One of the world’s biggest mobile games, Honor of Kings, is reportedly preparing for its long-awaited India launch. While there is still no official confirmation, multiple reports suggest that the game could release in India before the Esports World Cup 2026, possibly in early or mid-2026. Check all details of the HOK India release.
The title, developed by TiMi Studio Group and published globally by Tencent Games, is already a massive success worldwide. Now, India could be the next big market.
Why Honor of Kings Is a Big Deal
Honor of Kings is not just another MOBA game. It is one of the highest-grossing mobile games in history and has dominated the Chinese market for years. The game offers fast 5v5 matches, a large hero pool, balanced gameplay, and strong competitive support.
Its esports scene is even bigger.
The King Pro League (KPL), which is the official league of Honor of Kings, set a Guinness World Record in 2025 for the largest live audience at an esports event. The grand finals were held at Beijing National Stadium, showing the scale of the game’s popularity.
Globally, Honor of Kings has also expanded through international tournaments and is expected to be featured prominently at the Esports World Cup in 2026.
Honor or Kings India Release Window: What We Know So Far
Although Honor of Kings launched globally in 2024 under Tencent’s Level Infinite brand, India was not included in the initial rollout. However, new reports suggest:
- The company has been contacting Indian gaming creators.
- Some esports organizations are internally discussing or preparing Honor of Kings rosters.
- A launch could happen before Esports World Cup 2026 to build a competitive ecosystem in India.
At the moment, there is no official statement from Tencent regarding the India release date.
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Tencent’s Challenge in the Indian Market
The biggest question remains: how will Honor of Kings release in India when Tencent has faced regulatory issues in the past?
India previously restricted several Chinese-linked apps, including PUBG Mobile. Later, the game returned as Battlegrounds Mobile India, published by KRAFTON with localized servers and compliance measures.
A similar strategy could be used for Honor of Kings. Possible options include:
- Launching under a different publisher in India
- Releasing a localized Indian version with separate data handling
- Rebranding the game under a new name
A comparable case happened when Mobile Legends: Bang Bang was reintroduced in India as MOBA Legends 5v5 after facing restrictions.
Because Honor of Kings is directly linked to Tencent, regulatory approvals and data compliance will be key factors before any official launch.
Impact on Indian Esports
If Honor of Kings launches in India in 2026, it could significantly change the mobile esports landscape. Currently, BGMI dominates the Indian mobile esports market. However, a strong MOBA title with global backing and a structured esports ecosystem could attract major Indian organizations.
With international events like the Esports World Cup offering large prize pools, Indian teams would want early exposure and practice time if the game becomes officially available.
Honor of Kings is already one of the biggest mobile esports titles in the world. With record-breaking tournaments, massive viewership, and strong global expansion, its entry into India feels like a matter of time.
While official confirmation is still awaited, industry talks suggest a possible 2026 India launch window. The key challenge remains Tencent’s regulatory position in India and how the company plans to structure its release.
If executed properly, HOK India release could become one of the biggest events in Indian esports.