Honkai: Star Rail for Windows

Free tactical RPG from miHoYo

Honkai: Star Rail is a free-to-play strategy game from miHoYo. As the fourth installment of the globally popular Honkai series, it features a mix of old and new characters from other games such as Honkai Impact 3. However, it focuses on a 3D tactical role-playing approach, allowing you to build teams and fight monsters and other creatures.

As the latest miHoYo title, Honkai: Star Rail definitely meets expectations. It has top-tier graphics comparable to Genshin Impact, a familiar roster of characters from the Honkai series, plus a turn-based fighting mechanic all make it a title to watch out for.

Hop on the Star Rail

Like other Honkai entries, this game takes place in another universe, with the same ultimate destructive force serving as the main antagonist. However, the premise for this game combines sci-fi and fantasy elements, as seen in the set and character designs. The titular Star Rail is an interstellar transport system the players will be using to advance to new worlds as they progress through the story. 

As mentioned, it has top-tier graphics that allow its roster of characters to individually stand out. Players can build a team of up to four characters, then explore open worlds and dungeons to farm for resources and advance the story. Also, its turn-based strategy approach allows you to combine different character abilities for special combos, revealing additional animation and voice lines.

Also, like most gacha games, expect free-to-play players to be left at a disadvantage compared to those who make in-game microtransactions. Instead of grinding repeatedly, they can simply purchase the resources needed to roll characters. Still, all these things depend on luck as rolling characters or items are based on randomized events. Meanwhile, it allows you to pick your poison: hours of grinding or investing real-world money.

Hunt down enemies

With a handy enemy-tracking tool, players can easily keep an eye on opponents anywhere on the map. This will allow you to either avoid any sudden battles or look for specific enemies in order to collect materials that will help you level up your characters and their Light Cones. Players will now also be able to communicate with friends in the chat function. Previously, this feature was only used to communicate with the in-game characters. 

With new companion missions for characters like Silver Wolf, Luocha, Yanqing, and Bailu. Honkai Star Rail also has its own version of rate-up banners where players can obtain limited-edition characters within a certain period of time. There’s also a dedicated banner for you to obtain special Light Cones, which are cards that you can equip your characters with in order to boost their base stats.

Crown of the Mundane and Divine update

Fans of Honkai: Star Rail are in for a treat, thanks to the game’s version 1.6 update titled “Crown of the Mundane and Divine.” Its highlights include a new location, characters, and events to celebrate their arrival. One of the highlights is the unveiling of the Herta Space Station’s Seclusion Zone, a location previously off-limits to players. Its lore is tied to the introduction of the new character Madam Ruan Mei, a 5-star Ice-Type character.

Joining Madam Ruan Mei are Dr. Ratio, a 5-star Imaginary-Type character whom Trailblazers can unlock through the mail feature and the new “Panta Rhei” event warp, and Xueyi, a 4-star Quantum-Type character. Additionally, players will witness the reunion of two old friends, Blade and Kafka. Simultaneously, the new update brings forth a DLC of the Simulated Universe: Gold and Gears. In it, Ruan Mei successfully simulated a Nous and frozen space-time before member 27 — Emperor Rubert’s downfall.

Another notable feature of this update is the addition of the Path of Erudition, which boldly attempts to separate dice from paths. Each dice is equipped with six slots, each capable of carrying different Dice Face effects. As the Trailblazer collects more Trailblaze Secrets, they can unlock a plethora of Dice Face effects to assist them in overcoming various challenges. Meanwhile, the Critter Pick Scavenging event will have players taking care of cute creatures.

Of course, the update also introduces significant gameplay improvements that will undoubtedly heighten the user experience. These include the incorporation of Pure Fiction, additional stages in the Forgotten Hall, and several other user-friendly updates. These modifications are designed to streamline gameplay and provide a more immersive and engaging gaming experience.

Version 2.0’s expansive narrative and gameplay

With the arrival of the Honkai: Star Trail version 2.0, titled "If One Dreams At Midnight," players will set foot in Penacony, a world that shifts from gloomy history to current opulence. Penacony once served as a prison but has metamorphosed into the beating heart of luxury under The Family's stewardship. Adventurers will set off for their Trailblaze Missions where they will explore The Reverie, the grandest interstellar hotel in Penacony. 

Within The Reverie's halls, Trailblazers can access Dreampool, an extraordinary apparatus for inducing sleep that grants access to 12 distinct Dreamscapes. One of these dream worlds is the Golden Hour, the most festive and enticing dream realm. Additionally, players will encounter the Dream Eye, an innovative tool that enables them to break the bonds of gravity and traverse walls and ceilings with ease.

Here, new playable characters make their mark: Black Swan, a 5-star oracle and Memokeeper, weaves authority and enigma, binding memories into power cards. Sparkle, the Masked Fool, also joins forces as a 5-star character, donning disguises to delve into the artifice of wealth and power. Moreover, Misha, a spirited 4-star cosmic explorer, joins the Crew with her unique vision of the cosmos.

A more strategic miHoYo game

Compared to its predecessors, which mostly rely on skillful play and fast reflexes, Honkai: Star Rail focuses more on strategizing and planning to win battles. Its turn-based strategy approach instead of real-time action combat systems offers players a more relaxing gameplay alternative. With a premise of its own, all while borrowing characters from previous installments, the developers manage to create an equally enjoyable game as their other titles.