Mobile Legends 10th anniversary: free skins and visual updates

Developer MOONTON Games announced an anniversary update for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang that runs from Sept. 4 through Nov. 19, 2026. The update includes three time-limited free hero skins, graphical upgrades to the Sanctum Island map, refreshed hero models and a balance pass timed with the start of Season 42.

The three free skins are scheduled on separate event windows. The Nana “Star Fantasy” skin is available by completing 10th Anniversary Battle Pass tasks from Sept. 4 to Nov. 1. The Chou “Star Blacksmith” skin can be earned from Sept. 18 to Oct. 25 by finishing all cells of a special puzzle. The Layla “Prismatic Rhythm” skin is offered during Layla’s Star Celebration from Oct. 9 to Nov. 19. During the anniversary period, players can also obtain select older skins and exclusive visual effects for recall, death and kill streaks.

Sanctum Island will receive graphical improvements, including updated designs for the Lord, in-game structures and environmental elements. Eight heroes will get new models and animations: Masha, Kadita, Luo Yi, Paquito, Brody, Bruno, Badang and Clint. MOONTON said the updated models will be available during the event and may remain in the game after the anniversary ends.

The update includes a balance pass and plans to start Season 42 on Sept. 16, 2026. Preliminary schedules indicate Season 42 will run until the conclusion of the M8 tournament in Istanbul, with Season 43 expected to begin in January 2027. Test-server data points to additional gameplay changes arriving this fall, including a new hero named Dory, a rework for Argus and stat adjustments for multiple characters such as Hanabi, Hirara and Kalea.

Anniversary rewards are tied to Battle Pass progress, event participation and puzzle completion, allowing players to earn the featured skins without direct purchase if they meet the event requirements. The update is due to go live in the game client on Sept. 4; players should check in-game event menus and the Battle Pass for task lists and exact timing during the event window.