The legendary MOBA title Heroes of Newerth is making a comeback with Heroes of Newerth Reborn, launching its journey through a free-to-play open beta.
After the original servers shut down in 2022, many thought HoN’s legacy had reached its end, but Kongor Studios is reviving it with a complete rebuild powered by a new engine.
HoN Reborn stays true to the classic’s fast-paced, high-skill gameplay and familiar hero roster while introducing modern visuals and mechanics, enhanced server performance, and community-driven improvements. With the open beta, players around the world can once again step into the battlefields of Newerth and help shape the next chapter of this storied MOBA.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Heroes of Newerth Reborn open beta and how to join.
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Heroes of Newerth Reborn open beta start date and time
The free-to-play open beta for Heroes of Newerth Reborn kicks off on Nov. 11, 2025, at 9am CT / 7am PT / 10am ET / 4pm CET. To make sure you don’t miss the launch, here’s a countdown showing exactly how long until the open beta goes live:
How to join HoN Reborn open beta
Joining the HoN Reborn open beta is simple and open to all players eager to experience the revived game. Just follow these steps:
- Visit the official HoN Reborn website, then click “Play Now” in the top-right corner.
- Create a Juvio account or log in if you already have one.
- Download and install the Juvio platform on your PC.
- Launch the Juvio client and sign in with your credentials.
- Wait for the open beta to go live, then start playing matches.
What is Juvio in Heroes of Newerth
Last January 2025, Kongor Studios unveiled Heroes of Newerth Reborn, a full remake built on a new engine with upgraded visuals and a redesigned user experience, launching exclusively on the Juvio platform.
Developed alongside HoN Reborn, Juvio is a versatile creation platform built for hobbyists and aspiring game developers. Drawing inspiration from iconic map editors such as Warcraft III’s, Juvio empowers users to design, share, and even monetize their own games.
Juvio provides creators with accessible development tools, integrated publishing systems, and built-in payment processing. Most of the revenue generated from user-created games goes directly to their creators, fostering a sustainable and rewarding creative ecosystem. A soft release of Juvio’s Studio Suite, the same tools used to create HoN Reborn, is planned shortly after the game’s launch.
Aside from game development, Juvio also allows players to compete, support projects, and even invest in upcoming titles.
Legacy of HoN and potential impact of its revival
When it first launched in 2010, Heroes of Newerth carved out a name for itself as one of the cornerstones of MOBA and the genre’s esports scene, alongside Dota and League of Legends. For many players, it was a proving ground that honed both skill and strategy, an era remembered fondly by a now older generation of gamers.
That said, HoN Reborn faces a daunting challenge in today’s gaming landscape, as the original player base is now probably 10-15 years older, with many having moved on from competitive gaming. Capturing the attention of younger audiences, who largely gravitate toward titles available on major platforms like Steam, will be critical.
Unless HoN Reborn finds a way to reach beyond nostalgia, it risks remaining a niche revival rather than a true comeback. Still, the passion behind the project and the strength of its legacy could help spark renewed interest in classic, skill-based MOBAs, especially among veterans longing for the intensity that defines the genre.
HoN Reborn release date
A full release date for Heroes of Newerth Reborn hasn’t been officially announced yet, but the developers have hinted that the final version may launch in the fourth quarter of 2025 or first quarter of 2026, depending on beta feedback and stability milestones.
For now, fans can jump into the open beta, relive the glory days of Newerth, and directly contribute to shaping the future of this legendary MOBA’s revival.
