Moonton Reveals the Lane Matchmaking Feature in Mobile Legends
The Lane Matchmaking feature in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has been formally launched by Moonton. This new update introduces a system where players select their preferred lanes before entering a match—a concept that gained popularity in the Chinese MOBA title, Honor of Kings. However, rather than simply copying, Mobile Legends adapts this feature elegantly to suit its community, creating a more balanced, structured, and enjoyable gameplay environment.
What Is the Lane Matchmaking Feature?
The Lane Matchmaking system requires players to choose two lane positions before the game begins. Available options include Gold Lane, EXP Lane, Mid Lane, Jungle, and Roamer. This helps the matchmaking system create teams with more balanced roles and better coordination.
Unlike the previous system that relied on passive agreements among players in the lobby, this feature reduces in-game disputes like role overlap or lane arguments. As a result, the overall player experience improves—whether you’re playing solo or with a team.
Advantages Over the Old System
This feature brings several major benefits:
- Reduces Toxicity: It’s common for players to argue over lanes. With pre-selected roles, this issue is largely resolved before the match even begins.
- Strategic Clarity: Team compositions become clearer. The system aligns each player with their chosen role, allowing more thoughtful draft and gameplay planning.
- Meta Adjustment: Moonton also rebalanced gameplay by buffing certain EXP Lane heroes that had previously struggled against dominant junglers.
Exclusive to Higher Tiers (for Now)
Players ranked Epic and higher are now the only ones able to use the Lane Matchmaking feature. Moonton explained this decision as a way to test the system with more experienced players who already understand basic role mechanics. The gathered data will help refine the feature before expanding it to lower ranks.
Is It Just Copying Honor of Kings?
While it’s true that Honor of Kings pioneered pre-game lane selection—and even offers a Privilege Lane system that guarantees lane priority—Mobile Legends doesn’t simply mimic. Moonton has refined the concept, simplifying it to better fit its unique game structure and broader player base.
The core difference lies in gameplay design. Honor of Kings features five distinct lanes (Clash, Farm, Mid, Jungle, Roam), while Mobile Legends retains a three-lane dynamic. Therefore, this adaptation feels more like a thoughtful enhancement than a direct copy.
Penalties for Role Violation
Players who violate the lane assignment given by the system will face credit score deductions. This underlines Moonton’s commitment to fair and disciplined play. The penalty system encourages players to respect their roles and contribute positively to the team.
Impact on Meta and Heroes
Alongside the new feature, Moonton also released a patch that buffs several EXP Lane heroes, such as Lapu-Lapu and Terizla, while adjusting overpowered jungle heroes like Nolan and Joy. These changes aim to restore role balance and reduce jungle dominance, allowing EXP Laners to shine again.
Conclusion: A Smart Step Toward Cleaner Esports Gameplay
Through the Lane Matchmaking feature, Mobile Legends proves its dedication to quality gameplay and community well-being. This move isn’t just trend-following—it’s a responsive evolution tailored to modern players’ needs. While Honor of Kings may have introduced the concept, Moonton has successfully reshaped it to fit its own identity.
For those seeking a more structured, conflict-free, and strategic gameplay experience, this feature is well worth trying. It’s time to play smarter, more respectfully, and most importantly—have more fun.
