When Folklore Meets MOBA: Honor of Kings Revives Puteri Gunung Ledang with Lady Zhen Skin

Mobile games are no longer just about fast-paced battles and cosmetic upgrades. Increasingly, they are becoming platforms for cultural storytelling and heritage appreciation. Honor of Kings, the world’s most-played mobile MOBA developed by TiMi Studio Group and published globally by Level Infinite, has embraced this vision with its latest release: the Puteri Gunung Ledang skin for Lady Zhen.

This special release is more than just a new look for a hero. It is a tribute to Malaysian folklore, launched in conjunction with Merdeka celebrations, blending heritage, artistry, and gaming into one unforgettable experience.

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About Honor of Kings

First launched in China in 2015, Honor of Kings (HoK) has become one of the most successful multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games worldwide. It features thrilling 5v5 real-time battles, a large roster of diverse heroes, and a competitive ecosystem that includes esports and frequent updates.

With its growing global player base, Honor of Kings constantly seeks to expand its cultural impact, and the introduction of locally inspired skins is part of this broader vision.

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Lady Zhen: The Hero Behind the Skin

Lady Zhen is a beloved hero in Honor of Kings, inspired by Chinese historical legends. Known for her elegance, intelligence, and deadly grace in battle, Lady Zhen already has several popular skins in the game.

Now, with the introduction of the Puteri Gunung Ledang skin, Lady Zhen has been reimagined through the lens of Malaysia’s most famous folklore princess, giving her a new cultural identity that resonates deeply with local fans.

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The Legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang

For Malaysians, Puteri Gunung Ledang needs no introduction. She is a mythical princess believed to reside on Mount Ledang in Johor.

The legend tells of the Sultan of Malacca, who sought her hand in marriage. To avoid the union, the Princess set forth seven impossible conditions for the Sultan to fulfill—among them a bridge of gold and silver from Malacca to Mount Ledang, and a bowl of the Sultan’s son’s blood.

The story has been retold countless times in Malay literature, theater, films, and musicals, and it remains one of Malaysia’s most cherished cultural tales.

By introducing her into Honor of Kings, the developers are giving this legend a new digital life, accessible to millions of players worldwide.

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The Developer’s Vision: Why Puteri Gunung Ledang?

The release of the Puteri Gunung Ledang skin is not random—it is part of a deliberate creative direction by Honor of Kings developers.

• Celebrating Merdeka: The skin was launched in conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Month, aiming to highlight national identity and cultural pride.

• Cultural Fusion in Gaming: Developers incorporated traditional songket patterns, the hibiscus flower (Malaysia’s national flower), and folkloric motifs to authentically represent local heritage.

• Music Collaboration: To further amplify the cultural theme, Malaysian singer Mimifly released “Nara”, a song inspired by the Puteri Gunung Ledang legend, blending pantun, traditional rhythms, and modern beats.

• Inclusivity and Representation: Even the music video for Nara includes sign language, showing the publisher’s commitment to diversity and accessibility.

This approach shows that Honor of Kings is not only adding new content for entertainment, but also for cultural preservation and community engagement.

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Features of the Puteri Gunung Ledang Skin

What makes this skin so special for players? Here are the highlights:

• Visual Design: Rich in songket fabric textures, hibiscus patterns, and symbolic folkloric art that bring a touch of Malaysia into the battlefield.

• Event Availability: Released as part of a Merdeka campaign event, with free access through in-game rewards and scratch-card activities starting August 28.

• Audio & Storytelling: Enhanced with unique sound effects and the cultural resonance of Mimifly’s song Nara.

• Player Identity: Offers Malaysians and Southeast Asian fans a sense of representation and pride while also sharing their culture with a global audience.

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Why This Matters: Culture, Community, and Gaming

The addition of Puteri Gunung Ledang is more than just cosmetic—it highlights a growing trend in the gaming industry:

1. Cultural Representation in Games – Players connect more deeply when their stories, myths, and symbols are included.

2. Community Engagement – By involving local artists like Mimifly, the game strengthens ties with the Malaysian creative scene.

3. Industry Precedent – Other global titles may follow this example, blending local folklore with global gaming platforms to appeal to regional audiences.

For Malaysian players, this is a moment of pride. For global gamers, it is a chance to discover and appreciate a legendary tale they might never have encountered otherwise.

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Conclusion

Honor of Kings’ Puteri Gunung Ledang skin for Lady Zhen is a powerful example of how games can bridge culture and entertainment. By blending folklore, music, and visual design, the developers have created not just another hero skin, but a cultural celebration timed with Malaysia’s Merdeka.

This move proves that modern games are evolving beyond mechanics—they are becoming storytelling platforms that carry identity, heritage, and community spirit.

For Malaysians, seeing Puteri Gunung Ledang represented in one of the world’s biggest mobile games is both meaningful and historic. For the global gaming community, it is an invitation to explore and respect the richness of Southeast Asian folklore.

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