FOR HONOR News

[p]The Warrior's Den returned on June 11th to kick off For Honor's latest season: Y9S2: Defiance, set to launch on June 12th. With a brand-new theme, exciting content updates, visual upgrades, and the beginning of the competitive circuit, the show laid out a packed roadmap. This season will also feature Hero Fests for Black Prior, Medjay, and Warlord, giving players the chance to explore these heroes with unique bundles and free week access throughout the season. In addition, the fan-favorite Hyper Duel throwback event is making a return this Title Update, bringing back intense 1v1 action. For more details, we suggest checking out the VOD for the Y9S2 TU1 Warrior's Den Livestream.[/p][p]Entering the Age of Defiance[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Year 9 Season 2 introduces a narrative shift, with the focus moving away from the advancing Khatun forces. Instead, Defiance centers on a pirate---the new hero skin, Captain Coalheart---and his crew aboard The Lonecrow. Coalheart sets out to claim a hidden treasure left behind after a violent storm forced the Horkos leader, Vortiger, to abandon his stronghold.[/p][p][/p][p]The new Free Event Pass, Crashing Waves begins June 12th and ends July 3rd. This pass builds on this pirate theme and includes cosmetics like The Lonecrow's Crew battle outfit, the Captain's Flag mood effect, and the Crimson Sea Coin ornament. These items immerse players in the maritime tone of the season.[/p][p]Cosmetics and Content[/p][p][/p][p]Seasonal content arrives in waves. Launching on June 12th, the game will receive a new hero skin, Captain Coalheart available for the Pirate Hero, the Y9S2 Battle Pass and a Legacy Pass return from Y5S2, themed around extreme heat and hallucination. We also looked at the upcoming seasonal weapons.[/p][p][/p][p]The Battle Pass features abyssal-themed cosmetics like the Abyssal Scourge outfit, Jackdaw's Shanty emote, and the Beggar's Treasure execution to only name a few.[/p][p][/p][p]The Legacy Pass items are equally enticing and will include the Heavenly Mirage and Shriveling Mirage battle outfits, a paired emote (Head to Head), and a haunting execution called Mirage of Encirclement. And much more![/p][p]On the fashion side, Viking heroes will receive all-new armor variations, which were shown off in detail. These new looks carry forward the raw, rugged energy of the North.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Converted Map: A New Battlefield[/p][p][/p][p]We have reimagined the Canyon battlefield into a converted map, launching alongside the season update. The transformation reflects the ongoing evolution of Heathmoor---war banners signifying the Khatuns' presence. The canyon now hides Vortiger's lost treasure, setting the stage for fierce new encounters in Dominion, Brawl and Duel.[/p][p]Behind the Visual Curtain: QoL and Graphics Updates[/p][p]This season introduces technical improvements that enhance For Honor's visual fidelity. A new system called Skin Sub-Surface Scattering (SSSS) improves how light interacts with character models, especially visible on exposed skin. Alongside that, dynamic wind effects and improved water physics bring more life to environments. These upgrades contribute to a more immersive experience on the battlefield.[/p][p]Testing Grounds: Defensive Dodge Properties Update[/p][p]This season's Testing Grounds segment focused on both assassin and non-assassin heroes. Updates included: all side deflects on front dodge for all assassin heroes and stance change in the dodge direction mechanics for all non-assassin heroes. As always, the Testing Grounds invite feedback from the community before any changes are finalized for live play.[/p][p]Competitive Play Returns: Triple Threat Circuit[/p][p][/p][p]The Triple Threat competitive circuit is back with high stakes and new structure. The first two qualifiers kick off on June 21st and 22nd, with points being introduced to determine the best of the best across the season. The tournament follows this format, we start with the 4v4 Dominion in season 2, followed by the 2v2 Brawl in season 3 then we conclude our competitive circuit with the 1v1 duals in season 4. This format promises fierce battles across a broad meta of various heroes.[/p][p]Patch Notes and Balancing[/p][p]We shared details on the latest balance patch notes to reaffirm our commitment to transparent balancing as the game evolves. We encouraged players to use the Bug Reporter for tracking any ongoing issues. The full details are available in the official Patch Notes article - come back tomorrow to read the full list of changes within the Patch Notes![/p][hr][/hr][p]Y9S2: Defiance sets a bold course forward, focusing on what happens after the storm of conquest. With its thematic depth, rich cosmetics, and competitive energy, this season invites players old and new to set sail, claim treasure, and test their might in a world reshaped by chaos.[/p][p]Stay tuned, warriors --- See you on the battlefield.[/p]

Join the fight in Defiance, a new season packed with fresh features. Dive into the new, limited-time event Crashing Waves, or return to the fan-favorite Hyper Duel. Two events. One goal: fight for glory.

[h2]NEW PIRATE HERO SKIN: CAPTAIN COALHEART[/h2]

Captain Coalheart is back on the hunt. Scarred by storms and sharpened by survival, this ruthless pirate now sails free in search of a legendary Horkos treasure. Claim his Pirate Hero Skin, Champion Status, and Scavenger Crates in this exclusive offer.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3793350

[h2]100 Tiers of Loot Await[/h2]

Conquer the Y9S2 Battle Pass. Fight your way through 100 tiers of rewards for all 36 Heroes, featuring brutal executions, emotes, legendary.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3793370

[h2]Classic Rewards Return[/h2]

Relive the glory of Year 5 Season 2 with the latest Legacy Pass: packed with classic Executions, weapon sets, outfits, and more. Only available during Y9S2.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3793410

[h2]NEW HERO SKIN: THE WARRIOR PRINCE[/h2]


He once shaped the fate of an entire civilization in the fabled era of 2004. Now as the Sands of Time spread across Heathmoor, the blade-wielding, time-hopping Prince from the Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is back as the newest Hero Skin for Aramusha. Become destiny before it vanishes forever.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3642940/The_Warrior_Prince__Aramusha_Hero_Skin__FOR_HONOR/

[h2]NEW BATTLE PASS[/h2]


There are 100 tiers of rewards in the latest Battle Pass. Any one of them can help you win this conflict.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3534420

[h2]GET YOUR LEGACY PASS[/h2]


Get the lastest Year 5 Season 1 Legacy Pass! Players have until the end of the season to earn classic rewards for all heroes, including our newest additions. New buyers can start the pass from the beginning while previous owners keep their progression.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3534440

IMPROVEMENT

Menus - Heros page

• It's now possible to change the loadout preview directly from the character selection and Character customization screen by using RB/LB/Q/E buttons or the mouse (with added input button).
  
• A new option was added in the Filters page in the barracks, to allow you to switch between "Match All" and "Match Any", regarding the filter options.
  

BALANCING CHANGES

Varangian Guard

• Light Openers & Finishers are no longer enhanced.

Developer's Comments: The risk/reward for Varangian Guard's Light attacks was too skewed in their favor. We are removing the Enhanced properties to tone down the pressure while keeping the defensive aspects intact, as these are core to the character's identity.

Nobushi

• Side Dodge, Cobra Strike & Sidewinder Form have increased sideways movement.
  
• Kick has increased forward movement.

Developer's Comments: Nobushi has many opportunities to perform dodges & dodge attacks, but they suffer from low lateral movement. This patch is a first step to making the character feel more fluid, with more side movement on Side Dodge, Cobra Strike & Sidewinder Form.
Additionnaly, we're increase the forward movement of Kick to help it reach opponents further away, especially after entering Hidden Stance.


Warmonger

• Light Openers are no longer enhanced.
  
• Viscious Impale's distance travelled has been reduced to 6.5m (from 8m)

Developer's Comments: Warmonger is performing too well in all contexts. We're looking to tone down their power in duels and teamfights slightly.
By removing the enhanced property on opener lights, Warmongers will have to work a little bit hard to reach their chain pressure.
On a similar note, Warmonger can often deal a lot of damage on even Heavy parries. We want to mitigate this by reducing the distance covered with a successful Vicious Impale, so the wall splat doesn't occur as often.
We will continue to monitor this to see if further changes are needed.


Khatun

• Attack trajectories for Angry Storm & Ultimate Authority have been adjusted to better match weapon visuals.

Developer's Comments: Khatun's trajectories for Angry Storm and Ultimate Authority were slightly under tuned, causing frustration as players would expect hits to occur. We've polished and improved the weapon trajectories to better match the attack animation. Overall, these are now slightly bigger and covers a wider angle.


BUG FIXES
FIGHTERS

Khatun
[Bug Fix] Fixed an issue where the Draconite Abomination effect doesn't work on Khatun's executions.

Sohei
[Bug Fix] Fixed an issue where the embossing doesn't cover entirely Shoei's left arm shoulder pad.

Conqueror
[Bug Fix] Fixed an issue where Conqueror's Dominatus Chest has golden embossing obscured.

Aramusha
[Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused Aramusha not to have any defense when changing guard after performing Blade Blockade.

AUDIO

• [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue where Shugoki's Demon's Embrace doesn't play his scream voice line after a kill.
  
• [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue where Sohei has low volume or no voice lines at respawn.
  

The battlefield is roaring as Y9S1 TU2 brings a wave of content inspired by Prince of Persia, revealed in today's Warrior's Den. From new Hero Skin to the return of a fan-favorite event, We have packed this Title Update with style, strategy, and surprises. Here's everything you need to know from the show but for more details, we suggest checking out the VOD for Y9S1 TU2 Warrior's Den Livestream.



[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

A New Hero Skin Joins the Fray

Headlining the update is a brand-new Hero Skin for the Aramusha, The Warrior Prince, inspired by the prince in The Warrior Within. In a dedicated Hero Skin Deep Dive, we showcased the design, storytelling, and inspiration behind this latest look. This skin is available on April 24th.



A Beloved Event Returns
You asked, and it's back---one of For Honor's most beloved Prince of Persia event Blades of Persia makes a triumphant return! The Event Blades of Persia will be available from April 24th to May 15th! Be sure to participate for the duration of the event to fight during the Chapter 1 - Ruler of Time Game mode starting from May 24th to May 1st, followed by the Chapter 2 available only from May 1st until the end of the event on May 15th. Whether you're a longtime veteran or new to the fray, this event offers a nostalgic blast from the past. Expect themed rewards, new and old from our returning free event pass, explosive gameplay modifiers, and all the energy that made this event a classic.



Behind the Scenes: Animation Deep Dive
Another exciting segment of the show was the Event Animation Deep Dive, where we pulled back the curtain on how the updated event visuals were crafted. From signature to Executions, we revealed the creative process that breathes life into the battlefield.

Three Hero Fests Incoming
That's not all---three Hero Fests are lined up, bringing focused celebrations and weeklong opportunities for specific heroes! Hero Fest are:

• Nuxia (May 15th to 22nd)
  
• Warmonger (May 22nd to 29th)
  
• Pirate (June 5th to 12th)
  

It's the perfect time to try someone new or revisit an old favorite.

Patch Notes Breakdown
No Title Update is complete without a round of balance changes and hero updates. In the Patch Notes segment, we went through key adjustments across several heroes. The full details are available in the official patch notes article.

Competitive Circuit Update
For the fighters hungry for glory, the Competitive Circuit is heating up! We gave a sneak peek at what's next for For Honor's tournament scene. Expect competition, new community opportunities, and upcoming events where the best of the best will clash steel for honor and bragging rights. Whether you're a competitor or a spectator, now's the time to tune in.
Sign-ups are open for the 4v4 tournament, which will follow a similar format to Friend or Foe. After the 4v4 tournament, there will be a 2v2 tournament in Season 3, and the final tournament of the year in Season 4 will be a 1v1.

This year's circuit will implement circuit points weighed around individual performance to minimize ties. Points will increase as the circuit progresses, rewarding individuals based on their final standings. The total prize pool across the three tournaments is $18,500 USD!

Final Thoughts
Y9S1 TU2 is shaping up to be a perfect blend of legacy and innovation. With a new cross-brand Hero Skin, the revival of a fan-favorite event, and balance changes. There will also be a throwback game mode: Chimera Banquet from May 29th to June 5th. This update keeps the battlefield fresh and fierce. Whether you're here for the lore, the fashion, or the fight---there's never been a better time to jump back into For Honor.

As a friendly reminder, we encourage you to check out the VOD on our Twitch channel, where you'll find a more in-depth look at what's to come.

Gear up, warriors. We'll see you on the battlefield.