The Honor of Kings franchise has captivated millions with its deep lore, fast-paced action, and iconic characters drawn from Chinese mythology and history. Now, Honor of Kings: World is set to expand that universe, offering players a vast, open-world experience that reimagines the beloved IP in a new way.
We sat down with Simen Lv, Lead Game Designer at TiMi Studio Group, to discuss how the game welcomes newcomers while honoring its rich heritage, the inspirations behind its design, and what players can expect when they step into this stunning new world.
An Open World for Newcomers and Veterans Alike
With Honor of Kings: World introducing an expansive RPG experience, one question looms large—how does it cater to both long-time fans and newcomers?
“We designed the game so that if you’re already a fan of the IP, you’ll have a lot of fun recognizing familiar characters and Easter eggs,” says Lv. “But if you’re new, it’s a completely fresh adventure that requires no prior knowledge. Our goal is for new players to quickly connect with the characters, enjoy the combat, and gradually immerse themselves in the story.”
For those looking to dive deeper, playing the original mobile game or watching related lore content can enhance the experience. But as Lv emphasizes, Honor of Kings: World also serves as the perfect entry point.
“This is the first time players step into the protagonist’s role, walking among the legendary heroes. The narrative delivers backstories naturally as you progress, so you can learn as you play.”
A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
From breathtaking landscapes to intricately designed characters, Honor of Kings: World is a visual marvel. The game’s art direction is heavily influenced by Eastern fantasy, blending historical themes with fresh storytelling.
“A lot of our inspiration comes from Chinese culture and history,” Lv explains. “Some characters are inspired by The Three Kingdoms or other legendary figures. We retain the essence of these historical characters while reinterpreting them within the game’s world.”
This balance of classic and futuristic elements is key to the game’s identity. “We wanted to tell deeply personal and human stories—ones that resonate universally. Themes like family, duty, and self-discovery are woven into the narrative, making it relatable for all players.”
Mastering Combat: A Style for Every Player
One of Honor of Kings: World’s standout features is its combat, which allows for a mix of melee, ranged, and hybrid playstyles. Lv himself has a few favorites.
“Every time I playtest, I try a new combo,” he says with a laugh. “Right now, I really enjoy playing as Mulan. Her counterattacks and close-combat style suit me well. But I also like using an archer for precise, critical hits.”
The game encourages players to experiment. “Some enemies move quickly, so ranged attacks can be useful, but once an enemy is staggered, switching to melee can be more effective. It really depends on your playstyle and the situation.”
Expanding the World—Across Platforms and Beyond
While Honor of Kings: World is currently focused on PC, the team has big plans for accessibility.
“The game is cross-platform,” Lv confirms. “We’re currently polishing the mobile version, and we have future plans for consoles as well.”
As for the world itself, players can expect a vast, evolving landscape.
“For the current version, we have five distinct regions, each with its own atmosphere and enemies. But we’re committed to expanding it—every year, we’ll introduce a brand-new region, keeping the world fresh and exciting for players.”
A Message to the Fans
After years of development, the team is eager to finally share Honor of Kings: World with players.
“To those who already love Honor of Kings, thank you for your patience and support. It’s been a long journey, and we appreciate your excitement,” Lv says.
“And for new players, we’ve put so much love and effort into this game. We truly hope you’ll enjoy the story, the characters, and the combat. We can’t wait for you to step into this world and experience the adventure for yourself.”
