |
| Hero Design | Based on Chinese mythology | Anime-style, flashy characters |
| Graphics | High-fidelity, 3D, detailed environments | Stylized and colorful, mobile-friendly |
| Monetization | Skins, events, battle passes | Skins + slight gacha elements |
| Controls | Classic MOBA-style | Simplified and optimized for mobile |
| Esports | Huge in China (KPL) | Global with strong SEA presence (MPL) |
| Global Reach | New global rollout (2024) | Established since 2016 |
MLBB and Honor of Kings (HoK) have several similarities. The two games are both provided with a 5v5 map of three lanes and jungles. The players may choose the same roles: Tank, Fighter, Assassin, Mage, Marksman, and Support. The most critical mission for the players is to destroy the enemy's towers and base.
Both games in China have over 100 heroes. International HoK has over 80 heroes and is growing more rapidly.
Both games were inspired by League of Legends. Tencent approached Riot to create a mobile version of LoL but was denied. Tencent therefore created Honor of Kings. MLBB faced legal issues with Riot over similarities but resolved them in 2024.
Honor of Kings is the most-played mobile game in China, with more than 100 million daily users, a massive number.
But worldwide, MLBB is still on top. It's been installed more than 1.5 billion times, with a strong foundation in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and everywhere else. It wasn't until 2024 that Honor of Kings even became available outside China, so it's only just getting started in global reach.
Selecting between Honor of Kings and MLBB relies on your playing style and the type of gaming experience you would like most:
| Player Type | Recommended Game | Why |
| Hardcore MOBA players | Honor of Kings | Strategic depth, higher skill ceiling |
| New or casual players | MLBB | Fast, fun, easier to learn and queue solo |
| Esports aspirants | Depends on region | MPL is big in SEA (MLBB), KPL dominates China (HoK) |
| Visual & story lovers | Honor of Kings | Better graphics, cultural lore, and hero backstories |
| Low-spec device users | MLBB | Better performance on older phones |
Both Honor of Kings and MLBB offer different experiences. If you like fast-paced, hectic games and a global esports scene, MLBB is a great option. But if you enjoy awesome graphics, high levels of strategy, and solid storytelling, Honor of Kings could be the way to go. In the end, your best game is your vibe game, and you especially enjoy playing with your friends.
It is up to your preference. MLBB is faster and easier for newbies, while Honor of Kings is more strategic and complex.
MLBB has more global players now, but Honor of Kings excels in China with over 100 million daily users.
Yes! The international version of Honor of Kings officially launched in June 2024 and is playable in many countries.
MLBB rules Southeast Asia with its MPL leagues, while Honor of Kings has a massive user base in China through the KPL.
